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| EGGPLANT & SALT-FISH CASSEROLE IN A GARLIC SAUCE (L) WITH FRESH PORK DUMPLINGS (R) |
CHINATOWN EXPRESS A TASTE OF OLD WORLD EXCELLENCE AT 746 6TH STREET N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Native Washingtonians know there is only one place in the city
to get authentic Chinese cuisine and it is called “China Express” located at
746 6th Street N.W. It’s unique
façade trimmed in green is filled with roast duckling, cuttlefish, roast pork
chops and pork bellies hanging in the large storefront windows. There used to be similar restaurant just around
the corner on 7th Street which sadly is now Walgreens. A true “Foodie” would spy this gem from the
otherwise banal streetscape of pedestrian retail and restaurant facades in an
instant and if they were compelled to step inside would discover an extensive
menu that would require them to harness their appetite. Forget what you thought Chinese food was if
it was based on the predictable staples of the All American Chinese American
Carryout because China Express’ features a dizzying offering of complex and
exotic Chinese and other Asian dishes that have been perfected over a period of
over 5,000 years. You will need some
time to take in the full menu,
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| FRESHLY MADE FILLING FOR SHRIMP DUMPLINGS |
I suggest you order the freshly crafted pork,
chicken or shrimp dumplings steamed or fried while you decide. The dumplings come with a clean, soy-based
dipping sauce with fresh spring onions
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| THE CHEF MANUFACTURES HAND-CRAFTED DUMPLINGS IN THE STOREFRONT WINDOW |
One of the most interesting offerings of Chinatown Express
is its vast list of rich casseroles, some vegetarian and others composed of a
rich assortment of meats, vegetables, herbs and spices many of which are
uncommon to North America being imported delicacies from the orient. This evening I ordered the Salt-Fish and
Eggplant Casserole. The dish is prepared
with fresh succulent slivers of tender baby eggplant with fried salt fish or “Bacalau”
mixed together in a dense, savory roasted garlic sauce with onions and the
entire casserole is wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves before baking. The bright purple eggplant melts in your
mouth and the lettuce becomes gelatinous its juices mixing with the salt-fish. The complex seasonings of the garlic sauce
create an uncommon experience of flavor, texture and color.
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| BABY EGGPLANT AND SALT FISH CASSEROLE SERVED PIPING HOT |
Try the oyster and roast pork casserole, it is my
favorite. Fresh and juicy, fried oysters
are combined with tender chunks of roast pork belly. I love the caramelized fat of the pork belly;
its juices mixed with those of the gelatinous lettuce, oysters and the light-clear
garlic sauce, which almost certainly contains duck drippings, is a triumph not
to be missed. In order to keep up with
the menu I have already vowed to try a different casserole every time I visit
and you should join me!
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| CRISPY ROAST DUCKLING HANGING IN THE STOREFRONT WINDOW |
I could not leave you without mentioning the excellent
crispy duckling for which Chinatown Express is famous. When I come into the door I smile at the
cashier and point to the duck that catches my eye. I love the crisp, salty, oily skin infused
with the flavor of soy and anise. I love
the rich dark meat and have to keep myself from consuming the entire duck after
I get it home.
Today they had one last cuttlefish but it was purchased just after I took this photograph, (see below), so I will tell you about it next time. When you go to Chinatown Express after
greeting staff courteously just point to the duckling and say, “Chop Chop”,
watch the chef pull the duck down and chop it into bite sized pieces on the chopping
block made from a tree trunk.
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| THE FOOD IS CHOPPED ON A SECTION OF A TREE TRUNK. SEE THE RED CUTTLEFISH IN THE LOWER RIGHT. |
I like it
best when they do not place it in the microwave, tell them not to warm it
because this duck is perfect at room temperature. If you need it warmed I suggest you place it
in the oven for less than 10 minutes at a moderate temperature so you do not
dry it out. Everything at Chinatown
Express is prepared with love and skillfulness.
Next time I am there I hope to see you trying something new and
wonderful from their menu. Visit their website and view their menu at this link:
FIN
BIGDADDY BLUES
