Best Chinese
Mandarin Grill
505 E. Grant Road
2946 W. Ina Road
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.
