A lot of people in DC (DCers, DC Residents, and Tourists) seem to be quite disappointed by the "Chinatown" of the District but I've learned to come into terms with it. Even though I admit to
calling it the "Fake Chinatown" sometimes, I really find the neighborhood pretty charming. I really can't imagine a DC without that cool Chinese Arch, or without walking pass the neon signs as I run into Gallery Place to see a movie at the Regal Theater, and without Red Velvet? I say keep "Fake Chinatown" because to me it's better than no Chinatown at all. Plus, who doesn't appreciate the Chinese characters on each establishment in the area?One legitimate reason for disappointment however is that there are not a lot of great restaurants in Chinatown. Not only restaurants in general, but Chinese ones in particular. I found out about Chinatown Express when I was craving dumplings one day so I researched online and the
verdict was that Chinatown Express had the best ones in town. I took my bike and went all the way to the restaurant to satisfy my dumplings craving. I got to the restaurant and was absolutely charmed by the open kitchen where the chef and his art were on display for all to see. In fact, this is the main charm of Chinatown Express. You always find at least a couple of people outside staring at the chef kneading noodles or the ducks hanging on the wall. It's a great way to lure people in, and it worked with me!JR has never been to Chinatown Express so I thought that it would be a perfect place to grab a quick bite after the dance performance at Dance Place and the movie we planned on seeing at the E Street Cinema. Also, earlier that day, I was biking to the National Gallery and decided to pass through Chinatown when I ran into the Chinese New Year Festival! The excitement for having dinner in Chinatown was now building up.
Chinatown Express is usually crowded, but the 'hole in the wall' restaurant had more people this time and I'm guessing that it was the festival crowd. We were seated in the second floor, which I've never known existed but it was fun to walk through the crowd and get a glimpse of the busy kitchen inside - it went along with the charm that one looks for in a Chinatown. We sat down, got served a hot pot of tea, and were ready to order dinner. A lot of people come here to order the noodles, and I'm assuming that people think it's good because they see the chef, in person, preparing it from outside. As much as I would've liked to like the noodles, my three attempts with the bland dish was enough to give it another shot. Sorry Chinatown Express Noodles :(
The Dumplings though are great! and later, I discovered the the delicious Pork Buns, both of which we ordered tonight. I remember having more moist and juicy pork delights in all the times
I went to Chinatown Express, but this time I noticed them to be a little bit dry and not that warm. I thought that the restaurant must've been overwhelmed by the festival crowd so I wont take it personal. I do recommend both dishes, especially, and most importantly, dipped in your choice of sauce (pickled garlic, pureed green onions [or ginger?], hot pepper, and soy sauce). These sauces are to die for, and I personally prefer the first two.Since we got two small dishes I called for only one main dish. I went to the restaurant with a
friend from Hong Kong once and she introduced me to one of the Casserole dishes, which was unforgettably delicious. Last time I got the Roasted Pork Casserole so we went for Chicken with Black Mushrooms this time around. It was less flavorful than the Roasted Pork but still had some food personality and substance. It's also good to branch out from the usual General Tso's Chicken, which by the way is not Chinese.In addition to the fun setting and the relatively good food, the prices are very reasonable. We were done with our meal early enough to get a Moon Cake from the Chinese restaurant/bakery next door and catch a movie at E Street about the Vietnam War - 2 much Asian for one day? :)
