I was bored this weekend and though of what it would be like to work for the exponent. If I did work for the exponent I would be a food critic. Its not that I have taken a fancy cooking course or am planning to be a chef, I just grew up around food. Both of my parents cook extensively and a few things have rubbed of on me. They have broadened my horizon in food with the ever-present saying, “Don’t knock it till you try it.” So here is my first restaurant critic.
Oishi
13 East State Street, West Lafayette, IN
(765) 743-3838
Oishi has the best Asian food I have had since arriving on campus. We have all heard of the mythical second menu at Asian restaurants, only known to those who can speak fluent Mandarin. If there is such a thing, then that is Oishi’s menu. While coming to campus I have explored some of the different ethnic inspired restaurants. This is one of the few places that stay as true as it can to that of its homeland. Although it has more exotic food (to some) like a very traditional duck while other more Americanized dishes like Orange Chicken are there to not scare of some of the lest broadened places. My dad always said, “The best Chinese food is were the Asians go.” This is the place, I being the only non- Asian at the time. The only complaint I have is the wait. On like most restaurants around the campus this is a sit down meal that you have to wait longer then 20 minutes for. When I did get my food it was defiantly worth the wait.
I heard about Oishi several times. Many sophomores and juniors told me Oishi has the best Chinese food around the campus. But I didn't go and have a try. I saw the menu. It definitely contains many traditional Chinese foods, but to be honest, it's really expensive compared with the price in China. It's common that customers need to wait patiently for Chinese food. We (me and my friends) always cook by ourselves on weekend. It will take us over 3 hours (including the preparing time) to make a big dinner. Sometimes in order to make the meat tasted well, we have to put the meat in the condiment for 24 hours. I think it's the same with cooking steak. I'm sure it worth the time. Talking about Roast Duck, I couldn't stop thinking about it. It's my favorite food! And we can't make it by ourselves. I'd like to go to Oishi some time. It must be a great dinner. (ENGL 106)
ReplyDeleteI love that you chose to critique an Asian restaurant. When I moved to Indiana, I thought that all the Asian restaurants would be super Americanized. When I say Americanized, there’s a certain taste that makes the dish of liking to American taste, it’s different than authentic Asian food. Anyway, I am glad that you did find a good Asian restaurant and I will have to try it out sometime. Coming from Chicago, it’s been pretty difficult for me to find a good restaurant that is not a chain restaurant. I’m not saying the food here is horrible, it’s just not what I am used to. I definitely like to change up what I eat a lot and get a taste of many dishes. What about the taste did you like though? I also like how you mentioned that “the best Asian food is where the Asians go” and then stated that you are not Asian. Many people are reluctant to try Asian food and I liked your review! ENGL 106
ReplyDeleteTrue it is very expensive. That is one of the cons to it. Although some of larger and more exotic dishes can be more expensive, some of the more Americanized dishes are cheaper. What I liked about the taste was especially the change from the Chinese food I have had mostly around here. Instead of being drowned in the source, my meal mostly focuses on the meat and let the natural flavor shine through. It was mostly a spiced crust with only a bare amount of sauce that I especially liked. I know what you mean coming from a major city, since I come from Houston. My family always looked for the most traditional and authentic places they could find. So it was definitely a change when I came here and I am especially glad I found this place. I liked doing and next week I am going to try another place. (ENGL 106)
ReplyDeleteI have read and heard that Lafayette and West Lafayette were ranked very highly for college towns that have the best on and off campus food. I have not been to too many restaurants or local places to eat. But I live in Harrison Hall and I have been to the Chinese Dragon at Purdue West a few times. The food there is really amazing and satisfying. On Sundays, they offer a buffet for around $9.50. I know this may be a little pricy, but the food from this buffet is much better than most Chinese buffets I have ever been to. The Chinese Dragon restaurant is pricy and the wait time for items from the menu can take some time, but when you do get your food the wait is definitely worth your while. Also, this place is not for those who are health conscious with their food, because this place (and almost every Chinese restaurant) serves very greasy food. (ENGL 106)
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