I seem to be coming across leftover photos from my many foodie adventures over the summer. One afternoon a friend and I went for a lunch and dessert trip in Chelsea to Grand Sichuan and Billy's Bakery. I have lost my notes on the meal, so I will just give brief descriptions. This was my first time at Grand Sichuan and I am glad I went with an experienced regular because the menu is massive!
Appetizer of Sichuan Cold Noodles: This was sprinkled with crushed peanuts, scallions and Sichuan pepper as well as hot oil. Really delicious and perfect to split.
Delicious soup dumplings: Do not, I repeat, do not eat this whole. Your mouth will be set on fire, you will consume lava, and yes it will hurt! Try to wait at least five minutes before slurping the broth. It might be safer to cut a hole on the side, but then you will lose the soup. I feel like there can be no safe way to eat soup dumplings. Try cutting into the side and carefully sip the broth from the dumpling. Once the burning liquid is gone consume the good stuff inside.
Gui Zhou Spicy Chicken: This is one of my friend's staple dishes. If you like spiciness than order it traditional Sichuan style, which is spicier and not as sweet.
Ma pao tofu: I think I only remember this dish as goopy. The sauce was off putting and my friend was slightly disgusted by the slippery texture of the tofu. The tofu's taste was fine, but I don't think I would order this again.
We then headed off for dessert at Billy's Bakery, which is essentially a few blocks away.
Raspberry Breakfast bar with crumble topping was tart and not too sweet.
I don't really remember what type of cupcake this is. It doesn't look like one of their usual flavors, but I am sure it was good.
Their banana breakfast muffin was decent. I'd much rather go for a slice of their banana cake...yum
Appetizer of Sichuan Cold Noodles: This was sprinkled with crushed peanuts, scallions and Sichuan pepper as well as hot oil. Really delicious and perfect to split.
Delicious soup dumplings: Do not, I repeat, do not eat this whole. Your mouth will be set on fire, you will consume lava, and yes it will hurt! Try to wait at least five minutes before slurping the broth. It might be safer to cut a hole on the side, but then you will lose the soup. I feel like there can be no safe way to eat soup dumplings. Try cutting into the side and carefully sip the broth from the dumpling. Once the burning liquid is gone consume the good stuff inside.
Gui Zhou Spicy Chicken: This is one of my friend's staple dishes. If you like spiciness than order it traditional Sichuan style, which is spicier and not as sweet.
Ma pao tofu: I think I only remember this dish as goopy. The sauce was off putting and my friend was slightly disgusted by the slippery texture of the tofu. The tofu's taste was fine, but I don't think I would order this again.We then headed off for dessert at Billy's Bakery, which is essentially a few blocks away.
Raspberry Breakfast bar with crumble topping was tart and not too sweet.
I don't really remember what type of cupcake this is. It doesn't look like one of their usual flavors, but I am sure it was good.
Their banana breakfast muffin was decent. I'd much rather go for a slice of their banana cake...yumGrand Sichuan
229 Ninth Ave., New York, NY 10001 at 24th St
212-620-5200
Billy's Bakery
184 Ninth Ave., New York, NY 10011 nr. 21st St
212-647-9956
229 Ninth Ave., New York, NY 10001 at 24th St
212-620-5200
Billy's Bakery
184 Ninth Ave., New York, NY 10011 nr. 21st St
212-647-9956
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i too love billy's banana cake!! :)
ReplyDeleteif you bite the top of the soup dumpling off carefully (pick it up with your chopsticks and put it in your soup spoon) and slurp/ sip the hot soup out before consuming, it's easier : ) also, once you sip the soup, pour a little black vinegar (should be on the table) into the hole-- it's awesome!!
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