China!

This is the first post featuring a Cleveland Cultural Garden! The Lunar New Year celebrations took place over the weekend, so I decided to check China off the list. Here is some info about the Chinese Cultural Garden: 

Established in 1985, the Chinese Cultural Garden was a gift of the city of Tapei and its business community and was modeled after the Chinese Imperial Palace. A plaque acknowledging the gift says: “On behalf of the people of Taipei We present this Chinese Cultural Garden to the people of Cleveland as a confirmation of friends and cultural exchange between our sister cities.”

The Chinese Cultural Garden embodies the complexities of Chinese history in the 20th century. After its civil war ended in 1949, China was split between the People’s Republic of China (which control’s mainland China) and the Republic of China (which controls Taiwan and several surrounding islands.)

Geographically distant from the main chain of Cultural Gardens, the Chinese Garden is notable for the contrast of its stark white marble against a lush green background. Two Chinese dragons guard the entrance with a statue of Confucius (a teacher, philosopher and political theorist, 551-479 BC) atop a white pedestal.

We decided to celebrate in Asiatown by eating my favorite dumplings. I've already visited Sichuan Hot Pot when I went searching for Mongolian food, so I'll save you the full recap. We devoured the dumplings in chili oil. Jason got a dumpling steamer for Christmas so we're on a quest to perfect the perfect dumpling. These give us a lot to work towards! 

We shared the Ginger Chicken as well. It wasn't my thing - a little too sweet when I'm all about the spicy - but it was still well prepared. This place has quickly become my favorite Chinese spot in the city. The portions are huge, the prices are reasonable, and there are tons of interesting choices on the menu. 

Initially I was planning on sharing another restaurant for China, but it was such a bummer of an experience that I didn't even want to post photos! My son and I hit up Li Wah for dim sum when he was home for winter break and we were so disappointed. The food was cold, bland, and overpriced. It feels like a place that was good 50 years ago and people recommend it based on nostalgia vs. actual appeal. So when you're googling Chinese in Asiatown, know that you can find better spots than Li Wah! (like Sichuan Hot Pot!!!)

19 down, 33 to go!

P.S. - The next one is going to be GREAT. I'm so, so excited to share!!!

Sichuan Hot Pot

2162 Rockwell Ave.

Cleveland, OH 44114

216.523.1188

Website

Operating Hours:

MON - SAT | 11am - 9pm

SUN | 12pm - 9pm