When I was in the Associate's degree program at the Culinary Institute of America we did not have a spring break; just a spring weekend. Now that I am in the bachelor's program we actually get the chance to have a real spring break. Instead of going somewhere exotic or warm I decided to go back home to Maine, mostly for the amazing food I have been craving for the last semester.
One of the first places I had to go to was Empire Chinese Kitchen. This is one of my favorite places to go in downtown Portland. The menu features authentic Chinese food with the highest quality ingredients. They specialize in Dim Sum but the other larger plates on the menu are fabulous.
One of the first places I had to go to was Empire Chinese Kitchen. This is one of my favorite places to go in downtown Portland. The menu features authentic Chinese food with the highest quality ingredients. They specialize in Dim Sum but the other larger plates on the menu are fabulous.
I ordered the pork/Shrimp/Water Chestnuts pan fried dumplings. They were cooked to perfection. The filling was moist and flavorful. My family also ordered the Szechuan Ramen Bowl that had beef, bok choy, and spicy szechuan garlic black bean paste, along with the teriyaki chicken, and the beef and broad noodle plates. The Honey Walnut Shrimp appetizer that we ordered was sheer perfection. The local shrimp was breaded with panko breadcrumbs, candied walnuts, and served with a citrus Japanese mayo. The shrimp was fried perfectly and the breading made the dish.
Empire Chinese Kitchen is my go-to restaurant for Chinese cuisine. They feature great specials everyday along with great drink specials that are unique in their own ways like featuring lemon grass or shiso leaves in their drinks.
bon appétit!
Melanie
Empire Chinese Kitchen
575 Congress St.
Portland, ME
http://portlandempire.com/kitchen/
Empire Chinese Kitchen is my go-to restaurant for Chinese cuisine. They feature great specials everyday along with great drink specials that are unique in their own ways like featuring lemon grass or shiso leaves in their drinks.
bon appétit!
Melanie
Empire Chinese Kitchen
575 Congress St.
Portland, ME
http://portlandempire.com/kitchen/