Hainan Chicken (O'Shan Island) Replaced by Taipei Bistro

[Chandavkl]

First we lose our only New Territories style restaurant in Bon Marche Bistro, and now the area's Hainan style restaurant is also gone. Hainan Chicken a.k.a. O'Shan Island has been replaced by Taipei Bistro, a limited menu Taiwanese restaurant that lists only a dozen main items plus a few appetizers. They're closed between 2 and 5 pm so I'll have to stop back at a later time to check it out. Taipei Bistro is at 704 W. Las Tunas Dr., #E3, immediately adjacent to Luscious Dumplings.

Also in news of the same shopping center Michelle's Pancake House has a GRAND OPENING sign draped over their location, which initially puzzled me since they're in an expansion mode with new branches in Industry and Cupertino. However, I'm guessing the sign refers to the fact that they have expanded into the space next door.

[ipsedixit]

So I tried Taipei Bistro.

I guess this is the place where pork hock is the new pork chop. The latter is nowhere to be found on the menu, but the former takes center stage. The other star? Free range chicken. Really? Yes.

Oh, and you want a stewed egg with your meal? You know, that basic accouterments that's found on just about every Taiwanese plate lunch? That'll be an extra $1. Yeesh.

Over-and-under on Taipei Bistro? 6 months I say. Anyone want to take that bet for a plate of Luscious Dumpling dumplings? C'mon, I dare you.

[Chandavkl]

I'll take the overs. Seemed like a pretty sizable crowd in there. (Of course they could be looky-loos.)

[ipsedixit]

Fried, steamed or boiled?

It was pretty empty today. The lady owner was fantastically courteous, however. Almost obsequious.

[J.L.]

OK, I just might have to make the shlep over and take a look for myself.

[Peripatetic]

> So I tried Taipei Bistro.

Ipse, I take it you weren't impressed with the food quality?

[ipsedixit]

It was ok. Nothing great, nothing bad. A bit pricey (everything is basically $6.75)

The most memorable part of the meal was the lady-owner, who was very gracious, accommodating and courteous. Had a very nice chat about her and her family.

[Johnny L]

I would take the under possibly but Taiwanese establishments seem to stick around better so I'd rather buy a plate of dumplings for myself.

How long was O'Shan there, I'm so pissed I never tried it out despite telling myself that I would, were they even there half a year?

[ipsedixit]

About 13 months, if you consider O'Shan and Hainan Chicken to be one and the same.

I believe O'Shan soft opened in December 2010, and then Hainan Chicken appeared in the same spot around June 2011, with ostensibly the same menu with a greater emphasis on Hainanese dishes.

[TonyC]

Wish I'd taken the over as well.

It's coming up a year. I've been back. They're still outlandishly friendly. The portions are still not large compared to say "Shau May". But these days, that's enough. And I'll still pay for $7 rice plate just to not eat the slop from next door. It's the difference between Toshi's and Sushi Gen.

Remember, "REFUSING TO SPEND MONEY ON NON-WESTERN RESTAURANTS IS RACIST": http://firstwefeast.com/eat/20-things...

[dreamcast18]

what's the slop from next door?

[TonyC]

Luscious.