I’m grateful to have enjoyed a winter break full of exquisite food, ranging from cozy small-town restaurants to fine dining experiences. One glorious Chinese restaurant, Yuan, managed to steal the show with the piquant, intense flavors of its savory Szechuan-style dishes, followed by a luscious lemon tart that provided a refreshingly sweet contrast. With low lighting, gold accents, booths of rich wood, and red lanterns enveloping the area, the atmosphere effortlessly evoked a sense of luxury and authentic Chinese culture. The frigid, snowy outdoors set the scene, while the warmly lit restaurant offered comfort, reflected in their elevated comfort foods. We entered the restaurant with frozen hands and snowy jackets, and less than an hour before closing time. Within five minutes, we were immediately seated, and a waiter took our order of kung pao chicken, bamboo shoots duck soup (Stevens ducks, forgive me), chicken stir-fried noodles, chicken fried rice, and finally, lemon tarts. The service throughout the night was very kind and attentive, with Yuan’s manager checking to see if we were enjoying the food.
The dishes arrived at our table quickly, as if the kitchen had anticipated our order. Within minutes, large steaming plates arrived at the table, impressing us with the efficiency of the service. I started with the kung pao chicken as it was a familiar dish I had before, but each time, it never failed to amaze me with the blend of flavors incoming from different ingredients and the sauce itself. The tender chicken was coated in a glossy sauce infused with the numbing heat of Szechuan peppercorns and the smoky kick of dried red chilies while remaining slightly sweet. My mouth watered when I saw the kung pao chicken on the table. It was the dish I had been looking forward to the most. My mother insisted I try soup because my hands were frozen and my nose was red, so I obliged. I had never had duck before this meal and expected it to taste like chicken. Mostly, it did, but it was more affluent, fattier, and slightly dry. The soup was mild, but the bamboo shoot added an interesting earthy flavor and had a texture similar to biting into asparagus.
Next, I served myself a spoonful of chicken fried rice, a dish that never disappoints. It is one of those reliable comfort foods you can always count on. The stir-fried noodles were delectable, coated in soy sauce and sesame oil, and tossed with colorful vegetables, creating an appealing presentation. They had a slight spiciness, reminiscent of traditional Szechuan flavoring. Dessert is my favorite part of the dining experience, and it becomes even more enjoyable when it is artfully plated. That was the case when I ordered the lemon tart. The lemon slices, blueberries, and strawberries were arranged beautifully. The lemon tart was perfectly balanced, with the lemon curd not being too sweet or sour. It was bright, fresh, decadent, and luxurious, expertly balancing the sweetness and tartness of the lemon flavors. As we returned to the cold, we left with full stomachs, satisfied with the lingering taste of lemon tart on our tongues and looking forward to our next visit. With its cozy ambiance and flavorful dishes, Yuan is the perfect place to bring your significant other for a memorable Valentine’s Day.
