When we moved back to Manhattan from Hong Kong, we weren't sure if we could ever enjoy Chinese food anymore. Our taste buds had been completely spoiled. The idea of Americanised Chinese food - unless done deliberately and intentionally - was out of the question.

But then our acupuncturist - a former Buddhist monk, which added to his cred for some reason - introduced us to Land of Plenty, a Sichuan spot near Bloomingdale's on the Upper East Side.

The atmosphere is typical New York City, but this is not a take-out only restaurant.

The interior is modest, but with white table cloth and cloth napkins. Service is swift but professional. Tea is of good quality and ever flowing.

And their food - primarily of the Sichuan region - is excellent. So much so that when our visiting diplomat friend and his Shanghainese wife actually asked us to take them to a Chinese restaurant in NYC - we took them there without hesitation.

Their fish fillet soup with pickled mustard greens (for two) is a must. The broth is clear and tangy and foils the flaky fish quite well. Ask for a bit of chili oil (la jiang) and add just a couple of drops to your individual bowl - we learned that from our acupuncturist.

The mapo tofu is incredible. And while the minced pork gravy will be by definition salty, the Sichuan peppercorns shine through and elevate the cubes of tofu and squares of leek.

Thanks to our Shanghainese friend - who absolutely approved of the restaurant - we ventured beyond our usuals and also tried the braised fish fillet with soybean sprouts in roasted chili spiced broth. Delightful.

This is a place that may not be on most top ten lists, but we cannot recommend it enough. And if you are looking for Sichuan Chinese food in a civilised white table clothed setting, this is the perfect place for you.

CONTACT

http://www.landofplenty58.com/

LEAD-IN IMAGE

Land of Plenty / Official Site