"Sichuanese Cuisine is a classic at the corner of 12th and Jackson in the Chinatown-International District. (There’s another location in Redmond.) It’s reminiscent of the “fly restaurants” in Chengdu, a family-run place that’s short on atmosphere but attracts diners (like flies) with generous portions, decent value, and delicious flavor. A popular way to start is an order or two of steamed or fried dumplings (there are 20 to the portion); you might see staff members seated at a table filling and crimping them. Check out the chewy bean thread noodles with clinging pieces of pork that give the dish “ants on the tree” its name. “Pepper” (aka Chongqing) chicken and the blistered green beans are also frequent orders. Another option: their all-you-can-eat Sichuan-style hot pots." - Jay Friedman
