A Bun Dance. Ax?

13 December 2023, 09:22 PM

Steve Miller

A Bun Dance. Ax?

Tried a new Chinese restaurant tonight called A Bun Dance Culinary. Kim raved about the place but it might be the strangest food I’ve ever eaten.

Here’s a story about the owners.

I like Asian food and have eaten many kinds but I could not identify the flavors in anything we had. Maybe cilantro and pepper but that’s it. Very strange - and with a strange aftertaste as well, to the point the water started tasting funny. I won’t say I didn’t like it but if I go back I’ll definitely try different dishes.

The chef came over and talked to us and she was very nice. Told us she blends flavors from all over China. I wanted to like it but I think it might take some training to get used to it. Sharon’s not going near the place any time soon.

Ax, do you have any idea what they’re doing in that kitchen?

13 December 2023, 10:14 PM

RealPlayer

I discovered a Chinese place out here that also offers unusual spices and flavors that I can’t identify. And I love it! I am sure such places are easy to find in hip Brooklyn and Manhattan, but it’s nice to find it out here.

We also have two large Asian markets and Indian, middle Eastern and Eastern European markets and restaurants. That’s a recent development.

The dominant food here is Italian. And it’s good; almost all are independent small places, and residents don’t tolerate the chains like Carrabba’s or Domino’s.

--------------------------------
“It's hard to win an argument with a smart person. It's damn near impossible to win an argument with a stupid person." -- Bill Murray

13 December 2023, 10:31 PM

Piano*Dad

quote:
nd with a strange aftertaste as well, to the point the water started tasting funny.

Interesting.

I wonder if that is the effect of cooking with szechwan peppercorn. I've had similar dishes that affected taste and made even water taste funny afterward.

14 December 2023, 06:43 AM

Axtremus

quote:
Originally posted by Steve Miller:

Ax, do you have any idea what they’re doing in that kitchen?

No idea, but fully support your decision to try something different or not go back. Taste is subjective after all. No matter how interesting the background story, if you don’t like it, you don’t like it.

14 December 2023, 07:42 AM

Mikhailoh

Yes, that sounds like Mala spice. It can be disconcerting. Steve, did you by any chance feel a bit of numbness in your tongue?

14 December 2023, 11:31 AM

Steve Miller

(Peppercorns)

Yes, that’s it. We have some of those peppercorns in the cupboard and I tasted one.

Crazy thing is I woke up this morning craving the leftovers!

14 December 2023, 11:33 AM

Steve Miller

(Numbness)

Yes - or maybe a tingle.

14 December 2023, 11:36 AM

Doug

I was expecting, and hoping, to find a video of the dance Steve does when he has his hair in a bun, but am sorely disappointed.

14 December 2023, 12:02 PM

CHAS

I was hoping for a uh... nevermind

14 December 2023, 12:39 PM

Steve Miller

Mala! That’s it!

Even served in a pool of chili oil!

14 December 2023, 02:02 PM

RealPlayer

Yep, the place I mentioned was mala too. Intriguing flavors!

I put Szechuan peppers in my stir fry sometimes.

--------------------------------
“It's hard to win an argument with a smart person. It's damn near impossible to win an argument with a stupid person." -- Bill Murray

14 December 2023, 02:34 PM

CHAS

Tucson has Asian restaurants. Have not found a
really good one yet.

14 December 2023, 03:53 PM

Steve Miller

I asked my friend in Tucson for recommendations. His tastes run to fast food and he recommends Yoshinoya. I recommend it too - they had them in CA and the flavor is unmatched. SK says they have them in Japan and Mr. SK likes the food. Try the table seasoning.

For something more upscale, he and both his kids recommend Takamatsu. www.takamatsu.net

Trendy and downtown he suggests OBON. www.obonsushi.com. Ron's not big on trendy/downtown/parking structures/etc. (he's a very practical retired engineer) but he ends up there for birthdays and such and everyone likes it.

14 December 2023, 06:43 PM

CHAS

Thank you, Steve.
Looking for dinner downtown on the 23rd. We are going to hear Squirrel Nut Zippers. Not sure why.
OBON is on the other end of downtown, but putting it on my list.
Checking out the other two.
Found Ja Ramen close to the music venue. Will try tthat.