Best sweet & sour chicken and crispy shredded beef?

[kansel]

Staple chinese favourites here in the UK - are they usually on the menu in NYC? If so, where would you recommend - any budget really, just looking for the most scrumptious.

Thanks

[Pookipichu]

Shun Lee Palace does an excellent version of both dishes and would be my top choice. I would recommend Mr. K for their super crispy shredded beef, but I recently had a problematic experience there (too sweet and was room temperature).

[kansel]

Looks fab. Any more casual spots to consider too?

[Pookipichu]

Chinatown Brasserie is a little more casual and does an excellent crispy beef and general tso's chicken.

For even more casual, you should venture to Queens, Flushing in particular. If you are feeling adventurous, try Sripraphai, a Thai restaurants. Some of their dishes are directly derivative of Chinese cuisine, for instance the Cashew Chicken. It is crispy, sweet and spicy.

[kansel]

I hope you will please excuse my ignorance, but we have never ventured into Queens. Is the area safe in the evening for tourists? Is it accessible by subway?

[Pookipichu]

Queens is much like Manhattan, the safety depends on the neighborhood. When I lived there, it was predominantly a working-class Irish neighborhood and very safe. Woodside is still one of the safer neighborhoods. You should have no problems in the evening whatsoever.

It is accessible by subway, simply take the 7 train to 61st Woodside. If you get lost easily as I often do, or wish for company, there are probably many Chowhounders that wouldn't mind tagging along, myself included. It is the best Thai restaurant in NY.