Chi Pan Asian

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Lego

Joined 4 years ago

Sumptuous middle eastern cuisine with sterling service. It's easy to miss this gem as it's tucked out of sight next to Barnie's Coffee in Baldwin Park, home to some of the best restaurants I've eaten at in Orlando. But that's no excuse to pass it over, as it not only holds its own against it's neighbors but stands out by offering an exotic combination of Turkish/Chinese food without falling short on either the Chinese or Turkish offerings.

I arrived by electric bicycle and although I didn't expect it to go over well I asked if they'd charge my batteries while I ate. To my great surprise they were only too happy to do so despite the hassle it turned out to be. They were friendly, eager to please and accommodating to a degree that almost left me embarrassed for having imposed.

While I waited for my meal (marinated chicken kebabs with spiced shredded carrot, cabbage and rice) two of the wait staff struck up conversations with me one after the next. It made the (surprisingly brief) wait for the food that much easier to bear. I've had excellent middle eastern food before (mainly lebanese) so I thought I knew what to expect, but the unusual chicken marinade and whatever mixture of spices goes into the carrots made for probably the most unforgettable meal I've had in the past year.

Make plans to eat here. Take a date. Even if she turns her nose up at the Turkish food because she's unfamiliar, they certainly don't fall down on the Chinese end as I've had both their dumplings and one of their shrimp dishes. Both were *fantastic*.