Chengdu 23: Wayne, NJ
October 14, 2011
Two nights ago we drove to five, that's five, restaurants in Bergen county, looking for a place to get a quick bite at the bar. We hit our usual suspects (Park West Tavern in Ridgewood, Ho-ho-kus Inn, Nellie's, Varka, and even took a peek into Savini), but all were either packed (on a Tuesday night...what recession?) or their bars were filled with tooth-challenged (Nellie's) or otherwise unpleasent individuals. The mission was a disaster, and we just threw up our arms and headed home and made some ghetto burgers with store-bought (sssshhhhhh, mum's the word) ground beef.
On the way home, while contemplating the state of dining in this North Jersey area, I turned to the missus and said "You know, the only place that we ever go, where we are guaranteed to have a great time, where the food is always amazing, where the people and the customers are pleasant?" She knew the answer before I finished my tirade: Chendgu freakin' 23 in Wayne.
I've had countless meals here, introduced friends, coworkers, and family to its love, and not a single one has anything remotely negative to say about it. In fact, the place gets raves on top of raves from everyone I've sent there. My people can't wait to go back. It's not uncommon to hear "man, I haven't had the Du in too long. Let's make a plan." A better plan cannot be made. Of this you are assured.
I haven't mentioned this place in a few years, and I figured I owe it to them, and to you, to post a reminder: GO TO CHENDGU 23.
I've got very little to say other than that, and frankly that should be enough. But in case it's not, and you like pictures more than words, here are some of the dishes I've been shoveling into my fat face, with great joy (descriptions are from memory and may or may not be accurate)...
Continue reading "Chengdu 23: Wayne, NJ" »