Grand Sichuan in Chelsea

[1987porsche944]

I might be going here for dinner tonight. Any recommendations/specialties that I must try my first time there?

Thanks!

[danoots]

another vote for the chong qing spicy and aromatic chicken, but it's a pretty hot dish, so be prepared. Photo evidence:
http://flickr.com/photos/danoots/1716...

[spchang]

Although I haven't ordered it at the Chelsea branch, double cooked pork is often very good at the other branches. If they ask you if you want the fatty or lean pork, ask for the fatty.

[millefeuille]

gui zhou chicken is really delicious
dan dan noodles
agree about the sichuan wontons in red oil
ma po tofu
cooking pork

[Mickey Blue]

You *MUST* get the Hunan Beef. Its OUT OF THIS WORLD!
Also get the Wonton in hot oil and the Garlic flavored shrimp.

Be careful not to order random dishes off their menu....most of their dishes are a little too "exotic" for our American tongue...lol.

[eve]

Hot and Sour soup is the best.

[Pan]

It's good, but I believe I remember it being a bit sweet.

I posted a list of recommendations in the following thread:

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/...

I will copy and paste them here, although they are presumably too late for you to use this time:

At Grand Sichuan, stick to Sichuan and Hunan food only - no American-Chinese, Cantonese, of Shanghainese. I live in the East Village and go to the St. Marks location more often, nowadays, but I recommend the following (taken off the Grand Sichuan Int'l Chelsea menu at menupages.com):

45. Sichuan Wonton W. Red Oil
46. Sichuan Cold Noodle
47. Dan Dan Noodle W. Chili Sauce
48. Ox Tongue, Tripe W. Hot & Pepper Sauce
50. Five Spiced Beef
52. Beef W. Hot & Wild Pepper Sauce
53. Beef Tendon W. Hot & Pepper Sauce

Hmmm...Is the Cucumber with Scallion Sauce cold dish now "Cucumber with Garlic"? I've always liked the cold cucumber at this location as well as the Midtown and St. Marks locations.

Continuing...

68. Kung Bao Chicken (on their American Chinese menu but a genuine Sichuan-style dish - even better with "Not Long Refrigerated" chicken
)109. Braised Whole Fish W. Hot Bean Sauce
111. Braised Whole Fish W. Scallion
113. Smoked Tea Duck
118. House Bean Curd W. Spicy Sauce and Minced Pork (I believe this is the English name they're giving for Mapo Dofu, unless that was 164. Bean Curd Family Style)
123. Aui Zhou Spicy Chicken
124. Crispy Quail
145. Cellophane Noodle W. Minced Pork
159. Sauteed and Dry String Beans W. Minced Pork
171. Sauteed Duck & Bitter Melon
174. Sour String Beans W. Minced Pork (I had this a few months ago, and it was a knockout!)
175. Spicy and Sour Squid (another favorite)

Don't get lunch specials, but do consider dishes from special menus like the Prodigal Daughter's menu (like the excellent spinach and ginger dish) and seasonal specials for Chinese New Year.