Chin's

Chin's, a recognized restaurant to this area, brings back memories from days
when Chinese food was an adventure. Food is so much more advanced now
with sushi and fusion cuisine all the rage. Chin's is a big step up from the hole
in the wall places that dish out bland plates of noodles and stir fry, but it isn't
trendy either. It's one of those places that people grow old with, relying on it
for their favorites.

The ambiance has a comfortable formality with tables draped in white and
waiters distinguishing themselves with proper attire. Dim lighting makes it
easier to forget the day, for a while. It's time to dine.

Two visits isn't nearly enough time to tackle the menu, but it doesn't take long
to find some great flavors. The Pu Pu Platter ($13.50) offers some of my
favorites with a sampling of six of their appetizers. The Paper Wrapped
Chicken ($6.50) was one of the best with a generous chunk of chicken
wrapped with it's marinade and green onion in foil before deep frying. The
Teriyaki Beef Stick ($6.50) was very tender and flavorful, and the Golden Fried
Shrimps ($8.50) came eight to an order with the shrimp butterflied before
donning it's thin crispy coating. These are addicting dipped in Chinese
mustard. The homemade chili sauce that accommodated the Pot Stickers
($7.50) nearly drove me to tears, literally. Though it was incredibly spicy it
had a fantastic flavor that I couldn't get enough of and dipped everything in.
My nose was a faucet by the end of the meal.

Their most expensive entree on the menu, the Surprise Lettuce Delight
($16.95) is assembled table side with minced chicken, shrimp, mushroom and
water chestnuts topped with a plum sauce which is eaten like a taco from
iceberg lettuce cups. This makes a great appetizer for four to share or a meal
in itself for one person. The Szechwan Hot Braised Delight ($16.95) combines
shrimp and sliced chicken breast in a sweet and sour tomato chili sauce. I
wasn't so sure about the sauce, but the chicken was so tender I couldn't stop
eating it. Our waiter's favorite, the Shrimp with Honey Walnuts ($14.95) was
one we enjoyed on both trips, with a generous plate of shrimps coated in a
creamy honey sauce and scattered with crispy baked sugared walnuts.

Equally pleasing was the staff. The hostess welcomed us the minute we
stepped in and the waiter was equally friendly and patient to answer any
questions. It's restaurants like this that deserve to be in business.

Located at 445 N. Escondido Blvd. In Escondido.

Telephone (760) 480-4115

Website: www.visitchins.com <http://www.visitchins.com>

Other locations in Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside, Scripps Ranch, Rancho
Bernardo, Vista, Miramar, San Marcos, and Hawaii.