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Best Chinese
Mandarin Grill
READERS' PICK: For years the consensus about Chinese food in Tucson has been that there really wasn't any worth raving about. It's not that we hurt for Chinese restaurants here; there are several citywide. It isn't even that the food is horrible; it's just decently nondescript. Tucson simply stands apart as one of those places where you almost never hear the phrase, "Let's order Chinese." Until now, that is. Mandarin Grill, with two Tucson locations, far exceeds our modest expectations and has made committed returnees of many. Most impressive, economical and filling are the $5 luncheon combinations--an offering of 26 main dishes--accompanied by hot-and-sour or egg-flower soup, steamed or barbecued fried rice, fried won-ton or crispy chicken sticks. It's absolutely delicious, and MSG-hangover-free. All veggies used in the stir-fries are fresh and cooked tender-crisp; the meats flavorful; and if the menu denotes an item as spicy, by golly it's served smoking hot. Beef, pork, chicken, duck, shrimp, scallops, lobster and tofu dishes are featured on the extensive menu, with a few selections "off the grill" (steaks and kebobs) also available. So now there's absolutely no reason ever to go back to Los Angeles. Our good-fortune cookie has come in. READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Golden Dragon has four locations, including its newest restaurant in the old Gee's Garden space. The vegetables are firm and flavorful, the rice fresh, the spring rolls crisp and warm, and the service efficient and friendly. Be sure to try the surprisingly delicious spicy eggplant or tasty moo-shu vegetables--you'll want to bring your family and friends so there'll be more to share.
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