Chef M.
Yelp
We went to 24 Suns, Oceanside for their Lunar New Year/Spring Festival Menu.
First let me say this: because of its location I am not expecting anything spectacular or special except for the fact that the chefs (and I believe the Master sommelier) all have Michelin star background.
I don't expect to love love love the black plates, the black silverware, and the gold and golden yellow plates that's soon come, to enhance the meal.
I don't expect little marshmallows that I have, placed in a bowl to have hot water run over them and have them pop up for me to clean my hands, following the duck. If I have one word for this place it is: Unexpected.
So now that you know what a good choice this is, let's start the review.
Our first course is the Birds Nest. "The swordfish is smoky" says Andrew. Stacy adds: "it's got salmon roe and something very creamy". Ana says: "Nice texture". "So light ... lighter that vermicelli" adds Stacy.
Brown Butter Fried Chicken - Stacy says: "It's like a Chinese Orange. Ingredients include ruby red and pro blanco grapefruit. I don't even like grapefruit, but I like this dish!'
Ana says: "And the wonders of the Sweetbreads". "The Sweetbreads are incredible" I add. "It's like a Sweet and Sour Something ... and I don't want to know what that is". We all laugh as Stacy says: "It's a creamy thymus gland".
Shrimp Robechon (wonderfully honoring Michel Star Chef Joel Robuchon that I had the pleasure of dining at, in Paris) with pickled gogi berries, dots of the house made hot mustard, Thai basil, wrapped in a spring roll wrapper. "It is crispy and very creative" Stacy says. I add: "As someone who was vegan for some time, it's hard for me to eat anything with a face on it, but I will say I thoroughly enjoyed this dish".
Wok'd Local Greens - (I noticed their source is Chino Farms), are so flavorful. Created with preserved gooseberries. Again, the word I use is unexpected. And just like Paul Bocuse, who surprises his guest with unexpected ingredients at the bottom of a bowl, this is an idea in the making. How many dishes do we make at home that we can add preserves to as an unexpected flavor? Great going Chefs!
Sinton & Sons Beef Shank Yi Mein is one 14 ft noodle with caramelized onion
The 14 ft Noodle and beef shank with a slight kick of horseradish, is just ah-mazing. We all say so!
We order their Fujian Half Duck, which includes duck served 3 ways -
- A fermented honey glazed duck leg
- A Half duck breast braised in ginger juice, which is what we think they call their fujian dressing, apples and chicories
- Duck Jus from duck fat and skin served on mashed sunchoke
Hey! Can you get more creative than that? And if that's not enough, there's a side of crunchy bits. So delish!
Ana says: "The duck is delicious" and I agree. It's not only about the flavor but the beautiful presentation.
"The Duck and the Sweetbreads are my favorite" says Ana. "The Chicories really is a soft bitter that offsets the fat of the duck", I notice. Andrew says: "The Sweetbreads I did not want to like, but I loved it". And we have everyone at the table agreeing.
My comment is: "Everything is cooked so amazingly well".
2nd poll: The Sweetbreads are #1, the Duck and Shrimp run a close second, the 14 foot noodle, the third.
Stacy says: "Most restaurants want to Americanize Chinese Food, but these are regional dishes from China". Stacy notices: "There's a lot of words we did not know on the menu".
From their offerings, to their plating/presentation, to the knowledge and excitement of the staff .... Our members describe it this way: Ana says: "It's like a foundation that all works together start to finish". Stacy adds: "We can call the end of the meal a crescendo". Andrew says: "People get scared of different, and this is different, but it's really flavorful".
We are full but we have to try their desserts. While I will say we only did 'tastings' I also must admit, we will play it 100% healthy, another day.
How can you NOT like if not love (and when is the last time you heard a restaurant do) a Black Sesame Budino (butterscotch pudding, chocolate ganache and cream)? And I'm not going to even talk about a Ginger Ice Cream that comes out on a star!
I have only 4 words for you: We will be back! Two more words for the Chefs: Thank you.