Shanghai Grill
What are we doing at this old-fashioned Chinese restaurant in Beverly Hills with signed photos of Old Hollywood stars on the wall (and even George Clooney in his ER days)? ...
Sometimes you overdose on edgy restaurants when you’re in the trendy eating capital of the universe.
The Shanghai Grill was our antidote.
The metal pot of tea and two cups appeared when we sat down. (Don’t they know they won’t sell as much alcohol this way?)
The wonton soup is made with shrimp, fresh vegetables, white meat chicken and four of the most delicate wontons I’ve ever tasted. The waiter ladles it out at the table.
He assembles all four of the moo shu pancakes for us at tableside, spreading them with plum sauce, filling them, and folding them expertly.
The seasonal fresh vegetables in the chicken stir-fry dish are perfectly cooked and include asparagus and tender green beans as well as the usual mix.
We get fortune cookies and almond cookies with the check.
Are there any restaurants like this left in the Baltimore area?
The Shanghai Grill was our antidote.
The metal pot of tea and two cups appeared when we sat down. (Don’t they know they won’t sell as much alcohol this way?)
The wonton soup is made with shrimp, fresh vegetables, white meat chicken and four of the most delicate wontons I’ve ever tasted. The waiter ladles it out at the table.
He assembles all four of the moo shu pancakes for us at tableside, spreading them with plum sauce, filling them, and folding them expertly.
The seasonal fresh vegetables in the chicken stir-fry dish are perfectly cooked and include asparagus and tender green beans as well as the usual mix.
We get fortune cookies and almond cookies with the check.
Are there any restaurants like this left in the Baltimore area?
Comments
This reminds me of eating at Uncle Lee's on Greenmount in the 80's and 90's. I haven't been in years, but this brought back memories of built-in fish tanks, old-fashioned egg rolls, whiskey sours, sturdy chopsticks, and mounds and mounds of white rice.
Posted by: Kate | May 1, 2007 3:11 AM
In answer to your question, yes. The Orient in Towson. I ate there my first week in Baltimore some 16 years ago and it has remained consistent through countless visits since. My wife adores the generous shrimp with lobster sauce. I can't resist the crispy duckling. One further note -- not only is the service professional but it's genial. We have reached the point with a few waitresses where the first thing they ask is not "What would you like to drink" but "How is your granddaughter." Makes for a conductive atmosphere to pleasant dining.
Posted by: Michael Gray | May 1, 2007 11:39 AM