hot pot: old sichuan

in chinese, this place is called “old sichuan” it’s ma-la hot pot.

on their sign outside, the english says ” Kingdom of Pa and Shu. Hot and Spcy Tofu with Beef”

a little misleading.. anyhow.

we went with a group of 10 and had 2 of the mixed pots. half ma-la spicy (with tons of duck blood. so good.) and half non spicy.  for the pots, we ordered 2 different kinds of beef, which came in huge portions, enoki mushrooms, 2 green veggies. intestine, fishcake balls, large mushrooms.. i forget what else, but that was what I ate at least!

the pots with the base soups before we started cooking and adding ingredients.

the spicy side was a bit oily/greasy.. mostly spicy oils, but once you cook the beef, it was… FAT.

like i said. HUGE portions of meat. good for big groups.

i’m really starting to enjoy chinese ma-la hot pot… guess this means i’m finally assimilating to taiwan! i used to only love shabu shabu.. X) which i still do of course.

http://www.oldsichuan.com.tw

dazzling mint.

second location of Dazzling Cafe: Dazzling Mint.

dazzling is still insanely popular and crowded. booked for months ahead, guests are willing to line up an hour before opening each day for a number, for the first come first serve seating.

we were lucky to get reservations for a sunday afternoon, so we didn’t have to brave the heat and wait in line.

fruit iced teas. i had the green tea with fresh kiwi.

banana chocolate honey toast. yum.

the shell is filled with larger cubed, toasted honey toast.

strawberry honey toast.

the presentation. why guests with a sweet tooth (mostly girls) will line up.

the toast for this version is cut into long cubes, baked with butter and sugar, then placed back into the bread cube. topped with ice cream, strawberry, syrup + cream.

i cant believe i eat half a loaf of bread at a time…  but its sO good.

xx