Josh W.
Yelp
I'm grading on a food court curve, which discounts environment and emphasizes value (and taste, as always).
Now, I've only had hot pot once before and that was in a sit down restaurant, years ago, but I felt like trying something new(ish) today, and turned to Yelp for recommendations of places open at 10 AM. Chong Qing Hot Pot had reliably high reviews. Something like 350 of them, an average of 4.5, and best of all, walking distance. So I slipped into my Birkenstocks and made my way.
I had decided to have a hot pot of some kind before I arrived, and only a few things were technically under the "hot pot" label on the menu. I've always been partial to lamb. Mild spice, because as much as I like the real thing, my stomach disagrees. It took probably 15 minutes for my order to arrive, but it was apparent that the lamb had been cooked in the broth, as it should be.
The presentation is real - a metal bowl with a fire lit under it to keep it warm. So much food, too. Way too much for a single person. For $13.25 in an era where everything seems too expensive. I also ordered a Mexican Coke, because why not?
The broth was very tasty, with lamb, bok choi, zucchini, carrots, translucent rice noodles, and tofu. I was given a bowl of white rice on the side. Granted, styrofoam bowls, plastic spoon, but it's a food court/takeout place.
My only regret is that I now have to walk home with quite a lot of leftovers.
I wouldn't say the food is transcendent or anything, but it's good, it's cheap, and food court takeout doesn't really get better than that. Hot Pot doesn't seem like a to go food, but I'll definitely be bringing this with me.