Chinese restaurants

Here is an excerpt from Craig LaBan's online chat:

Reader: I'm loving the most recent addition to UCity's Chinese restaurants. Chengdu Famous Foods. I was amused listening to a walk- in order: "Can I have beef with garlic sauce?" Only pork is listed on the menu, and it is a classic Sichuan dish. Restaurant staff: "Sorry, we can't do that." I was happy with their response.

Craig LaBan: Thanks for the heads-up. University City has been getting a lot of authentic-ish Chinese food of late, due in large part to the big (and growing) population of international students. They're the same ones responsible for jump-starting the Shanghai/Sichuan/Taiwanese trends in our Chinatown. I've been to Dim Sum House, which seemed fun, but a little sweet around the edges. Chengdu looks to be promising.

Reader: Yeah, University City has suddenly become a very interesting spot for Chinese food. It's actually strange that it's taken so long. In addition to Chengdu Famous Foods and Dim Sum House, there's a new outpost of Xi'an Sizzling Woks. Chili Szechuan. And of course, Han Dynasty and Sang Kee, are all solid spots. And I just stumbled across Shanghai Station, at 40th and Spruce, where I had some of the best Xiao Long Bao in the city. (Yep, I said it.)

C.L.: OK! From a certified soup dumpling junkie, I will take that recommendation as legit. Also, I saw Xi'an opened in U. City, but haven't been yet. I'm totally infatuated with their lamb and ripped pita soup, it's one of my go-to winter comfort bowls. Also the cuminy grilled lamb skewers and the "big plate" chicken in chile gravy with potatoes. University City in general is finally starting to pick up in terms of restaurant energy. Hearing good early buzz on the Walnut Street Cafe in the FMC Center (Cira South), and Co/Op, an ambitious New American restaurant in the stylish new Study hotel, is also worth consideration.

Reader: Jezebel's just opened an empanada shop on 45th, near Manakeesh ...

C.L.: Good call. I like Jezebel's original place on Pine Street near Taney Park (aka Schuylkill Park), formerly known as Gavin's, where the empanadas - and especially the alfajores cookies stuffed with dulce de leche - were a favorite snack after my son's baseball practice. Interested to see how it thrives in West Philly. Have to stop for a hot gourd of mate tea. Then head next door to Manakeesh for a care package of baklava to go!

Reader: If that roasted fish place is like the trends in China, it would be a whole roasted fish on bed of chilies and veggies, very interesting!

C.L.: Whole fish is always the best. The bones give it so much flavor, though few Westerners (who don't either fish or work in a pro kitchen) have any idea how to fillet them. Also, there's a jewel of meat hiding behind the flap on each of the fish's cheeks that needs to be savored. Looking forward!

Reader: Went to Uncle B's BBQ in Phoenixville. Definitely worth the trip. Excellent Alabama white sauce, not a typical offering in our area. Owner is from Bama, I believe.

C.L.: I remember when he was a parking lot pop-up, so this spot is definitely a step-up - even if it's so small, it's still largely take-out, too. I'm still not on the 'Bama white BBQ sauce train yet. But I'm getting there, and Uncle B's is a good place to start.