Ever since we got back from Hong Kong & Shanghai last fall, we've been lamenting the fact that in Portland it is virtually impossible to get those same satisfying flavors we experienced there. There's no shortage of Chinese restos here, and in my trips to the Asian markets seemingly no lack of authentic ingredients. So what is it? I have no idea...commitment, passion...who knows. So it was with some excitement but not much hope that I ventured into Yummy Yummy Restaurant last week for lunch. I had noticed Yummy Yummy sitting across 82nd Av. from the Fubonn Asian shopping center (2745 SE 82nd, between Division and Powell), and if nothing else I thought the name was pretty charming. Hopefully a prophecy.
They've been open for about seven months, and like most Asian restaurants it has that overlit, bright, shiny feel. Plus the obligatory flat screen running Asian/Chinese TV nonstop (which I have to say I am kind of hooked on after our trip over the holidays to Houston, where w's parents also have it running nonstop. I don't have any idea what they are saying, but in an odd way it is an addictive eye candy). Anyway, I sat down and was handed the lunch menu of specials, plus their full menu of choices, which numbers well over a hundred. I like variety but I always wonder "How can they possibly do so many things well?" I ended up ordering Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce, their crisp fried chicken wings, and shredded pork chow mein noodles. Now usually when you order at most Asian joints the food arrives seeming within seconds of the server turning in your order. What was different about YY was that my food didn't come slamming out of the kitchen. The broccoli came first about 10 minutes
after my order went in, which leads me to believe they don't hold too much food on the hot line and things are made to order. From the freshness of the broccoli, which was perfectly cooked if a bit over-sauced, I'm guessing that would be the case. Same goes for the chicken wings, which were crunchy tender, served with a sprinkling of sesame seed, and I added a dab to Sriracha sauce to amp them up. The chow mein noodles were outstanding! This is what I'd been craving. They reminded me of what I'd been eating off the streets in Shanghai. Thin rice noodles freshly stir fried with veggies and pieces of tender pork. Really, really good, and of course enough for two people. Lunch was $21 with plenty of leftovers, and I couldn't wait to get home and share the news with w because this was as close to what I had been loving about the food in China as I've ever had here. Most auspicious, and it was time to make plans to get back for dinner, with more appetites along so we could take the true measure of the menu.
Ever since we got back from Hong Kong & Shanghai last fall, we've been lamenting the fact that in Portland it is virtually impossible to get those same satisfying flavors we experienced there. There's no shortage of Chinese restos here, and in my trips to the Asian markets seemingly no lack of authentic ingredients. So what is it? I have no idea...commitment, passion...who knows. So it was with some excitement but not much hope that I ventured into Yummy Yummy Restaurant last week for lunch. I had noticed Yummy Yummy sitting across 82nd Av. from the Fubonn Asian shopping center (2745 SE 82nd, between Division and Powell), and if nothing else I thought the name was pretty charming. Hopefully a prophecy.
They've been open for about seven months, and like most Asian restaurants it has that overlit, bright, shiny feel. Plus the obligatory flat screen running Asian/Chinese TV nonstop (which I have to say I am kind of hooked on after our trip over the holidays to Houston, where w's parents also have it running nonstop. I don't have any idea what they are saying, but in an odd way it is an addictive eye candy). Anyway, I sat down and was handed the lunch menu of specials, plus their full menu of choices, which numbers well over a hundred. I like variety but I always wonder "How can they possibly do so many things well?" I ended up ordering Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce, their crisp fried chicken wings, and shredded pork chow mein noodles. Now usually when you order at most Asian joints the food arrives seeming within seconds of the server turning in your order. What was different about YY was that my food didn't come slamming out of the kitchen. The broccoli came first about 10 minutes 
after my order went in, which leads me to believe they don't hold too much food on the hot line and things are made to order. From the freshness of the broccoli, which was perfectly cooked if a bit over-sauced, I'm guessing that would be the case. Same goes for the chicken wings, which were crunchy tender, served with a sprinkling of sesame seed, and I added a dab to Sriracha sauce to amp them up. The chow mein noodles were outstanding! This is what I'd been craving. They reminded me of what I'd been eating off the streets in Shanghai. Thin rice noodles freshly stir fried with veggies and pieces of tender pork. Really, really good, and of course enough for two people. Lunch was $21 with plenty of leftovers, and I couldn't wait to get home and share the news with w because this was as close to what I had been loving about the food in China as I've ever had here. Most auspicious, and it was time to make plans to get back for dinner, with more appetites along so we could take the true measure of the menu.
6 comments:
Yummy Yummy, Om, or Powell's Seafood, if one had to choose? You've got me excited to jump back into the Chinese food fray....
dds...after Om last night, mos' def on Yummy Yummy. I still need to try their pork belly which word has has a nice crackly skin on it when they get it right. I'll be there next week. Plans perhaps?
Good thing you gave this restaurant a good review because the name would have turned me away. Now I'm curious!
dp....that's what kept me away for a bit too. What's up with these names. I think they must be weird translations or something, that have more meaning in Chinese. Or maybe not....
Yummy Yummy's Chinese name is completely different from its English name. A literal translation of the Chinese name means "connoisseur of food", which they probably think would sound too tacky in English. However, it has much meaning in Chinese.
Thanks Vanessa....I was wondering how they came up with the name. Although Yummy Yummy isn't exactly a high clas name....although it is cute!
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