CHINATOWN EXPRESS,

EGGPLANT & SALT-FISH CASSEROLE IN A GARLIC SAUCE (L) WITH FRESH PORK DUMPLINGS (R)

CHINATOWN EXPRESS A TASTE OF OLD WORLD EXCELLENCE AT 746 6^TH 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 6^th 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 7^th 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, 

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

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.   

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!

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.   

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:  http://www.chinatownexpressdc.com/Home.html 

   

FIN

BIGDADDY BLUES