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We were 6; 3 were semi-newbies, 3 semi-sophisticates. One newbie ordered egg drop soup from the menu, and the waitress took the order, but never served it. Upon asking, she stammered it was not available. When you go to Chinatown, it’s your right to order whatever is on the menu, but it is almost déclassé to get something that is mundane and available everywhere else in America. It is an opportunity to try (and if you don’t like it, never order it again) new and different things. That said, experimentation is good, but it is at the same time good to order items you know you will eat, in order that you don’t home hungry. So, a blend of new and old is best. We tried tea smoked duck ($14.95) which everyone agreed was good. On the other hand, we don’t know what standards to judge it by. We had steak in black pepper sauce ($16.95)—which very good. Beef was tender and came apart easily just chewing—no knife necessary. Black pepper sauce was spicy and tasty. Salt and pepper squid ($11.95) advertised on menu enclosed in glass top on table was OK; maybe fried in old oil—not rancid, just not super fresh. Sesame chicken ($10.95) had tons of breading and was uber gloppy. Not exceedingly tasty, just OK. Mixed vegetables ($8.95) was cooked in a peanut oil and was OK—included carrots, straw mushrooms, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, snow peas all in slivers. Sauteed spinach ($7.95) might’ve been the best I’ve ever had. Absolutely fresh spinach, fresh garlic and cooking oil. All portions were smaller than average. One bowl of rice included per person. $1 for extra bowl. TsingDao was $3.50. They included 15% tip on our party of 6, but it was calculated on entire bill with tax. Service was very good, décor was upscale and bathrooms were clean, English mostly understood . There are many similar eateries in Chinatown, costing less, maybe not as clean. Other natives (perhaps 4/5 other tables) all ordered the hot pot.

WOW! what a deal. $5.50 lunch (incl tax) Tea White Rice Cold App(diced spicy celery ,carrots and more) which can be added to the soup to finish it off AND to the dish itself as well. The L19 Gendgu Double Sauteed Pork was tasty and the pork was sliced paper thin . Scallions , bok choy and and slivers and slivers of vegs I wish I knew the name of..but it was delicious. The Hot and sour soup was also quite good. No mustard or duck sauce cuz it's not at all needed. The waitress looked at me funny and I realized my request was out of place here. Ask for Teapot and iced water (large glass) and you will become a lunchtime regular in no time....Also check out the 8 NEW DISHES just added under the glass cover on the table...some really good non-vegan and vegan choices as well..I can't wait for meal #2.

Yes, the lunch specials are a steal, though the food could be a touch more flavorful. Nice, low-key clean place, and certainly no crowds.

$5.50 lunch special includes soup and rice. Really delicious, especially L18 (beef) and L20 (pork).

This new Sichuanese spot across from Joe's Shanghai serves up some great, tasty and spicy food sure to whet the appetites of spicy food aficionados. The restaurant itself is new and clean along with a friendly staff who are more than happy to recommend dishes. The hotpot servings are quite generous. Call ahead though for availability of higher-end items such as lobster.