"Three classically-trained chefs in a thumbprint-size space turning out some of the best Sichuan takeout this side of San Francisco’s Dragon Gate? You betcha. Together with Ryan Corbin, brothers Michael and Patrick Evans — who worked for many years in esteemed kitchens in the other City by the Bay — opened Crocodile Palace in 2023 and have been flooded with online orders from chef-types ever since. Friends on the West Coast ship this trio specialty ingredients such as dried scallop and true Sichuan peppercorns. Don’t miss the mapo tofu, which includes Michigan-made tofu, fermented black beans, and Sichuan chile oil. Online ordering is available." - Stacey Brugeman