Release Inner-Foodie, Dine Out For Life

Thursday, April 25th should be on your list for dining out in the Twin Cities! It's time to check out those new restaurants you've wanted to try, get together with old friends, and go big for the Aliveness Project! Their organization seeks to empower people living with HIV, and is a huge positive part of the local community.

A huge list of great local restaurants have agreed to donate a portion of the nights sales to the program.  The restaurants contributing the most from the night's dining (35% or more!)

• Al Vento - South Minneapolis 
• BANK - Downtown Minneapolis 
• Birchwood Cafe - South Minneapolis  
• Black Sheep Pizza - N. Loop & St. Paul 
• Blackbird Cafe - South Minneapolis 
• Cafe Ena - South Minneapolis 
• Christos Greek Restaurant - Eat Street
• Eagle/Bolt Bar - Downtown Minneapolis
• FireLake Grill & Cocktail - Downtown Minneapolis
• Great Waters Brewing - St. Paul
• JD Hoyt's - Downtown Minneapolis
• Lowbrow Cafe - South Minneapolis
• Herkimer Pub/Brewery - Uptown Minneapolis
• Pizza Luce - All locations! 
• Senor Wong Bar & Restaurant - St. Paul
• Zen Box Izakaya - Downtown Minneapolis

There are lots of other restaurants as well that are donating (full pdf), as well as some suburban places.  Make sure you eat out this Thursday, April 25th!

Smack Shack Grand Opening

This Friday, Feb. 8th don't miss out on the hottest restaurant opening since the Union last fall!

The Smack Shack became famous, possibly, THE most famous food truck in Minneapolis by serving up amazing coastal-quality seafood in the middle of the Midwest; and roaming around in a truck none-the-less.

Check the Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives video:

ThriftyHipster was fortunate enough to go to their pre-opener last weekend and sample some of the faire. This party was one of the best we've been to in a while; all frequented by foodies and lobster lovers.
The restaurant will be serving the truck food, with some new additions. Like Lobster Corn Dogs and a raw bar featuring fresh oysters and clams.  But the best part, expect great prices! Nothing on the menu is over $30, while nearly everything is closer to $10-13. If you've got a seafood craving or just want to check out Minneapolis' newest hotspot, don't miss the opening (and ongoing season and summer patio) at the Smack Shack.

Happy 25 Rainbow

Happy birthday to our friends down the street, Rainbow Chinese!  25 Years at serving phenomenal homemade Chinese food!

Don't miss their celebration all weekend! There will be menu specials, prizes, and a special keg of Surly on tap created for the occasion.

From the Chef and Owner, Tammy Wong, "Twenty-five years ago, I knew how much I loved cooking, and how much I hoped to open a restaurant that would become a part of Minneapolis life. I’ll be forever grateful to those who have helped me make my dream come true."

IT'S 'WICHCRAFT

IT'S 'WICHCRAFT

Robyn Schindeldecker

“If it isn’t nestled between two slices of bread, is it still considered a sandwich?” The disagreement over what constitutes a proper sandwich is a debate for another time and place (never and nowhere, preferably). Whether you call it a sub, hoagie, panini, melt, gyro, or wrap, what really matters is the satisfaction you feel after taking the last bite and before noticing the mayonnaise stains covering your Zubaz. 

Here are five Twin Cities purveyors of the ultimate portable meal. 

Acme Deli, 1552 St. Clair Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105

Located in the heart of the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood, Acme Deli supplies St. Paulites with the quintessential lunchtime staple. Simply mosey on up to the counter, snag an order sheet, and construct your own sandwich by choosing from ten varieties of bread, eleven different meats, eight kinds of cheese, thirteen toppings, and four condiment options. It’s a tasty Choose Your Own Adventure for a palatable $5.05. 

Be’wiched Deli, 800 North Washington Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Reminiscent of cross-sections depicting geological phenomena, Be’wiched’s colossal piles of fixings aren’t so much sandwiches as they are lessons in gustatory endurance. The magic that this North Loop favorite is capable of creating is epitomized by its pastrami on rye. While a double will cost you $13.50, the heap of house-cured smoky meat, pickled cabbage, and coarse-grain mustard will inspire awe from your dining companions. 

Caffrey’s Deli & Subs, 3008 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Jasmine Deli's bánh mì.

Valued as much for its convenient central location and long hours as it is for its fare, this Lyn-Lake establishment has satisfied many late-night cravings. As the temperature decreases and your predilection for staying indoors correspondingly increases, take advantage of Caffrey’s vast delivery range and acquire a Blue Cow or Havin’ a Ball without setting foot in the snow.

Jasmine Deli, Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404

If a menu item’s worth could be measured by its appearance on vibrantly-colored t-shirts, then Jasmine Deli’s bánh mì would be considered a resounding success. For a modest $4, let a crusty baguette act as an edible vehicle for delivering a delightful shock of grilled beef, pickled carrots, sprigs of cilantro, and cucumber to your system. It’s a formula that merits multiple visits to this Eat Street fixture.

Manny’s Tortas, Midtown Global Market, 920 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 and Mercado Central, 1515 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Manny's Tortas' pork loin torta.

While crossword puzzles would have you believe otherwise (clue: a four-letter word for crunchy sandwich; answer: taco), the torta is Mexico’s true contribution to the sandwich taxonomy. On this front, Manny’s superbly executes a succulent pork loin version with supporting roles from lettuce, tomato, cheese, avocado, onions, jalapeños, beans, and chipotle pepper mayo, which are then pressed together inside a thick white roll.

JUST VOTE NO

JUST VOTE NO

Robyn Schindeldecker

‘Tis the season for political activism, and in Minnesota, forces are gathering in support of marriage equality. As public sentiment is closely divided on the issue, there are numerous outlets for educating and encouraging inclusiveness before citizens line up at the polls to vote for the Marriage Amendment this November.

One way you can demonstrate your pro-equality passion is to pick your poison at the Vote No Pub Crawl this Saturday. Various Uptown establishments will offer specials to bar hoppers sporting either a Minnesota United for All Families or a Big Gay Race t-shirt. You can pick it up a Minnesota United for All Families t-shirt between 3-6pm at the Loring Park office (1629 Hennepin Avenue South). Or, if you’re an early riser, you can snag a shirt by proactively burning those empty calories at the aptly-titled Big Gay Race.

Participating bars and their offerings are:

Muddy Waters $3 Summit beer, open-close

Green Mill Happy Hour 11am-6pm, 10pm-1am

Stella’s Fish Café & Prestige Oyster Bar 2-4-1s, 12-6pm

moto-i Happy Hour menu, 2-6pm

Bar Abilene 2-4-1s, 2-7pm

Chiang Mai Thai $3 taps and rails, 3-5pm, 11pm-midnight

The Herkimer Pub and Brewery 2-4-1s , 3-6pm; $3 taps, 6pm-midnight

Lyndale Tap House 2-4-1s, 3-7pm

Social House half-price rails and calls, 4-5pm

Kinsen Noodles and Bar $4 select appetizers, 4pm-midnight; $4 select shots, 4pm-close

Roat Osha $1 off taps, 6-10pm

Sushi Tango $3 taps and rails, 6pm-midnight

Famous Dave's $2.50 PBR tall boys, $3 kamikazes, small plate discounts, free cover for band, 8pm-close

Primebar $1 off all drafts, 9pm-midnight

Bar Louie daily specials

Uptown Cafeteria and Support Group daily specials

It's time to put your money (and your liver) where your mouth is and support everyone's right to marry by defeating inequality through dining and drinking.

For more information and the latest updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/342637742497971/

BEYOND THE PURPLE AND GOLD: A GUIDE TO CHEERING FOR THE AWAY TEAM

BEYOND THE PURPLE AND GOLD: A GUIDE TO CHEERING FOR THE AWAY TEAM

Robyn Schindeldecker

We may live in the nexus of Vikings Territory, but in accord with our Minnesota Nice designation, there are plenty of places to seek refuge if you don’t cheer for the home team. Depending on what colors you bleed, head to one of these Twin Cities establishments that will welcome you and your ilk with open arms and fantastic game day specials.

Chicago Bears: Alary’s Bar, 139 7th Street East, St. Paul, MN 55101

Founded by former Bears player Al Baisi, St. Paul’s preeminent sports bar is your destination for ersatz Soldier Field tailgating. Arrive early for brats and burgers outside, then head indoors and select from a list of 55 tap beers before settling in to watch the Monsters of the Midway on one of 30 TVs. 

Cleveland Browns: Mackenzie Pub, 918 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Mackenzie Pub

This Downtown Minneapolis watering hole offers far-flung members of the Dawg Pound a gathering place to kick up their heels (or paws, as it were) and hunker down to take in a brawl à la Browns. Be sure to mark your calendars for a wing cook-off on October 20 and warm up with multiple servings of chili later in November.

Detroit Lions: Lions Tap, 16180 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55347

If you’re a devoted member of the Motor City Kitties diaspora, then you’ll brave the western ‘burbs to watch the boys in Honolulu blue battle their foe du jour. Grab a locally-brewed Cold Spring beer and choose from the list of “Famous Hamburgers” that will help erase any lingering memories of the Curse of   Bobby Layne.

Green Bay Packers: Herkimer Pub & Brewery, 2922 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408

While there are numerous Packers bars piercing the heart of Vikings Territory (much to the chagrin of purple and gold loyalists), this German-inspired brewpub combines atmosphere, location, and sustenance like no other. A special game day menu fuels the assemblage of Packer Backers, while $4 beer taps and $5 shots provide lubrication for all four quarters. 

Patrick McGovern's Pub

Pittsburgh Steelers: Patrick McGovern’s Pub, 225 7th Street West, St. Paul, MN 55102

McGovern’s Upstairs is both a safe haven and machination station for the citizens of Steeler Nation. Want to eat like a two-time Super Bowl champion? Indulge in the eponymous Big Ben Burger, a half-pound of beef and Italian sausage topped with sauteed onions, scrambled eggs, lettuce, tomato slices, and mayonnaise. Wash that monstrosity down with a $3.75 20oz draft or $10 pitcher of Coors Light.

IT’S SKOL SEASON: YOUR 2012 VIKINGS GAME-DAY GUIDE

IT’S SKOL SEASON: YOUR 2012 VIKINGS GAME DAY GUIDE

Robyn Schindeldecker

With another Vikings season comes round after round of drink specials at local watering holes. Whether you’re catalyzing your Purple Pride or attempting to ease the blow of yet another heartbreaking loss, you don’t have to do it alone. Here are five places you can cheer and commiserate along with other diehard fans every Sunday.

Bunny’s Bar and Grill, 5916 Excelsior Boulevard, St.Louis Park, MN 

Take a page from former coach Mike Tice’s playbook and show your horns at the western suburbs’ foremost destination for the Vikings faithful. Every time the Purple scores, receive a ticket for a half-price drink (which, because of their rarity this season, will be quite the commodity).

Hubert's Cafe & Sports Bar

Cowboy Slim’s, 1320 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55408

You can drown your game day solace with $3 light beer taps, but be sure to come up for air long enough to indulge in $5 buckets of wings and a free halftime taco bar.

Hubert’s Cafe & Sports Bar, 601 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Located a mere touchdown throw away from the Metrodome, you can almost hear the crowd’s cheers (or more likely, groans) from the patio. While Hubert’s doesn’t offer any specials, it hosts an early breakfast that is prefect for pre-game fortification.

The Loon Cafe, 500 1st Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Situated right down the Light Rail tracks from the Sports Mecca of the Upper Midwest (yeah, okay), the Loon is ideal for Sunday Funday revelry. Jumpstart the hoopla with a $13 brunch buffet and spend the rest of the day washing it down with $3 Grain Belt potables.

Moose on Monroe, 356 Monroe Street Northeast, Minneapolis, MN 55413

Is gridiron suffering best treated in measured doses? Yes, according to the Moose on Monroe, which serves the remedy one quarter at a time. Broken down, the specials are: first quarter .50 12 oz. light beer taps; second quarter 2-4-1 rail and call drinks; third quarter 2-4-1 domestic bottles; and fourth quarter $3 23 oz. light beer taps.

A LABOR DAY SHOW WORTH ITS METAL

A LABOR DAY SHOW WORTH ITS METAL

Robyn Schindeldecker

A venue that boasts authentic Ethiopian cuisine and a beer list that makes hopheads swoon seems an unlikely place for an impromptu mosh pit. Yet somehow, heavy metal music blends easily, if somewhat oddly, with the atmosphere of the Blue Nile Restaurant & Lounge. This Sunday, get a colossal serving of high-speed, high-decibel flavor in you ears at the Labor Day Metal Smash, a show featuring some of the area’s most fervent thrashers and grinders.

According to King Goro guitarist Tory Nelson, the Twin Cities metal scene is extremely diverse and welcoming. “It’s not the typical scene bombarded with giant dudes with their arms crossed who look like they’re not having fun,” he says. Although those guys do exist, a general feeling of community prevails, as musicians come together for shows, lend equipment to each other, and arrange gigs and tours together.

Sunday’s show will feature Nelson’s project King Goro, which began as a novelty band but has since evolved into something slightly more serious. “Our music has progressed in the year we’ve been together,” he says. “It’s noisy, sometimes sludgy, sometimes fast and heavy. It’s metal.” Bassist Paul Hermanson adds, “We call it ‘Beef Grind.’”

Rounding out the lineup are the riffing, screaming, yelling Dissident Clone, thrash masters LocKGnaR, and Agitate, with its the no-frills mincing grindcore.

“There will be lots of hair, drinking, moshing, laughing, and good times to be had,” Nelson promises. In short, everything that defines Twin Cities metal.

What? Labor Day Metal Smash

When? Sunday, September 2, doors at 9:00 PM

Where? Blue NIle Restaurant & Lounge, 2027 E Franklin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55404

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/264808926958274/

KINSEN: BRINGING THE WORLD OF ENDLESS SPECIALS TO UPTOWN

KINSEN: BRINGING THE WORLD OF ENDLESS SPECIALS TO UPTOWN

Robyn Schindeldecker

Amid the hustle and bustle of Uptown’s core stands Kinsen Noodles and Bar, a venue with a cooly refined vibe that makes it distinct from its neighbors. Featuring pan-Asian cuisine, its culinary boundaries extend far beyond its Lagoon Avenue site to include menu items from Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, China, and Korea. Both its location and expansive menu make Kinsen the perfect place to drop in any day of the week. Your curiosity will be rewarded with one of many specials.

Monday Ease into the work week with a movie as Kinsen plays fan favorites such as The Big Lebowski and Anchorman promptly at 9:00 PM. This week’s feature is 80s classic The Goonies. Snag a free drink simply by telling your server Chunk’s real name in the film. Bonus: The entertainment is indoors, so you won’t get eaten alive by Minnesota’s unofficial state bird, the mosquito.

Tuesday It’s always Happy Hour somewhere, and on Tuesdays that somewhere is at Kinsen, which boasts Happy Hour prices all day long. Complement your cocktails with one of many filling and fulfilling noodle offerings. From Pad Thai to Red Curry to Udon Soup, all bowls are just $10. 

Wednesday Need a pick-me-up to get yourself over the hump? Fortify yourself with a full-size appetizer and find yourself rewarded with 2-4-1 drinks. Indulge in a specialty cocktail such as the Dirty Geisha (raspberry purée with Farmer’s Organic Gin on the rocks), or select from among the comprehensive beer and wine lists.

Bellying up to the bar.

Thursday Whether you’re on a blind date or a celebrating a relationship milestone, Kinsen offers a sumptuous, yet affordable Date Night. From 4:00-11:00 PM, get an appetizer, two entrées, dessert, and a bottle of wine for only $45. The sleek and sexy décor will undoubtedly act as an aphrodisiac.

Friday Kick off the weekend by kicking back with a $15 carafe of sake. After braving your way through the throngs of carousers that descend upon Uptown every weekend, you deserve at least this much. Let Kinsen’s eye-popping orange door act as a beacon for a much-needed respite from the surrounding chaos. 

Saturday Good: Wine. Better: Half-priced bottles of wine. Best: Half-priced bottles of wine all day long. Take your spirits outside and imbibe al fresco on Kinsen’s newly opened patio.

Sunday Beat the summer’s relentless heat and make it a Sunday Funday with $3 Bloody Marys, Greyhounds, and screwdrivers. The fun is even more pronounced for service industry workers, who receive a generous 40% off their bill.

What’s that? You want MORE specials? Well, Kinsen will gladly oblige. Every day is a Choose Your Own Adventure with $3 select bottles and taps of beer, rail drinks, and appetizers from 4:00-7:00 PM.

Come see for yourself how quickly a special can turn into an excuse for another (and another) visit to Kinsen.


Kinsen Noodles and Bar
1300 Lagoon Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55408

NOSHING YOUR WAY DOWN MINNEHAHA CREEK

NOSHING YOUR WAY DOWN MINNEHAHA CREEK

Robyn Schindeldecker

Winding its way through South Minneapolis all the way to the Mississippi River, Minnehaha Creek doesn’t lack for food and drink establishments that are only a stone throw’s away from its banks. Whether its a full-on feast or a happy hour suds you’re hankering for, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings. Here are five options, following the creek’s current from west to east.

Cafe Maude

Cafe Maude, 5411 Penn Ave S. Both casual and sophisticated, this Armatage Neighborhood favorite offers fare for couples and families alike (Leisure and Family Hours coincide from 5:00-6:00 PM daily). This destination spot is the perfect storm of fresh, locally-sourced menu items, inspired cocktails, and live jazz music. When to go: 5:00-6:00 PM daily for $3 select tap beer, $5 house wine, $5 featured cocktails, and appetizers starting at $1.50. 

Town Hall Tap. 4810 Chicago Ave S. Sharing a block with area mainstays Pepito’s and the Parkway Theater, the Town Hall Brewery offshoot more than holds its own. Embracing its beer-centricity, offerings include seven Town Hall beers, four ciders, and three beer engines (two for its own beer and one for a rotating local beer). Pair a pint with a generously-portioned meal and you’ll be planning another visit before you even leave. When to go: 3:00-5:30 PM Monday-Friday for $1 off all taps and most appetizers.

Buster’s on 28th. 4204 28th Ave S. ‘Tis the city for craft beer and juicy burgers, and this gastropub doesn’t lack for either. Whether you belly up to the bar or gather your group around a patio table, there’s a seat waiting for everyone at this neighborhood hot spot. For the hopheads among us, enjoy the Happy Hour price all day for the current Beer of the Week, Hinterland Saison. When to go: 4:00-6:00 PM Monday-Friday for $1 off all taps.

Buster's on 28th

Al Vento. 5001 34th Ave S. What do you get when you take authentic Southern Italian fare, add an amorous ambiance, and wash it down with a bottle of house red? A superb dinner for two at Al Vento, situated in the heart of the Nokomis neighborhood. Don’t forget to save room for dessert: A delicately-layered tiramisu or heavenly honey ricotta cheesecake with mascarpone gelato (among others). When to go: 4:30-6:00 PM daily for half-priced bottles of wine and $5 specialty cocktails; all night Sunday and Monday for half-priced bottles of wine.

Sea Salt Eatery

Sea Salt Eatery, 4801 Minnehaha Ave S. Located just steps from Minnehaha Falls, this dining spot provides the perfect confluence of setting and seafood. Open from April through October, the menu features fish prepared several ways, including tacos, po’ boys, oysters on the half-shell, and calamari. Choose from an extensive selection of wine or local brew to round out your al fresco experience. When to go: Specials vary daily.

This is one voyage that merits repeat trips. And a huge appetite.

A-list for 3/05: Joe & Noah Trivia at Cause Soundbar

Joe & Noah Minnesota Themed Trivia Night at Cause Soundbar (with Dj Tim Anderson) on 3/05 at 8pm:

In the sea of Trivia Nights here in Minneapolis, one has really stuck out to us here at Thrifty Hipster. Maybe it is the wholesome appeal of two bread & buttered Minnesotan men with thick beards and down-to-earth attitudes? Joe & Noah Trivia at Cause Soundbar has taken up a residency every Monday, and trust me, you need to arrive early just to catch a table. This has become a popular Monday night outing for those who want their bar tabs potentially taken care of by winning the grand prize. On the first of every month, they have a theme. This Monday, it will be Minnesota themed and so perfectly fitting for these two gents to host. So gather up all your friends who say, "Yah, a paper bayg will be fine" when they shop at grocery stores or eat lutefisk once a year at their lutheran church. Come show off your knowledge of a state that has treated us so well with such a mild winter.

A-list for this week! (2/20-2/26)

Yeti Records spinning at Pat's Tap on 2/23:

Imagine a cutesy/kitschy gastro pub with delicious food and a local record store featuring classic and local LPs and 45s having a love child! Every Thursday at 10pm, Pat's tap hosts Yeti Records spinning tunes from their collection. On this special night, we are excited to hear what tunes they will choose. Can't you just see it now? Eating Bangers & Mash while head banging to some 80's hair metal band that they've pulled out of the mix? Don't forget their happy hour, $3 rails and house wines and $2 off taps. This happy hour is also known as the "Party Booby Trap." Get trapped (in the best way possible) as the music serenades you and your palette refines at Pat's tap every Thursday! Click the header link above for more details on the event.

Trust me, this song will not get out of your head!

Berlin, "The Queer Indie Revolution is here!" at Club Underground on 2/25:

Minneapolis is on the rise with many weekly to monthly dance nights happening all over the city. Sometimes you just want to hear all of those dance-y, riot girl, new wave beats all wrapped into one single dance party and sing the screeching tunes of Kathleen Hannah at the top of your lungs to show of your cool points. Or maybe that is just me. Either way, Berlin is a new monthly dance party that is hosted at Club Underground and was brought to life because they know there are a lot of people out there who don't want to listen only top 40s music to get their groove on. Think Robyn, Peaches, Sleighbells, Old Madonna, Crystal Castles & many more all mashed up with beats that will get your body moving in crazy, spastic motions all over the dance floor! PBR Tall boys are only $2.75. Click the header link above for more details on the event.

 

This is what I am going to dress like for this event.

Doctor Sketchy's Anti Art School featuring Queenie Von Curves on 2/26:

According to the people who are throwing this event, this is an "international phenomenon." It got me to thinking, who originally created this edgy concept where local performance artists come in and you draw them? Did this originator also host this event in a bar on a Sunday morning, with bloody marys as cheap as $5? Does this guy or girl now refer to themselves as Doctor Sketchy? Either way, the 331 club has given me yet another reason to roll out of bed on a Sunday afternoon. Between the creative atmosphere they provide in the dark, comforting one room bar and the deliciously affordable bloody mary bar at my disposal, this seems like a proper way to spend a lazy Sunday without being, you know, so lazy! Click the header link above for more details on the event.

 

Here is what they've done in Chicago for Dr. Sketchy's!

Year of the Dragon - Celebrate in the Twin Cities

The year of the Dragon is the only animal in the zodiac that is legendary; the luckiest year! So where should you celebrate it this month?  Here are ThriftyHipster's favorite authentic Chinese Restaurants. Please feel free to add your favorites in the comments below!

Mandarin Kitchen

8766 Lyndale Avenue South
Bloomington, MN  55420
-Website-  952-884-5356

Well known for it's great Dim Sum brunch, which is always jam packed on the weekends. This is one of the few places to get a truly authentic experience and cuisine.  Dumplings are their specialty, but the House Special Duck is to die for.  They also have lots of seafood and specialty items you'd never find anywhere else.  Most entrees in the $12-14 Range.

Rainbow Chinese

2739 Nicollet Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN  55408
-Website-  612-870-7084

Rainbow Chinese is one of the original and best authentic Chinese restaurants in Minneapolis. Located at the end of Eat Street, it has received less attention than it deserves lately.  If you're looking for a chef-inspired New Years Celebration (of the Dragon of course) then this is the place! The chef even put together a special menu for the occasion.

 

Little Szechuan

422 University Avenue West (they also have a West End location)
St. Paul, MN  55103
-Website-  651-222-1333

Right at where all the construction begins on University Avenue us one of the Twin Cities best authentic Chinese restaurants from the Szechuan region of course! The best part of Little Szechuan is the way they really highlight their region, with spice and garlic.  Add the smoky-spice and fried garlic to any dish to make it amazing.  Kung Pao, large-slab pork, and green beans are the top picks; all running at around $8.  The spicy/crispy fish is also amazing, crunchy and simple with salt, garlic, spices, and scallion, it's a must try (though my favorite is still the Spicy/Crispy squid at Peninsula).