There are TONS of Chinese places in every town. I try them all. (To be fair to all. I love the research.) But I keep going back to my local fav. It is the least fancy place of anywhere I've been, but I like the food the best. (And the prices are fantastic!) So what it may lack in upscale atmosphere, it makes up for in other key areas. (What's the good of gorgeous interior design if the food is subpar. If I can't have both, I'll take the superior food over decor any day.)
That place is China King. There is one in the Herndon clock tower plaza and probably a lesser known China King II location off of Spring Street, tucked in an industrial park. (I'm no snob. That one is closer to me, so I frequent it.) Pretty much I get the same thing every time: chicken & broccoli. (Like an old, soft sweatshirt on a cold day, it never disappoints.) The take out container is jam packed and I think it's about $6.00. So, who wouldn't be thrilled. The hot stir fry goes on the bottom and they put a generous scoop of rice on top.
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| Hot peppers in the back. You have to ask for them, but IMHO, they are a MUST have. Adds a little heat and flavor. |
The serving size is so generous that for me, it takes me two (sometimes three) days to polish it off. I has lots of crisp broccoli and sliced, white, lean chicken. The brown sauce is wonderfully flavorful and just the right amount. Does not drown the other ingredients.
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| Once you unpack a serving from the box, you will see how much is really jammed in there! |
The complementary beer is Tsing Tao. (Which I just learned is pronounced "Ching-Dow.") It's a lightly malty lager that lends itself perfectly to stir fry. It does not leave a heavy coating on the palate, so the mild sauce flavor can really shine through. Very agreeable.
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| Popular for a reason. You can trust the name. |
I must admit, it's exciting to try all these different beers, not knowing what they'll taste like, and make comparisons. My findings so far lead me to conclude already that every culture must create their beers with specific flavor profiles to go perfectly with their foods. Which makes absolute sense, I just never thought of it that way. Food and drink belong together, working as a harmonious team. The Yin with the Yang. My advice to you, don't just order your same old familiar American beer when you are out having cuisine from around the world. Go ahead, be adventurous and order their featured beer. Like you would do when ordering the regional table wine with dinner if you were in Italy. You'll be nicely surprised. Plus your friends will think you are well-cultured and cool. (If you're kinda nerdy, you may need this more than others.)
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