Gourmet Magazine long ago dubbed him “the curator of Chinese food in America.” Ed Schoenfeld has been introducing American diners to authentic regional Chinese cooking since the early 1970s. He joins us to talk about how to go about ordering Chinese food. And he’ll explain why Chinese people never seem to be eating what you are in restaurants.
Guests:
Ed Schoenfeld
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Comments [10]
Your guest is correct in implying that glutamates are present in all sorts of foods, naturally.
So is arsenic.
In small quantities, no problem.
MSG, however, the refined version of it, added back into foods is a different story. Many people are genuinely sensitive to this substance, which, at the right level (which is different for everyone), is toxic (will cause achiness, headache, stomachache).
Everyone, though, will experience these symptoms if they eat enough of it. And, it certainly wasn't a traditional part of Chinese food until relatively recently, as it was only isolated in the early 1900's.
His attitude about people who want no MSG is uninformed, and unfortunate.
shouldn't your guest, who is no doubt an expert in gourmet chinese food, learn how to pronounce "szechuan" correctly?
Hi,
I have found that the most realistic Sichuan & Hunan food downtown to be at Grand Sichuan on St. Marks Place. I haven't been to their other locations, so I can't vouch for them, but the St. Marks location is great.
For dim sum in Manhattan, I like 27 Sunrise (27 Division St |Btwn Chatham Sq & Market St) I go there with my Mom and she grew up in Hong Kong. I also like Buddha Bodai (5 Mott St) for vegetarian dim sum. It's made to order, no push carts, so it tastes really fresh.
I have eaten only disgusting "chinese" food in Europe - Paris (where they serve coffee) but now they have more - and in the Lido - ick! so i ahve learned that lesson
I've tried finding recipes to replicate my favorite Chinese food restaurant experiences but can never replicate it - any suggestions for such cookbooks - especially pork fried rice :)
I work near Chinatown where the restaurants are great, but can't find anything above mediocre in downtown Brooklyn/Brooklyn Heights. Any suggestions?
I had been advised once by a Chinese friend of mine to ask if the chinese restaurant has a separate menu printed in chinese - if they do ask to order from that menu, and get the waiter to describe the contents to you (if you can't read cantonese). I have had great food following this advice, not to mention some very interesting conversations about the food.
For an authentic Chinese food, please don't go to Manhattan's Chinatown; go to Flushing instead.
Any recommendations for Chinese restaurants in NYC that offer the most authentic Cantonese food?
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