vegetarian substitute for beef in stir fry ... but not tofu?

Hi all,

I keep trying to go veg, but it never sticks. I have some favorite dishes, one of which is Szechuan dry fried beef with carrots and celery. It is fabulous.

I've tried making it with just the carrots and celery, but it felt like something was missing and didn't feel filling. I can't stand the consistency of tofu so that's out. I once bought trader joe's fake meat strips - don't know what they're made of, but the smell was something out of my nightmares. Had to toss it all.

I feel like there must be a vegetable out there that I can stir fry that seems...substantial, for lack of a better word. I've also toyed with the idea of stir frying nuts in this recipe.

Can you think of anything that is a good meat stir fry substitute? I wonder if I should try and make seitan and slice it in thin strips.

Thanks!

Barbara in Home Cooking

Casey's Buffet, Wilmington NC - heaven on a plate? Any other can't miss places?

I just have to say that I'm probably going to leave Wilmington and go back to Durham later this year - but it absolutely will kill me to leave Casey's. It is definitely in my top five favorite restaurants, ever, anywhere ...

... it helps me deal with the incredibly awful Chinese food here.

I moved to Wilmington a year ago - anywhere else that is not to be missed? I think I probably know about all of the good places (love Marc's on Market too), but just in case someone knows of a great small place, or, a Chinese place that has a secret authentic menu, please let me know!

Part of why I'm moving back to the triangle is for the food. Can't lie.

Barbara in Southeast

Where can I buy Lizano Salsa in Wilmington or the NC triangle?

Ah, perfect! I knew Chowhound would come through. Thanks, I'll pick some up soon, then on to gallo pinto and arroz con pollo recipes!

Barbara in Southeast

Where can I buy Lizano Salsa in Wilmington or the NC triangle?

It's a longshot but hoping someone will know. I just returned from a trip to Costa Rica, and Lizano Salsa is basically the national sauce (somewhat comparable to HP Sauce, but better IMO).

I can't/won't make gallo pinto without it!

I live in Wilmington but head to the triangle at times, so if you are a fellow Lizano zealot and know where I can get it please let me know. I'm going to try the hot sauce store in Wilmington but wanted to post just in case (it's not actually a hot sauce).

Thanks!

Anyone know of a Costa Rican restaurant.. ?

Barbara in Southeast

Gourmet Kingdom (Carrboro) issues?

I went back a couple of weeks ago and it was still terrific - had the Szechuan spicy dried beef appetizer and my favorite, Chengdu cold noodle. Both were cold dishes and I wouldn't normally do that, but I was there alone and that's what I wanted. I was nearly dying of the level of heat but it was worth it. Really wish I could go back more often, I'd love to try the kung pao lotus root...I am trying to go vegetarian...

Barbara in Southeast

Gourmet Kingdom (Carrboro) issues?

Oh no! How the mighty have fallen...

I moved to Wilmington a month ago and am desperate for even bad Gourmet Kingdom. It's a desert here, I tell ya.

-----
Gourmet Kingdom
301 E Main St, Carrboro, NC 27510

Barbara in Southeast

Gourmet Kingdom (Carrboro) issues?

I just saw a Yelp review that said legendary and elusive chef Peter Chang has taken over - this review was from February though, and I can't imagine the food would have dropped in quality. Anyone know?

Barbara in Southeast

Where do the foodies eat in Wilmington, NC

Well, it's ultra-Americanized Chinese food ... someone looking for the authentic would hate it...

Barbara in Southeast

Chicago Italian Beef in Triangle Area, NC?

He didn't say - I'm not sure he'd picked out a location. It was so funny - he told me I was the 5th or 6th person to show up that day looking for Italian beef! (it had been posted on another forum). Hopefully soon, though I've moved to Wilmington, and I guess I have to mail order Al's again...

Barbara in Southeast

Chicago Italian Beef in Triangle Area, NC?

Fat Joe's opened but closed already - they weren't getting enough business there. But good news! They will reopen in downtown Durham, where they'll do very well.

Barbara in Southeast

Chinese in Wilmington?

Hi foodies,

I just moved here from Durham - I'm looking for great Chinese. I know of Double Happiness and look forward to trying it. My favorite is Szechuan though, and I was completely horrified by Szechuan 132. Did not see anything remotely reminiscent of Szechuan food there...do they have a separate authentic menu?

Is there another Szechuan restaurant? If not, can you point me toward an Asian grocery that has the ingredients?

I tried Indochine today and it was divine. Have had fun trying the local eateries - more to come! Thanks. I'll really miss Carrboro's Gourmet Kingdom - authentic Szechuan - if you're ever that way, you should stop in.

-----
Indochine Restaurant
7 Wayne Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403

Gourmet Kingdom
301 E Main St, Carrboro, NC 27510

Double Happiness Restaurant
4403 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403

Barbara in Southeast

One day in Chicago - Mr. Beef or Johnnie's?

In the end I went to Johnnie's in Arlington Heights (I was only able to get downtown for a few hours and met someone at Giordano's - beef stunk there).

I was in absolute food heaven at Johnnie's. I only wish I'd brought some home. Also wish I'd gotten the Italian ice as well!

That was absolutely incredible.

Barbara in Chicago Area

One day in Chicago - Mr. Beef or Johnnie's?

Oh wait, just saw post about dry beef at the Arlington Heights. I may need to change my flight.

Barbara in Chicago Area

One day in Chicago - Mr. Beef or Johnnie's?

This is such great info - thanks so much! I might go for Johnnie's in Arlington Heights, because I want to drive to Arlington Heights anyway - we lived there when I was in kindergarten and I haven't been back since :) I wish I had more time there, I'd actually try them ALL.

Barbara in Chicago Area

One day in Chicago - Mr. Beef or Johnnie's?

I'm going to be in Chicago (well, actually Deerfield, but am renting a car) for business and will have some time the day before my meeting to get a beef. I can't even tell you how happy I am. I used to live in the Tampa area, which has some decent (I think) beef thanks to transplants moving down I-75. I've had Al's shipped, so I want to try something new.

If I can only go to one, which is a must-try - Mr. Beef, or Johnnie's? It's like Sophie's Choice. Thanks!

Barbara in Chicago Area

La Vaquita in Durham, NC - new location open

I haven't noticed any difference at all, myself.

Barbara in Southeast

Rumors of authentic Chinese in Carrboro

Thank you!

Barbara in Southeast

Need help finding a couple of ingredients in the Triangle

I've gotten the 00 flour at Southern Season - every so often, Capri Flavors in Morrisville has it...but call first.

Barbara in Southeast

Rumors of authentic Chinese in Carrboro

Can someone tell me which dishes have Sichuan peppercorn ?

I tried this place recently and want to be a regular ... but I felt that they didn't believe me that I really, really want Sichuan peppercorn and a lot of it. I got them to tell me how to say it in Chinese after showing a picture on my iPhone (ha!) so I know we were both talking about the same thing. I was there at lunch, but ordered off the standard Chinese menu. Chengdu cold noodles: amazing. Dry fried shredded beef - not shredded. I've had this dish in several authentic restaurants up north and was surprised...not that it was bad, but it was more like steak fry sized pieces of beef and a good bit of gristle. I'm hoping that they didn't have beef shredded for lunch and chose to substitute, although, I know this dish (and make this dish)...no peppercorns in either dish.

Anyway, I want to go back, am not deterred. But if someone could direct me to the peppercorn dishes I'd be most appreciative! I have a similar problem at Super Wok :(

Barbara in Southeast

Green Leaf Indian Cuisine-- Durham, NC

I didn't even know about Mint! I live in Durham on the Chapel Hill side, so this is great. Thanks! Not a Tandoor fan.

-----
Chapel Hill Restaurant
101 N Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Tandoor Restaurant
279 Powers Ferry Rd SE Ste F, Marietta, GA 30067

Barbara in Southeast

Green Leaf Indian Cuisine-- Durham, NC

I wonder too - I think there are different people there than when it first opened, so I wonder if it changed hands again :-(

The last time I was there it was iffy and today was pretty much my last straw. It's gone from the best Indian I've found in the area to the worst...I've got to try Saffron.

Barbara in Southeast

Green Leaf Indian Cuisine-- Durham, NC

What happened to this place? :-(

I just went there for lunch - the buffet was...awful. I don't think they will be open much longer it's basically what happened to the last place that was there for any length of time. The employees seemed kind of ashamed of it all. It was quite empty at 12:30 on a weekday as well. Few selections. It started out so great...

Barbara in Southeast

Red Lotus - Chapel Hill, NC - LOVE

I like that place as well - China Palace - but as far as the authentic menus go (China Palace has one as well - "Palace Magic" menu" I like Red Lotus' menu a bit more. Haven't tried as much at China Palace, though. Not too crazy about their Americanized food, but it definitely beats both Eastern Lights and especially Neo China, which seems to want to put squash in everything.

Barbara in Southeast

Red Lotus - Chapel Hill, NC - LOVE

Yeah definitely try the Shanghai menu! I've never had any of the dishes you mentioned but I did really hate the Dan Dan Noodles, so maybe it's hit or miss?

Barbara in Southeast

Red Lotus - Chapel Hill, NC - LOVE

I never hear very much about this place and I'm kind of surprised, because I think it's the best Chinese on this side of the Triangle (only bested by Super Wok and I don't feel like driving there all the time).

Anything else I should try there?

I usually order from their Shanghai Menu - my staple is the shredded beef with chili sauce. Also love the cold sesame noodles and the szechuan potato noodles. I find their American menu to be a cut above the other local places as well. Their beef with chili pepper is delicious but a bit too hot even for me, and I really love hot/spicy food. I'd order it again though and double the rice :-P

(edited to add that I don't work there...I just read a thread of mediocre reviews - I agree with the Chowhounders, do try to stick to the Shanghai menu, or the specials board. I too found the Dan Dan Noodles to be abhorrent).

Barbara in Southeast

Szechuan food - NC Triangle, anywhere?

I went there on Saturday ... all I have to say is THANK YOU CHOW HOUND! I ordered the beef in spicy Szechwan sauce and it was perfect. I'm not sure it contained the peppercorns but it was absolutely delicious and I knew this was the real deal. I'm tempted to drive there right now in fact.

The waitress recommended the three pepper chicken to me - I'll get that next time.

Barbara in General South Archive

Szechuan food - NC Triangle, anywhere?

What?? We have a place in Cary?? Thank you!!! :-D

Another amazing cookbook is The Good Food of Szechuan by Robert A. Delfs. It was published in the 70s - I'm not Chinese but my mother was fully on board with the 1970s NY Szechuan craze so i feel like I grew up with this food :) Amazon has a bunch of copies.

Barbara in General South Archive

Szechuan food - NC Triangle, anywhere?

I think I know the answer to my question, but I'm hoping you hounds may know of somewhere...

I am a Szechuan/Sichuan (never sure of correct spelling) fanatic...on a recent trip back to NJ I had the best I've ever had, and now I'm on a mission.

But I can't even find a restaurant that uses Szechuan peppercorns in food they claim to be Szechuan, never mind an actual restaurant devoted to the cuisine!

I had high hopes with Red Dragon in Raleigh but nope - no peppercorns.

Do I need to bring the peppercorns with me? I cook this food myself and while it's decent, I'd like to go buy it. Thanks! I will drive to Greensboro or points south - am in Durham now.

Barbara in General South Archive

Durbar 84 - Nepalese/Indian - 54/55 - Durham

Oh man! I'm so glad you posted this...I'm moving to Durham and love Nepalese. Had it in SF. I hope they end up doing it well.

Barbara in General South Archive