United States of Chinese Food: Your Favorites in SF, LA, Miami, and DC
Writing a cookbook that involves historical research is no easy task. Here at the Appetite for China headquarters in Brooklyn, I've been recipe-testing like crazy for the past few months while devoting countless hours to library research. My grocery receipts are too scary to add up. The to-be-read stack of books by my bed about 2 feet high. But in the spring I'll finally get to take a "break" and head out of town to dig deeper into Chinese food across the US.
So far I'm planning on these following cities, for both day trips and lengthier stays. Please let me know if you have recommendations for not-to-be-missed Chinese restaurants, bakeries, and other food-related desintations. Bonus points for restaurants with a lot of history, regional Chinese food specialties, and anything else unique! I have a short list of places in mind already, but could always use more recommendations from locals.
San Francisco - San Francisco was my home for the better part of a year, but I still feel like there is a lot more to explore, especially in Oakland, Millbrae, and Cupertino. And judging by your responses to my post on being disappointed with the Chinese food in San Francisco, there are also plenty of places within city limits that I should try.
Los Angeles - I've visited LA countless times, but usually end up binging on the excellent Mexican and Thai food that is harder to find on the East Coast. This trip will be 100% Chinese food, so send me all your favorite spots! I plan to start off in LA's Chinatown for historical purposes, then venture out to San Gabriel Valley.
Miami - Miami has been on my to-go list for a long time, mainly because of the Cuban-Chinese and Peruvian-Chinese food. Recommendations for non-hybrid restaurants also welcomed!
Washington DC - I'll be down in DC for a day trip for research at one of the Smithsonian museums. Any special spots to visit in the nation's capital?
What are some of your suggestions for other great Chinese restaurants around the US with historical or regional significance?
___________________________
Related posts:
A Globetrotter's Guide to Unusual Chinese Restaurants
When Chinese Food was Glamorous in America