In the past few years, I've really grown in my appreciation of basic Indian food as I've come to know a good Indian chef in Shanghai, where I spend much of my time at the moment. My increased yearnings for Indian food prepared me to more fully appreciate a popular choice in the Fox Valley, India Darbar Restaurant. I've eaten there several times for dinner, but have only rarely been there for their lunch buffet. This time I had a group of 13 people, including small children. Going there with my group was one of the smartest and most economical ways to have a delicious, sit-down meal in the Fox Valley. 

Labels: food, Indian

The latest addition to my page on dining and food in the Fox Valley area (especially Appleton, WI) is El Jaripeo.

Fox Valley Mexican food fans are buzzing with gusto about this inexpensive and fun new addition to the Valley. El Jaripeo offers what seems like relatively authentic Latino cuisine in a fun setting at low prices. Check out their menu and see for yourself. The owner is from Guanajuato, Mexico, where the cooking is delicious based on what I've tasted from my own friends from that part of Mexico, deep in the heart of the country. Reviews on Yelp.com are very positive. Said to be fast and delicious.

It's where a Hardees used to be in Little Chute, and one reader calls it the "Mexican Hardees," but I think that's too complimentary of Hardees. On Main Ave in Little Chute in front of Hardware Hank/Piggly Wiggly. 1821 E. Main St., Little Chute, WI 54140. Phone: (920) 759-9480. Open 11:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. seven days a week. Let me know what you think!

Labels: dining, food, Fox Valley cuisine, Mexican, restaurants, reviews

I recently had a chance to take some great friends and my grandkids to dinner in the Fox Valley. Wanted someplace memorable, family friendly, and picturesque. I wisely chose Pullmans in the Oneida Flats area along the Fox River in Appleton. This is one of the prettiest settings of any restaurant in the Valley and has delicious food. I'll share some of the photos I took shortly.

Had my favorite lobster bisque and also a crab cake sandwich. Others enjoyed salads, fish, pizza (my granddaughter), and, of course, the view of the river. Thanks for a lovely evening, Pullmans!

Labels: food, restaurants

While the Fox Valley has some great Asian restaurants, the rest of Wisconsin has numerous fun places to choose from. Madison, with one of the most diverse culinary settings, has unusual and exciting offerings such as two Nepalese restaurants near each other on State Street. Himal Chuli Restaurant at 318 State Street is a cramped but delicious little place for what I think is authentic Nepalese food. The son of the owner, if I understand correctly, owns the nearby Chautara Restaurant at 324 State Street. We tried the Himal Chuli and really enjoyed it. My wife's parents lives in Nepal on a service mission for their Church and loved the country, making the food all the more interesting to me. Related to some of my favorite Indian flavors.

In 2010 I also tried Saigon Noodle at 6754 Odana Road Madison, WI 53719. Awesome place--some of the best and least expensive Vietnamese food you'll find. I love pho and many other Vietnamese dishes. I was also pleased to see that many of the guests were Asian. That's not a sure sign of good Asian food, but it's a hint that I don't take lightly. Delicious! Phone: (608) 827-9120.

For Thai food, the King and I in Milwaukee is a perennial favorite (but it's been a while since I was there), though the lunch buffet may not always appeal. But for dinner, it's highly rated and delicious.

The best Chinese in the state, though, may be Confucius in Appleton, especially if you arrange for their authentic banquet. This is the place to take a special visitor, such as the official from the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. that I had the privilege of entertaining a while back. Home run!

What are your favorite Asian restaurants in Wisconsin?

Labels: Asian, Chinese, food, Madison, restaurants, Thai

China Garden has been in business for less than a year in Darboy at W6141 Country Road KK (Calumet Street) just a couple blocks east of Wal-Mart (W6141 County Road KK, by the Tanglz Salon. I've been there twice now and find it to be surprisingly good, inexpensive, with a friendly and entertaining atmosphere, thanks to the charming personality of the owner. I dare say that it's my favorite Chinese restaurant, though there are some fine ones in the Valley.

It's a small restaurant that seems to do most of its business as take out, so it probably won't be crowded when you go - and that means the charming owner will be able to visit with you. He is more native Appletonian than I am, since he came here at age 9, but he went back to Hong Kong for several years of education and has a rich Chinese heritage that he shares at China Garden.

During my family's visits to China Garden, we've been wowed by several dishes. Tonight we tried Wor Shu Duck, a crispy duck dish which, like Peking Duck, has a delicious skin. This was one of the best duck dishes I've had, coupled with excellent sauteed vegetables in a flavorful sauce. More duck than I expected. It's one of the more expensive items on the menu at just $10.50. More than one person can eat, I think.

I was especially impressed with a vegetarian dish, the Home Style Bean Cake, which had fried tofu in a delicious sauce with sauteed vegetables. I was pleased with the flavors and surprised to see so much of this excellent food for just $5.95. We also tried Beef with Chinese Mushrooms and Bamboo Shoots ($8.65) and Triple in Garlic Sauce (jumbo shrimp, beef, and chicken with vegetables, $9.85). All very pleasing with a variety of flavors. The four dishes were more than four of us could eat, including two teenage boys. I think we could have fed five or six people with the four dishes we ordered.

Previously we were extremely impressed with the Chef's special called Happy Family, a combination of lobster, shrimp, scallops, chicken, pork, and vegetables. It's tied for the most expensive dish on the menu, at a mere $11.75.

The hot and sour soup was excellent.

The rich menu of China Garden emphasizes Szechuan, Hunan, and Cantonese dishes. Like most Chinese restaurants in the Valley and in the US, this one offers foods adapted for American pallets and employing readily available ingredients like carrots and broccoli that might not play such a prominent role in restaurants seeking to provide exotic, authentic encounters with the foods of the Orient. And that's just what you need when you're taking your family out to dinner - especially on a budget.

China Garden is open seven days a week and offers free delivery (minimum order $18). MasterCard and Visa accepted. Open for lunch, with 32 different $4.95 lunch specials. Hours: 10:30 am - 9:30 pm Monday to Saturday, and noon to 9:30 pm Sunday.

I believe no MSG is used.

Call (920) 380-0058. Fax: (920) 380-0079. Be sure to say the tall guy with the family of four sent you.

Labels: food