Monday, May 5, 2008

Noodling at Marco Polo; dubious dim sum at X. O. Cafe

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Given SYB's fondness for the noodles with Peking sauce at Marco Polo Noodle Shop, it was only a matter of time before he and I, out of ideas for where to go one evening, would end up there for dinner.

Once seated, SYB didn't even bother reaching for a menu; this was a man with a plan. When his order of noodles arrived (along with some fried dumplings), I watched with amusement as he stirred in the thick, sweet, porky sauce with almost ritual meticulousness, making sure each strand was evenly coated. Then he dug in. After trying a bite, I understood why he liked the dish so much: the slightly spicy bowl of warm and chewy noodles was true comfort food.

I spotted another woman eating a bowl of what looked like wide knife-shaved noodles at the next table, and suggested to SYB that he try ordering his Peking sauce on top of those for a change. But though he nodded, I doubt he's going to take me up on that idea anytime soon.
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As for me, I got beef chow fun, because I love that stuff. Well, except for when it is super greasy and makes me feel disgusting afterwards…like this one did.
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So afterwards, we decided to get dessert. Y'know, a little sweetness to chase away the salt and oil. At X.O. Cafe & Grill a few blocks away, I ordered this black sesame shake, as well as two other items to share:
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"Nut-filled glutinous rice dumplings," which are small mochi balls filled with sweetened black sesame paste, rolled in coconut shreds and chopped peanuts…
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…and from the "Special Dim Sum" menu, these taro dumplings. Which turned out to be wholly unlike what I had envisioned. Actually, they were unlike anything I had envisioned ever, unless you include the egg sacs of aliens. I mean seriously. Do they not look like pods for some kind of freaky spawn?
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After poking at the trio with my spoon (they didn't start moving), I hefted one onto my plate and cut the damn thing open. Out oozed its sweet, pasty guts. I bravely popped a piece into my mouth and chewed. And it was…well, it was okay. I wasn't eating unformed alien offspring, but the tapioca skin was completely without taste and the taro filling wasn't sweet enough to balance it out. And after I watched SYB slurp one into his mouth whole, leaving a sticky coating of tapioca goo across his lips, I was just done, completely and without question, for the night.
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On the way out I spotted this sign taped above the beverage listings, which amused me. Though you serve me alien dumplings, I will always love you Chinatown.

2 comments:

  1. I think the food was more fun than tasty at XO.

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  2. Thanks for the love! Every time I look at your blog I get hungry- go figure. Well, expect for the tapioca coated dumplings... those just scare me...

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