My husband LOVES Chinese food. Until very recently, getting takeout was a once every two week tradition for us. It’s our date night in–a new 6-pack of whatever seasonal beer is on the shelf, a movie from Redbox or a backlog of DVR’d shows, and Happy Dragon. He could eat it every day if I’d let him. And don’t get me wrong, I like Chinese, but I need the two week recovery time.
I just don’t get it, I guess. I mean, sure, it tastes good. That addictingly sweet, thick sauce. But I can never eat very much of it. Every time we order, I peruse the menu, hoping to find something new or different. Something foreign to me that will pop off the page that will open my eyes to the wonders of oriental cooking. I know I will not find it. I know this is Americanized Chinese. Not just that. This is Indiana Chinese. There is no Chinatown here. No secret menu, like I hear rumors of in NYC, where I MIGHT be able to find something interesting to awaken my palate again.
I’m getting bored. I think that’s my problem. I’ve watched too many episodes of No Reservations. I’ve seen Bourdain eat hot pots in Szechuan–which is now in the top 5 of my foodie bucketlist. I’ve experienced other Oriental cuisines that, while also mutilated by our Americanization, also do stay true to their roots in a lot of ways. Pho and udon and sushi. And there’s so much more out there to try. REAL ramen is on the list. Banh mi. Hot pot, of course. All are so hard to find around here. If anyone has great recommendations around the Indy area (esp north side), let me know!!
Back to Chinese–I know it’s not all bad. Maybe you guys know of some where in town where it’s not so sad and ordinary. We like our standard Happy Dragon dinners. They are good enough. But they are exactly like every other Chinese restaurant anywhere. You would think, in today’s trend of fresh, unique, different….you’d start to see some standouts. Instead, it’s still just all standardization everywhere. I guess I really shouldn’t be surprised. The Midwest IS where small business goes to die, and is home of the Chain Restaurant.
Someone remind me of this post next time I have a mega craving for Panda Express. That’s my one exception to this rule because there is just no accounting for my addiction to their orange chicken. I’m convinced they put crack in it. Except what the hell were they thinking adding bacon? Seriously. Bacon can make almost everything better…but PE Orange Chicken is the one exception.
Ok. I’ll come off my soapbox now. Thanks for listening.
Mrs. M
Chasing After Gold Mines 