I think it's fairly logical assumption to assume that, by now, after looking at this blog you know that I like food. So with that out of the way, we now come to yet another food-centric post. Today's "Restaurant Showcase" is Saint's Alp Teahouse! Saint's Alp is located directly across the street from China Place, the main "promenade" of Chinatown. The bright orange awning makes it hard to miss, and you're not going to want to (miss it, that is). Saint's Alp is a chain and, I know, usually I am not a fan of large chains (except Portillo's. Don't you dare knock Portillo's.), except this chain is straight from Hong Kong, and their Chicago location is one of only two places in the US. The only chain-y thing about this place is that the service is a little lacking. Well, more than a little. But it's worth it. Because this place is international (namely, from China) it's pretty safe to say that they know Chinese food (and other Asian cuisine as well). In a place like Chinatown, it's hard to gauge what's "authentic" and what's been Americanized. If you go to one of the more up-scale places, it's really hard to figure it out. Especially for a guy like me, who has no Asian heritage to speak of, and my only encounter with 100% real Asian food has been my friend Rei's homemade omurice, a food staple in Japan, or so I'm told. But I digress.
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| Service might be hit-or-miss, but the food makes up for it. |
Let me tell you something about this place. It's not expensive by any means, but for a college student's budget, it might be a bit out of your price range. Not to fear! Their rice bowls, my favorite things at this place, are only five bucks, and they are delicious! The minced pork rice bowl comes with, well, what you would normally expect in a minced pork rice bowl, namely, rice and minced pork. But it also has one of my all-time favorite rice dish garnishes: a marinated soft-boiled egg. Holy cow. Those things are amazing. It's been marinated in soy sauce, mirin, and sake, and combined with the rice it's something to behold (or rather, be tasted).
If I have one issue with this place, it's the service. Depending on when you go, what time, etc., you might have to deal with some less-than-stellar service. You'll get seated quickly, but that's where you might run into trouble. Food takes a while, and you might be waiting a while to get your check. However! I do love this food so, and it's worth checking out.
