Cincinnati: Szechwan Wok is closing

[johnbycz]

The Szechuan Wok in Silverton is my favorite Chinese restaurant in Cincinnati, and we learned when we ate there on Friday that it's closing for good around Nov. 13. The owner and the chef are both retiring. The owner has sold the building and doesn't know what the new owner will do.

This is sad. The Wok was old-fashioned Chinese done right. It had a real cook in the kitchen, and no buffet. It was the first Chinese restaurant ever to offer me my choice of heat, and their hot really was hot. Love the yu-shaing pork. We've been eating there for 20 years and we're going to miss it terribly.

[c_lando]

We just found out about the Szechuan Wok closing during our recent trip back to Cinti. Some friends who live in Pleasant Ridge introduced us to this great restaurant and it quickly became a "must do" for our trips to OH. I wish the owners every happiness in their retirement.

[cegirand]

We are an old friends and fans from the Szechwan Wok. We will deeply miss the people and the BEST Chinese food ever. They catered our Wedding. Everyone enjoyed the food. Does anyone know how to get in touch with Jamie, Leon, or Ping?

[statuskuo75]

Ping is my father and he loved cooking for every and all people of Cincinnati. Many times, he had an opportunity to leave to warmer, sunnier skies. But he stayed as he loved bringing the flavor of the east to Americans. He loved the city of Cincinnati, and he was absolutely flattened when he was the cover boy of Cincinnati Magazine. Thank you for every single positive review. You have no idea, since most people who come to websites to complain horribly. In his retirement, pops still has a taste for cooking. Unfortunately, he was never able to completely introduce true Szechuan cuisine to Americans. This would seriously cause some gastrointestinal issues, for which he would feel responsible for. On behalf of my pop, THANK YOU CINCINNATI. I went back last year to see the shell of a building I grew up in. Many memories. A LOT of history.

As my personal review, I now live in Los Angeles. I have YET to find a more amazing bowl of hot and sour soup. If you tried it, I know you know what I'm talking about. I miss it dearly.

[donw9876]

I really miss the place. My favorite dish there was the cold noodles with red oil sauce, made to your specification of heat (1-10.) When I worked around there I would pick up carry out and bring some home. Really nice people, and great classic Chinese restaurant decor.

[intuitive eggplant]

Ping, please give your father my best regards. I couldn't agree with you more about his being my favorite hot and sour soup. Had to have a bowl everytime I went to the Wok, and I sorely miss it!

[johnbycz]

My wife and I weep every time we drive by that empty building. Before the Wok closed, my wife bought 12 orders of yu shaing pork and froze them. I think we still have eight left. Does your dad rent himself out for parties?

[statuskuo75]

My father is working around the City of Cincy incognito. He is evasive, even to me. I know the pork dish you speak of. I grew up with it. If you'd like the recipe...email me: [e-mail]

Again. I am so touched my father made a culinary difference in your worlds. He is a very gentle philosophical man. I am lucky to be his son.

[intuitive eggplant]

OH, NO!!! While I must wish the hard-working families who made the Wok such a wonderful establishment all the best in their retirement, I am so sorry to hear it will be closing. I've been eating there since about 20 years ago too. Not only is the food delicious and well prepared, their hospitality is something special. With all due respect to the kind posters who have suggested alternatives, there will never be another Chinese restaurant for me quite like the Wok. Thanks for the heads up, jb. Must make sure to get there at least one more time before they close. Sigh.

[CincyGirl]

wish I could offer you some advice, but good Chinese in Cincinnati is hard to find.

[Emm]

Isn't that the truth! The worst Chinese dives in Lexington (where I moved froma few years ago) had better food than most of the highly touted restaurants here.

Folks who live in Northern Kentucky or who don't mind a bit of a drive might also like Raymond's Hong Cong Cafe in Walton. Interesting fusion cuisine as well as traditional favorites, made with good quality ingredients at reasonable prices in a pleasant, casual atmosphere. http://www.hongkongcafe.us/

[Emm]

Try Oriental Wok in Ft. Mitchell, if you haven't already.