LTHForum.com

While the food was great at this 3 star restaurant we will never be invited back.
It is currently Tue May 21, 2013 9:58 am

All times are UTC - 6 hours




Post new topic This topic is locked, you cannot edit posts or make further replies.  [ 30 posts ] 
Author Message
PostPosted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 6:16 pm 
Offline

Joined: Thu Mar 17, 2005 5:02 pm
Posts: 965
Location: Pgh
Image

Lao Sze Chuan (LSC)

Lao Sze Chuan
2172 S. Archer Ave.
Chicago, IL 60616
312 326-5040
website: http://www.laoszechuan.com

Of the numerous mentions of LSC in LTHforum posts, the vast majority have been favorable. The popularity and success of LSC is evident from its opening branches at several locations outside Chinatown. My experience however is limited to the Chinatown branch. This is one restaurant I have returned to many many many times, more than any other in Chicago.

There are a lot of restaurants in Chinatown and it is not very hard to step into one and then another and not particularly realize the difference. The first time I placed the food at LSC in my mouth*, I knew at once that this was a 'Chinese' restaurant that far far different from any other. I had known before I went that the food from the Szechuan region was different - and spicy; not much more. Since then the fabulous food has brought me back time after time - they have a very extensive menu - eager to try a new dish and learn more.
I have never been disappointed on my visits, even if some particular dish was not to my liking. Now when I go, I order something I've tried before and really liked (there are many**) and something else I haven't tried. This way every time I've gone , I've been more than sated. I haven't eaten my way through the menu, not even close, but LSC makes me wish for the day I can say that I have - just so I can start all over again.

When I'm going through a rough patch, when I'm celebrating, when I'm craving exotic food, when I just feel like a simple meal, I end up at LSC. And I'm glad for it.
We've also been accommodated with dishes that may not have been on the menu exactly - Cui Pi Fish (deep fried whole fish) with a sweet and sour sauce for my father's birthday, Xiang Xu Shiao Bing (iirc) a dessert we were treated to on my wife's birthday.


There have been dips in quality - particularly when some new branch was opening; Tony or the head chef being at the new location. But even then I've not had bad food, simply a meal that wasn't as fabulous as the previous visit. Also I miss the orange slices at the end of meal. And after all the times I've been there and returned the fork ("Wo buyung chatz"), they stilll insist on handing me one... :)

Restaurants like LSC make Chinatown a great neighborhood. In short, that is why I would like to nominate LSC as a GNR.

Threads about LSC mentions in other nonLSC threads are too numerous to list
My One Shot at Chinese in Chicago: but where?
Lao Sze Chuan with Mom
lao Sze Chuan
praise for Lao Sze Chuan


**what I can remember - in no particular order
    *Boiled beef in Spicy Szechaun sauce.
    Yu Xiang Eggplant (Eggplant in Garlic sauce)
    Tony's Three Chili Chicken
    Ma Po Tofu
    House Special Rice Noodles soup
    Lamb w/ pure cumin powder
    String Beans in Spicy Black bean sauce
    Mongolian Lamb
    Du Tiao (pork stomach in garlic sauce)
    Sliced Beef and Maw Szechuan style
    Chen Pi Ji (Governor's Chicken I think)
    Chef's Special Dry Chili Chicken
    Dry Chili Prawns (w/ shell) - you can get it without shell if you like
    Dong Po Steamed Pork Elbow


Last edited by sazerac on Tue Jun 14, 2005 9:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 8:35 pm 
Offline

Joined: Fri May 21, 2004 11:26 am
Posts: 1420
Location: Forest Park
I'm more than happy to jump in and second this nomination, having just admitted in my own nomination of Moon Palace that LSC was my choice for my last birthday dinner. I was taking it for granted that someone else would nominate LSC and wanted to use my one chance for a less obvious candidate.

Here's a question that more properly belongs on site talk, though. Are we nominating just the Chinatown Square branch or all of them? And if the latter, do we even have any reports on some of them? I'd hate to see the Westmont branch (which I think is every bit as good as the Chinatown Square mother ship and could especially benefit from whatever publicity we generate) not getting a sticker or card, or whatever is being given out, but on the other hand it doesn't seem right a branch that no one's tried should get one on faith.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 8:40 pm 
Offline
Charter Member

Joined: Wed Feb 11, 2004 11:42 am
Posts: 3331
LSC will always have a special place in my heat, because at least some aspect of our community had its genesis there--and kudos again to Seth Z who first had the chutzpah to gather the hounds.

http://www.chowhound.com/midwest/boards ... /3849.html

http://www.chowhound.com/midwest/boards ... /3886.html

http://www.chowhound.com/midwest/boards ... /3970.html

http://www.chowhound.com/midwest/boards ... /4104.html

_________________
Think Yiddish, Dress British - Advice of Evil Ronnie to me.

The Local Beet's very big list of 2013 Farmer's Markets


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 8:44 pm 
Offline

Joined: Fri May 21, 2004 11:42 am
Posts: 5268
Location: Halfway between Taqueria la Oaxaquena and Smoque
I'd vote for both the Chinatown and Westmont branches being given the sticker. The others haven't been discussed much or at all, but chinatown and westmont have both been mentioned in a number of threads.

Oh, and I'd have seconded this if my mom didn't beat me to it.

The Westmont location is also one of the most child-friendly restaurants I've ever been to. The staff are wonderful with the kids, and there are almost always extended families with small children at the other tables, too.

-ed

_________________
Ed Fisher
my chicago food photos

RIP LTH.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 6:00 pm 
Offline
GNR Czar Emeritus

Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2004 12:03 pm
Posts: 3591
Location: Greater Westmont
Small point of clarification, Sazerac - are you nominating LSZ Chinatown, only, or Chinatown and Westmont?

I think it is Chinatown, only, though while there are not many mentions of Westmont, they all do seem positive.

Your choice, though, on what you want to send to the mods.

_________________
d
Retired, gone fishing, and exploring my curmudgeon within


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 6:07 pm 
Offline

Joined: Fri May 21, 2004 11:42 am
Posts: 5268
Location: Halfway between Taqueria la Oaxaquena and Smoque
Don't forget LSC Palatine.

There's also LSC Express, at about Ashland and Taylor, but it's, well, not the same.

_________________
Ed Fisher
my chicago food photos

RIP LTH.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 11:36 am 
Offline
GNR Czar Emeritus

Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2004 12:03 pm
Posts: 3591
Location: Greater Westmont
As noted above, the original GNR award is for the Chinatown location only. As a west suburbanite who regularly goes to LSC in Downers Grove, and has enjoyed LSC in Chinatown more than a couple of times, I feel both places deserve the designation - LSC in Downers Grove is absolutely a great restaurant in this neighborhood.

There are differences, and on balance, LSC in Chinatown is better. LSC in Downers has maintained much of the old Lo Gardens, Cantonese/American menu, so one can get Egg Foo Yung in all its terrible splendor. And the menu is not not quite as rich and varied. But the best things are all there, and while the preparation may not always be as great as Chinatown, it is usually very good indeed.

So I suggest we expand this designation to include both Chinatown and Downers Grove, and maybe Palatine, though I cannot comment on that. What do others think?

_________________
d
Retired, gone fishing, and exploring my curmudgeon within


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 3:10 pm 
Offline
Site Admin

Joined: Mon May 24, 2004 8:19 am
Posts: 11154
Having just come from lunch at the Downers Grove LSC with a great group of LTHers, I'll have to agree with Dickson's sentiment above. I found the food at the DG location perhaps a half step below the Chinatown location, but it was still very good. Considering the relatively adventurous offerings compared to most of the other Chinese places in the area, the friendly service and reasonable prices, I feel that LSC Downers Grove is very deserving of a shared GNR. I also think that the Palatine location should not be included simply because no one has been there and posted about it one way or the other.

P.S. The egg foo yung was not the dish that caused me to come to this opinion, but the Szechaun standby's were. :lol:

_________________
Steve Z.
Photographer/Pseudojournalist

"The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook." - Julia Child


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 4:10 pm 
Offline
Lead Moderator

Joined: Sun Feb 22, 2004 10:28 am
Posts: 20789
Location: Highland Park, IL
Steve,

Zim ordered at the Palatine location proclaiming the food there was comparable to Chinatown: http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=65866#65866

Regards,

_________________
Cathy2

"You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways, Road Food 2012: Podcast


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 7:44 pm 
Offline
Site Admin

Joined: Mon May 24, 2004 8:19 am
Posts: 11154
Cathy2 wrote:
Steve,

Zim ordered at the Palatine location proclaiming the food there was comparable to Chinatown: http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=65866#65866

Regards,


That's a call for the GNR Czar, but IMO, a single post by a single diner getting carryout over a year ago does not a GNR make. In the case of DG, we had 8 LTHers sharing a meal of some Chinatown "standards" along with a new (to me) dish or two. Hopefully, some of the other 7 people at our lunch will post to give some weight to awarding a GNR to the DG location.

_________________
Steve Z.
Photographer/Pseudojournalist

"The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook." - Julia Child


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 9:12 pm 
Offline
Lead Moderator

Joined: Sun Feb 22, 2004 11:12 am
Posts: 11291
Location: The People's Republic of Oak Park
I've been to the Chinatown LSC maybe six times and have probably had most of the favs at least twice. Got to say, today's lunch was as satisfying as any I've had in the Chinatown branch.

The maw (which was served without complaint) was quite good -- really better than the last platter of the stuff I had in the Chinatown mall.

Wiviott cruelly mocked kithat when she wanted to order the shrimps in mayo sauce, but she ordered them anyway -- and I had thirds. It was probably less than authentic, but it was really good: crunchy and sweet (sweetness was, however, a problem with other dishes).

Little eggplants, somewhat oily, but nice looking and pretty tasty.

I like.

David "Maybe I'm Just Easy to Please" Hammond

_________________
“We all have to stand before the kitchen gods.” Chef Jacob Sahaya Kumar Aruni


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 9:28 pm 
Offline
Lead Moderator

Joined: Sun Feb 22, 2004 10:28 am
Posts: 20789
Location: Highland Park, IL
HI,

Frankly, if Lao Szechuan - Chinatown was nominated and passed GNR muster the very first time around, then it is the only location which qualifies for consideration for GNR re-affirmation. That is if we are really crossing our T and dotting our I.

If we are expanding this endorsement to Downers Grove, especially based on a lunch today, then summarily dismissing NW location because someone didn't call out the troops is pretty weak. Especially when neither Downers GRove or the NW were ever nominated in the first place.

I do trust Zim's response to NW location tasting like Chinatown location. I also have been there and felt it was the same experience practically down to the menu. I once stayed late enough to see all the cooks jump in a van for the ride home to Chinatown.

I will affirm the Chinatown location. Happy to go along with granting same to Downers Grove, though I would prefer it was granted the NW location as well.

Regards,

_________________
Cathy2

"You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways, Road Food 2012: Podcast


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 9:46 pm 
Offline

Joined: Fri May 28, 2004 3:36 pm
Posts: 1495
Location: Rogers Park
Yes, truly a call for the GNR czar, but as I think about it, I would suggest that we let LSC West be nominated independently in the next round rather than rolling it in.

Not that anyone asked me :o

_________________
Joe G.

"Whatever may be wrong with the world, at least it has some good things to eat." -- Cowboy Jack Clement


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Fri Mar 30, 2007 7:26 am 
Offline
Pitmaster Emeritus

Joined: Tue May 18, 2004 4:54 am
Posts: 13490
Location: Chicago
David Hammond wrote:
Wiviott cruelly mocked kithat when she wanted to order the shrimps in mayo sauce, but she ordered them anyway -- and I had thirds. Hammond

Mocked ? More like good natured jibe, never meant to deter, and turned out not bad at all. Actually it put me in mind of the time you insisted on stopping for a McShake around Saint Paddy's day.

Far as LSC Downers Grove, good service, nice people, their own parking lot, no driving around for a space like LSC Chinatown, food came out blazing fast and chili oil on the table.

We had a number of direct comparison dishes to LSC Chinatown, Three Chili Chicken, little less crunch with an upfront, as opposed to background, sweet note; Ma Po Tofu, close, if not exact to CT branch; Sliced Beef and Maw Szechuan Style, Five Powder Rabbit (Szechuan Spicy Rabbit w/bone), Jellyfish and Eggplant in Garlic Sauce, maw, jellyfish, rabbit all nicely parallel LSC Chinatown, Lamb w/cumin, a bit light on the cumin and overall spice.

Our, or should I say Steve Z's, must try from the Lo's Garden menu was egg foo yung, which I found a very good version of the Chinese American classic.

I generally agree with the LSC Downers Grove sentiment, it's a half-step off the LSC Chinatown, little less heat, little more sweet, but I very much enjoyed lunch on the merits. It was, as always, a treat to dine with the group and meet LTHer Kitthat, even if she did order shrimp in mayo sauce. :D

LSC has a number of inexpensive lunch specials which, combined with speedy service make it a good choice for a quicky lunch in the area.

Enjoy,
Gary

Enjoy,
Gary

_________________
Sauce on the side, always, implied, axiomatic..........never a doubt, BBQ sauce without.

Low & Slow


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Fri Mar 30, 2007 11:29 am 
Offline
GNR Czar Emeritus

Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2004 12:03 pm
Posts: 3591
Location: Greater Westmont
Czar, eh? I always thought of myself more as a poobah.

Anyway, if we only have evidence that the three outposts of this mini-chain all seem to maintain similiar high standards and present similar menus, I think we ought to consider granting all three GNR status.

As to whether we should consider doing this in this renewal phase, or as a serparate new nomination. I agree with the strict constructionist interpretation that the original intent was to just nominate the CT location, so we should follow that, but as a matter of practicality it seems like if we are going to have all the LSCs be GNRs, then having them all in synch makes the most sense.

Still, I would be happy to have opinions from others, including the OP, Sazerac, as to whether we should wait or just do it. :?:

_________________
d
Retired, gone fishing, and exploring my curmudgeon within


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Fri Mar 30, 2007 11:34 am 
Offline
GNR Czar Emeritus

Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2004 12:03 pm
Posts: 3591
Location: Greater Westmont
Oh, and the meal was pretty much as I noted above and expected. It is not as good as LSC CT, but it is good, and the offerings are delightful. And my guess is that some of the variation we experienced is just a simple matter of who was cooking - the last time I had the Lamb with Cumin, for instance, it was spicier, more dappled with Cumin, and generally better. And even yesterday, the two orders of Tony's chicken differed more than just in the heat and crispiness (we ordered the second one hotter and crispier, which they did) - the sweetness was backed off a bit. That could just have been because it was obscured by the chilis, but I wonder if the cook was not intentionally increasing sweetness to please the gringos and he decided when we ordered more, spicier, that he should back that off.

Just some thoughts, and it does not reflect on my support for the LSC chain, either way.

_________________
d
Retired, gone fishing, and exploring my curmudgeon within


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 12:00 pm 
Offline
Lead Moderator

Joined: Fri May 28, 2004 8:05 pm
Posts: 10469
Location: Chicago's northern 'burbs
This restaurant is currently up for GNR renewal. Please post your comments below.

Thanks,

=R=
for the GNRs

_________________
I just wanna live until I gotta die. I know I ain't perfect but God knows I try. --Todd Snider

Twitter: ronniesuburban


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:47 pm 
Offline

Joined: Sat Feb 18, 2006 10:45 am
Posts: 530
Location: Tryon, NC
Sometimes pictures can say 1,000 words. Since they are my pictures they say more like 10 words but most of them are some form of "yum".


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 1:03 am 
Offline
Moderator

Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2005 11:19 pm
Posts: 2465
Location: Phoenix
This, for me, also falls on the "total no-brainer" list. I can't imagine it not being a GNR. If an all-time list were made of restaurants that have generated the most LTH swoonage, surely Lao Sze Chuan would make the top ten, no?

_________________
-Dom
www.skilletdoux.com


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 11:26 am 
Offline

Joined: Tue Mar 06, 2007 4:23 pm
Posts: 868
Location: Wicker Park/Bucktown
I'm a fiery yes!! This restaurant never disappoints, and I have never had an off night there. It's also a GNR where just about everything on the menu is good, and I don't have to make sure I "order it the right way" to get great authentic food.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2009 6:39 pm 
Offline

Joined: Sun May 30, 2004 9:52 am
Posts: 1865
Location: New York by birth, Chicago by inclination
The way that Lao Sze Chuan has become the board's (deserved) favorite, one wonders whether we will soon become LSCforum.com.

An obvious renewal.

_________________
Toast, as every breakfaster knows, isn't really about the quality of the bread or how it's sliced or even the toaster. For man cannot live by toast alone. It's all about the butter. -- Adam Gopnik


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 8:26 am 
Offline
Pitmaster Emeritus

Joined: Tue May 18, 2004 4:54 am
Posts: 13490
Location: Chicago
LTH,

I go to Chinatown often, lunch, dinner late night and after 'Little' Three Happiness Lao Sze Chuan is the place I go most often.

My love for LSC, in particular Sliced Beef and Maw Szechuan Style, is well chronicled on the pages of LTHForum, suffice to say shi for renewal.

Enjoy,
Gary

_________________
Sauce on the side, always, implied, axiomatic..........never a doubt, BBQ sauce without.

Low & Slow


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Tue Mar 10, 2009 10:17 am 
Offline

Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2006 8:59 am
Posts: 6326
Location: Evanston, IL
More on Lao Sze Chuan:

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=16931
viewtopic.php?p=169949#p169949
viewtopic.php?t=19642
/viewtopic.php?p=197900#p197900

_________________
No guts, no glory.
http://www.chicagonow.com/quips-travails-braised-oxtails
http://quipstravailsandbraisedoxtails.blogspot.com/


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:13 am 
Offline

Joined: Thu May 27, 2004 12:28 pm
Posts: 744
GNR Renewal? Agreed...

LSC was my training grounds when I had to go to India for work. Twice a week to get my heat tolerance up... The boy and I love their hotpot (not so much the way we smell after!) and the Downers Grove outlet is where we bring his parents to when we visit them.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:05 pm 
Offline

Joined: Mon Oct 11, 2004 5:21 pm
Posts: 1433
Location: Chicago
Lao Sze Chuan along w/Khan are the places I miss most when not in town. Big yes for renewal.

_________________
"In pursuit of joys untasted"
from Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Sep 19, 2011 4:04 am 
Offline
Site Admin

Joined: Mon May 24, 2004 8:19 am
Posts: 11154
This place is up for renewal of its GNR. Please post your comments here until 10/10/11.

_________________
Steve Z.
Photographer/Pseudojournalist

"The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook." - Julia Child


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sun Oct 02, 2011 4:40 pm 
Offline
Lead Moderator

Joined: Fri May 28, 2004 8:05 pm
Posts: 10469
Location: Chicago's northern 'burbs
As many new places as have popped up in Chinatown over the past 2 years, LSC is still the one I choose first, more often than not. There are at least 2-dozen menu items I love at LSC, and it continues to be my personal favorite Chinese restaurant in Chicagoland. Part of this is because Sze Chuan is my favorite Chinese cuisine but it's also because there's a consisitency and reliability at LSC that I've yet to find at any other Chinatown spot. I heartily endorse renewal.

=R=

_________________
I just wanna live until I gotta die. I know I ain't perfect but God knows I try. --Todd Snider

Twitter: ronniesuburban


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sun Oct 02, 2011 5:20 pm 
Offline

Joined: Mon Oct 11, 2004 5:21 pm
Posts: 1433
Location: Chicago
In my standard rotation, there's @ least a dozen dishes I crave. Another place I often bring out of town chefs to. Yes on renewal.

_________________
"In pursuit of joys untasted"
from Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 7:55 pm 
Offline
GNR Czar Emeritus

Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2004 12:03 pm
Posts: 3591
Location: Greater Westmont
I go, I enjoy, I plan my next visit. Aside from being on my regular lunch rotation, LSC in DG is also a good place to meet friends and family for dinner, and I have yet to get any complaints (okay, I may dumb down, or at least go light on the heat when ordering).

_________________
d
Retired, gone fishing, and exploring my curmudgeon within


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Oct 10, 2011 9:17 am 
Offline

Joined: Thu Feb 19, 2009 1:50 pm
Posts: 1603
Location: Lakeview East
After all these years, the "chicken crack" is still every bit as addictive, the mapo tofu is still the ideal to which I measure other restaurants' attempts at this dish, the atmosphere is just as lively, and the service is still quick & friendly. LSC is consistent, dependable, and totally satisfying - every time I go, I leave happy (and with my lips & face still burning).

Yes for renewal!


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic This topic is locked, you cannot edit posts or make further replies.  [ 30 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 6 hours


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group