reiyi's Profile
Chinese new year in Baltimore?
With respect to an actual chinese new year celebration event, when my husband and I stopped by Hunan Legend this weekend (saturday), we happened to see both a lion and dragon dance going on. It was very festive and we wished we had known about this earlier since we were out of town and thus could not see the signage they posted about reservations for the event. Based on what we were able to catch a glimpse of (it was packed both inside the dining room and carryout!), it seems everyone enjoyed the performance. It seem like Chinese New Year in Chinatown (forgive me if I sound extreme, but to us who have never seem such, it really did seem like it) with very loud drums and symbols and even firecrackers. In the brief conversation (we had to keep it short cause it was so loud and they were so busy) with a staff before we left, apparently they do this every year around Chinese New Year and some folks even make their reservations as early as half-a-year in advance...wow! But we're now determined to make one ourselves for next year because it definitely seemed to festive to miss...Has anyone actually been to the event hosted by Hunan Legend? I would love to hear the 'actual' experience
Hunan Legend Secret menu
Referencing the post I made a while back about the "spicy shrimp wontons" (which apparently is a variation of the Hunan Spicy Wontons on the menu), both my husband and I finally went back to get a dose, and they were simply wonderful. For an 'appetizer', and true to Hunan Legend's form, the portions were very generous and the shrimp paste inside the dumplings were exquisite. Since our first visit back (after being out of town for a while), we've gone back a few more times just to pick some up whether it be carryout or during a dine-in experience. It's truly become a staple for the both of us and I would definitely recommend this to those who have yet to try it. We also notice two new items on the 'secret menu'. We've only tried one of two so far, the steamed garlic shrimp (to be clear, these are with shells), and the flavor was again, wonderful. White rice complements the dish wonderfully because the sauce is simply delicious. The other new item I believe, if I remember correctly, is a Malaysian Seafood Curry, which we are anxious to try during our next visit. We were talking to another couple during our wait for carryout, who had tried it, and it seems like another must-try item. They said to ask them to prepare it with extra 'heat', but that was their personal preference they said after they had it a few times. Very excited to go back now this weekend...
Hunan Legend Secret menu
A friend mentioned to us that the other day he was at H.L, he saw a couple eating what he described as "spicy wontons" (he said that's also what it's called on the regular menu I think), but with a slight twist after he asked the owner about the dish. It turns out the ones on the regular menu are typically made with shredded pork, but the ones he saw the couple eating were actually made of shrimp paste apparently. We really want to give this a try, but wanted to see if anyone's had this dish or version of the dish before so we can get a few opinions?
Hunan Legend Secret menu
Seems like H.L’s “secret” menu is now officially an open secret! My husband went in for carryout the other day and happened to see the “secret” menu fully translated and taped to their front counter. As much as I would love to post a copy to share with everyone, it still boggles my mind as to why he didn’t even manage to ask for a copy! Guess I’ll have to wait til next time before I can get my hands on a copy of the translated menu. From what he mentioned, it seems everything is translated nicely and organized well, which is nice to have since the version posted on HowChow is a bit loosely translated (although much appreciation to the original translator) and a bit hard to read. I wonder if they’ve been secretly listening to our requests to have it translated…
And Warthog, we might just try that idea of yours when our friends are in town this week!
Hunan Legend Secret menu
As much I would also dislike the process of having to 'work' just to be able to try authentic Chinese, after talking to the owners and our waiter, I think I understand why this stereotype is so prevalent amongst Chinese restaurants. It seems as if they have had food consistently sent back or 'rejected' (as they put it) for not being the 'correct thing' or being "too oily", which is a strain for smaller mom-and-pop places. Sometimes I just want to go off at those (actually I manage to overhear an ignorant customer the last time I was there and this definitely opened my eyes, well ears to be exact) who ruin it for those of us who actually want the 'real deal'.
But back to the secret menu, we've been itching to try something new since it's about time we paid them a visit again. Any suggestions Warthog? We've already had the "cold plate" appetizer that consist of marinated cuttlefish/pig's kunckle/jellyfish, pickled mustard cabbage and beancurd strips, Chiliean Seabass in a tangy spicy sauce (which I highly recommend; we always get this when we hae the chance and it's our favorite), Chiliean Seabass fillets with pork and tofu, clams in black bean sauce (another favorite and delicious!) and the Snowpeas leaves. I was thinking of trying the stuffed eggplants and peppers that was recommended to us the last time we were there, but we need a few more ideas...if anyone has suggestions please post!
shabu shabu
Yes, since Bob's is gone now...can anyone recommend another place for good shabu shabu around the area? I really wanted to try Bob's upon knowing about it, but now I guess it's too late. Any suggestions would really help...
Hunan Legend Secret menu
Hon,
Based on past experience, I would say trying to catch one of the owners (well, I guess the wife, since the owners are married, but the wife runs the front of the house and the husband is the chef behind it all) is your best bet to really get good suggestions and knowledge of the menu. I find that the female staff up front is not as knowledgable as the female owner as far as the 'secret' menu and how to 'manipulate' the menu as Warthog mentioned with the Chinese Sausage. I've never seen her there on Wednesdays or Thursdays, so I presume she doesn't work those days; perhaps try catching her on a busier day such as Friday the weekends, as we generally see her those days when we stop by.
Hunan Legend Secret menu
Although post was directed towards Warthog, I think I have heard the owners mention they know how to make laksa (a spicy noodle soup); however, I think it may require some work to get them to serve it, simply because I think they only mentioned making it on their own time (during a brief conversation we had so I'm not 100% sure). I would assume they would know how to make laksa since they are Malaysian-Chinese (read this from the article posted in the restaurant) and they know how to make the off-any-menu seafood curry.
Hunan Legend Secret menu
Thanks for the wonderful commentary Warthog. I enjoyed reading your commentary very much as I have too been one of those customers who have managed to be 'granted' access to their 'secret' menu. The process as you've mentioned is enjoyable, esp. talking to and learning more about the owners in the process. I've also posted on HowChow about some of my favorites being the Chilean Sea Bass cooked in a tangy and spicy sauce. If you haven't tried it already, I highly recommend it. Sea cucumber in a special brown sauce and the appetizer 'cold-cut seafood trio' (which consists of marinated sliced pig's knuckle, jellyfish, and cuttlefish) is also my personal favorites but I recall that those have to be ordered in advance (like G.G) due to preparation. Hope to hear more of your new findings!
