"Chengdu Memory is a small, low-key spot—perfect for a casual lunch trip. As one of the few hot pot places in town that isn’t a massive chain, you’ll have an actual server (not an iPad) who will suggest their favorite toppings, keep a close eye on your pot temperature, and gently shield your belongings in a seat cover to avoid any soup spray. While the glistening spicy beef oil and Szechuan peppercorn-packed broth here is rich (and really freaking spicy), we often reach for the cloudy herbal broth with pork stomach. The lamb is far too chewy, but the fishballs bursting with roe stay flavorful and soft no matter how long they hang out in the pot. " - gabe guarente, aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley
