"Mr. Chow, named after restaurateur Michael Chow who now goes by artist M, helped usher in a new era of Chinese fine dining in Los Angeles with its debut in 1974. Immortalized in celebrity rags and even a Steely Dan tune, this throwback dining experience has plenty of naysayers for its high prices. But Chow set out to redefine what American Chinese food could be — a departure from the more casual fare passed down from immigrants and instead inspired by upscale preparations in pre-revolution China. The Beijing duck, served tableside, would impress any fan of Chinese food, but the dumplings, noodles, and stir-fry all taste terrific. Just make sure either the corporate card has plenty of leeway or someone who doesn’t mind a splurge is picking up the tab." - Matthew Kang
