Our first hot pot discovery, Grand Sichuan is tucked away at the end of Canal Street within view of the Manhattan Bridge.
This is my favorite restaurant in NY, it may not be flashy, trendy, or expensive. In fact it looks down right average for a little Chinese place. But it is one of New Yorks best kept secrets, and judging by the number of times I have been in there and had to wait for my table...it's a secret that's gotten out.
Pictured is the split pan with one side a simple stock with veggies...and the other a spicy mix of peppers, chilies, and some secret ingredients that are kept close to the owners chest. The sauce isn't even aloud for take out. I'm thinking cocaine, or marijuana.
Our habit is to sit and I let Wanfeng order the usual. A couple plates of thinly sliced beef, frozen tofu, some veggies and my favorite spicy garlic sauce. They have a range of sauces and exotic items for the hotpot. Every thing from mushrooms, fish balls, noodles and so on.
I usually drink lots of beer with my meal...and I hate to say it but I mix my Budweiser with ice. Like it needs to be any more watered down. The spicy and totally delicious meal is usually eaten in Silence. In fact, when we have taken guests here for dinner, the meal is eaten in quite as we all concentrate on the meal and how it warms our insides.The service is friendly and responsive. If they are busy, then don't expect the quickest service...because when they get busy...they get very busy! And there is only so much that the guys can do. In fact, I usually help my self to the fridge for my own beer.
So this is the benchmark of all the Hot pot places that I find that I measure against. It's a good benchmark, I may have my own style and bias...but it's my blog.
125 Canal St # 1 New York, NY 10002
