Kirin Chinese Restaurant

Good for: Chinese food, groups

Bad for: strict vegetarians, lobsters-as-pet lovers

Cost for 2: $28 (including tax and tip)

This is a classic Chinese restaurant where you are greeted by a wall of tanks filled with your possible future entree, looking right at you.

We were seated immediately, although it was a Monday night. We were quickly brought menus and hot tea. Jason noticed that we were not supplemented with forks on account of being the only white people in the place. For us, this was a compliment rather than an oversight. (As a practiced chopstick user, I can be quite indignant when brought a fork)



We ordered the Walnut Shrimp and Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce (and steamed rice). The shrimp came out piping hot and perfectly crispy. They were sweet and the candied walnuts that came on the dish were addictive. We were both pleasantly surprised by the broccoli. Sometimes greens that come "in sauce" barely resemble greens when they arrive at the table. The broccoli we got was perfectly cooked. Not limp, not grey, not too crunchy. Perfect. The oyster sauce was drizzled over the top, adding just the right amount of flavor to complement the broccoli's natural goodness without drowning it. Seriously, we're going back for that broccoli.

That being said, the "vegetarian" options were not all vegetarian (crab, anyone?) and were clearly designed as side dishes. It would have been difficult to cobble together a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Side note: they have special menus designed for groups with a fixed per-person price for a pre-set selection of dishes. Not right for the two of us, but something to consider for the future.

We were happy, the other patrons were enjoying themselves and overall we will likely go back.

Single downside: no fortune cookies. In hindsight, should have just gone for those last few candied walnuts.