Grand Szechuan

10602 France Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55431
952-888-6507
http://grandszechuan.net/

Category: Chinese

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 10
Service: 8
Ambience: 6

Recommendation: Excellent. The list of spectacular (and authentic) Sichuan restaurants in the Twin Cities keeps getting longer, and this relative newcomer has cemented its position right at the top.

The Twin Cities is a hot spot for some great authentic Sichuan food, and many would argue that it all started with Little Szechuan in St. Paul. With many of the old Little Szechuan chefs having migrated to Grand Szechuan, the balance of “spice” is shifting to the Southern suburb. Although not fancy by any stretch of the imagination, the ambience here is a step above most Chinese eateries. This place is quite popular…the dining room bustles with activity from eager patrons and the under-manned service staff darting around the room doing their best to keep up with the orders. During our most recent visit, on the eve of the Chinese New Year, the restaurant was especially busy but the service was up to the mark and very friendly.

The menu is extensive and loaded with authentic dishes many with strong, spicy flavors. There are two cold starters that we highly recommend. The sweet, spicy noodle is a great play on textures and flavors. It’s a thick, slightly chewy noodle that starts sweet but ends with jabs of heat. The Dan Dan Noodles are yummy as well. You’ll best enjoy this restaurant with a group, ordering a variety and sharing family style. The two of us never go there alone because we’d over-order and end up with too many leftovers. Usually we order one of each of the following:
Chicken, Pork, Fish and Vegetable. We’re big fans of the Pork in Chili Broth – the scalding hot (and spicy) broth has tender and flavorful slivers of pork. Or if you want fish simmering in a cauldron, go with the Piao Xian Chili Fish Filet where tender white chunks are float in a spicy broth (don’t be alarmed that hot and spicy is the theme here – this is the whole essence of Sichuan food). The Chung King Chili Chicken is crispy but not dry and
loaded with lots of dry red chilies, and Nick devours every last one of them. You’ll find soft and succulent tofu in the Mapo Tofu and crispy beans in the Szechuan Green Beans. Just a word of caution – the spice levels are pretty unpredictable so make sure you specify what type of heat you’re aiming for.

The staff is quite attentive but don’t be surprised if your order comes out in singles – it doesn’t take long to prepare some of these dishes and they bring it out as and when its done. Grand Szechuan is a great value too – you can eat like a king for $15.

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