One of the things I love about working with buyers from outside of Humboldt County is introducing them to this spectacular place. There is so much to see and do and experience…for example, tonight Janine and I had dinner at our favorite Chinese food restaurant, Hunan Plaza in Arcata. There are a plethora of fabulous restaurants in Humboldt County, lots of locally owned, personally managed places, but we go out of our way to drive from our home in Eureka into Arcata to each Chinese food at Hunan Plaza.
Part of it is the atmosphere. Thick clay tiles, massive, open beams in the ceiling, and lots of wood trim remind me of traditional country Chinese architecture. Heavy wood tables with simple wood chairs hint at the simple (but good) Chinese food. No frills here; blue-collar Chinese! And lots of traditional Chinese art: a large Buddha greets you at the entrance; golden wooden relief paintings on the wall remind you of Chinese history and nature. And more festive decorations change with the seasons.
But the food is what we go to a restaurant for, and this food is great. The hot-spicy soup is the best in the county. The egg-flower soup is our kids’ favorite. Spicy kung-pao chicken is one of our favorites, with bold dark flavors dripping over the chicken and carrots and other veggies. The kids (and I) love the sweet & sour chicken, with lots of chicken in the breading. Pork fried rice - not too wet, not too dry – has a great balance of flavors as well.
Ching always takes good care of us, too. She brings the tea before we even ask, and the soup always surprises me, it’s out so fast. Our dear friend Kirby keeps our water glasses full and updates us on her family. Then the dishes are cleared and big, heaping plates of steaming food arrive. Almond chicken is not too sweet; beef broccoli is tangy and tender. Oh it’s all so good!
So if you’ve just moved to Humboldt County, or are just passing through, drop by and see Ching at Hunan Plaza in Arcata. Bring a big appetite, and enjoy the balanced flavors, pleasant service and peaceful atmosphere.
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