The Canton Cooks Journey

Warning:  The following may be unsuitable for children under the age of 13 and people that eat at the Panda Express

Some people go on spiritual journeys to find themselves.  Myself, I am on a more lofty journey.  One that is about more than just finding myself.  I am going to find quality Chinese in Atlanta after D-Day, when Chopstix closed down. 

Here’s a little self righteous Bono background music for the story:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSv-lKwOQvE&feature=fvwrel

Today, my friend Dan and I discovered Canton Cooks.  It couldn’t be anymore different, but it’s a worthy replacement.  When you walk inside, you could be in a restaurant on Mott Street in 1975.  It’s got that horrible bad Chinese décor that screams “we don’t give a shit, but we can cook.”  But it had two things going for it right away before sitting:

1.       The Lobster Tank
2.    Jews, lots of Jews

And the food did not disappoint, in fact it was delicious.  Another large mark was how HUGE the shrimp were.  For $8, I got Egg Drop Soup, Egg Roll, a Chicken Wing and Shrimp in Lobster Sauce.  We also had the Kung Po Chicken as well.  Great Kung Po Sauce, great flavor, but not overpowering.  I’m going back next week.

There are very few things live up to it’s billing:  Mardi Gras, the Eiffel Tower, meeting Shaq (the dude is a giant) and of course Gary Danko’s.

This journey has taken me to Chin Chin (consistent Chinese, but do you always have to play the “Best of ABBA?”), Grand China (weird décor and the lady with the elbow length gloves kind of freaks me out) and MoMo Ya (which I really do like and is convenient to work).  Even though a piece of me died in March when Chopsitx closed, I now know I can pick myself back up.  The resurrection will continue with their Shrimp Lo Mein next week. 

Taqueria del Sol/ Sundown Cafe

Warning:  The following may be unsuitable for children under 13 and Philadelphia Eagles Fans

As I get older, I find I like certain changes less and less.  Particularly restaurant names.  Sundown Cafe is now TDS and yes I have a hard time letting go.  Let’s admire this song and the accompanying flat top.  Not quite Chris Mullin-esque, but close.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VastXQ_hPb0

Atlanta has spawned off some good Taquerias, but Sundown is the first and still most consistent.  The menu hasn’t changed at all and if you’ve been reading my blog, you know I treasure places that do what they do best and stick to it.  They deliver a great product in a casual but efficient setting. 

I have had everything on this menu except for the Veggie taco.  And if you ever find me eating a veggie taco, feel free to punch me on the spot.  I won’t sue, promise.

My standard order:  Start out with the delicious Guac then follow it up with a Memphis and Fish taco, and then the very, very good Shrimp Corn Chowder.  BUT they have weekly specials that are very hit or miss.  “The Bob” is their Shrimp Special that is my #2 favorite.  But they have one special that they run MAYBE twice a year and may be the real reason I am writing this blog…..

The Philly Taco Special.  Quality Carnita Steak, Grilled Onions, Mushrooms and Melted Queso.  It is pure magic in a flour tortilla.  So WHY THE HELL DO YOU ONLY RUN IT OUT TWICE A YEAR!?!?!?!  For the love of god, get it together and throw us a friggin’ bone here.  I don’t ask for much people, but if we could get this maybe 6 weeks a year?  There are only 2 things of relevance that are from that horrendous town of Philadelphia since Ben Franklin passed.  And the second gave inspiration to my favorite taco.

One:

Two:

There is a reason they have a jail in their football stadium and they friggin' BOOED Santa Claus.  They also had the 2^nd greatest Third Baseman of all time and THEY HATED HIM (Brooks Robinson is obviously the greatest 3rd Baseman ever).  Obviously, I like Philly fans about as much as I like the Cheesecake Factory.  Except of course for my Philly buddy that just sent me a Jim Palmer statue and of course my Brother in Law. 

Back in 2008 this was also the home of the Great Media Taco Eat off between two friends of mine.  The winner ate 13 tacos AND a chowder.  He could have gone another three without blinking.  It was like watching Picasso paint in his prime.  Ah, the good ole' days before you had to worry about LDL cholesterol levels.

As usual, I went way off the rails on this one.  If you are ever on Cheshire Bridge for morally responsible reasons, stop by and have a taco. 

http://www.taqueriadelsol.com/