If you know me, you know I love Chinese food. It makes me happy. Unfortunately, I do not get to have Chinese food as often as I would like. There are several reasons for this the first being my OCD. If you haven't noticed, some Chinese food establishments do not hold cleanliness to the same standards as those I prefer. This makes me hesitant to try some of them. However, when desperate times arise, I will try one and pray my intestines don't hate me later.
The bigger problem is that I have been ruined on Chinese food for life. It all stems from the Szechuan Cafe. This restaurant formerly located in Glen Burnie (now a Walgreen's) is located in Pasadena in the shopping center where 100 ends. I love this place. It's americanized Chinese done wonderfully. They take care to use quality ingredients and it shows when you taste their food. Plus, they have the best egg roll I have ever eaten and I have eaten more egg rolls then I care to count. Their egg rolls are never greasy and taste so good! I am never disappointed when I eat there. (and it's clean!) But this of course raises the bar and so far nowhere lives up. Here's the site for those of you who live nearby. Szechuan Cafe Go there!
Here in Portland, there is a dearth of good Chinese. I live walking distance to Chinatown and there are something like 3 places to eat there total and most do not meet my cleanliness standards. Plus an internet search reveals that few have decent reviews. One may even be a front for a cult (so not going there!) There is supposedly a "new Chinatown" on SE 82nd. I have not been there for fear that my hopes will once again be dashed. Plus, that is kind of a hike during traffic-heavy rush hour. I want Chinese food to be convenient, well prepared, and made in a clean environment. Is that so much to ask. Apparently it is.