Where Should We Eat?

The Bird Restaurant, Bottom of the Escalator, Behind the School, White Steps, Blue Wall. . .Since moving to China we have had to be creative in referring to restaurants whose names we cannot yet read or remember.

The Bird Restaurant is so-named for a talking bird.  Actually, when we first moved to China there was some debate among our friends as to whether or not this talking bird was living or merely a toy, and so we were excited to visit and form our own opinion. Imagine our disappointment to find that this mysterious bird had since moved-on. No bird now resides there, but “The Bird Restaurant” it is, and it is one of our favorites. If you come for a visit, we will most likely take you there.

Other restaurants like “White Steps” and “Blue Wall” get their names by distinguishing physical features, while others like “Bottom of the Escalator” and “Behind the School” are referred to by their locations.  “Bottom of the Escalator” is one of our most frequented establishments, but we now refer to it as “Red Bowl,” which is its proper name.

We ate “Behind the School” today, and I took a photo of the sign so that I could look up the characters and finally learn its real name as well.

The name of the restaurant is: 川(chuān)久(jiǔ)香(xiāng)

It seems to mean something like, “Delicious Classic Sichuan Food.” Sichuan is a province in China that is known for its spicy dishes.

Next to the name, the sign reads, 成(chéng)都(dū)家(jiā)常(cháng)菜(cài).

Chengdu is the capital of the Sichuan province. The rest of the characters together mean “home- cooking.”

We get good language practice when we dine here, as there is no English (or pictures) on the menu, and the server leaves the ticket on the table for you to write in your own order.

Today Amy and I tried a dish we hadn't eaten at this place before:  Tomatoes and Eggs with Noodles. I will definitely be getting it again. Delicious!

Ian chose a shredded pork dish served in a sweet sauce over top of sliced green onions. He and Amy often order this one.

Rodney had his favorite Fish Flavored Shredded Pork (similar to Szechuan Pork at Chinese restaurants in the States). In spite of its name, this dish has no fish flavor that we can detect.

Since we can eat here as a family for around seven USD total, you will often find us here after class!

  又yòu便pián宜yi又yòu好hào吃chī-Both cheap and delicious!