If you are like many Americans ordering Chinese fare, you might tend to order from familiar choices that reflect a Chinese-American hybrid cuisine that many have come to know and enjoy. Items such as sesame or kung pao chicken, beef with broccoli, egg foo yung, pork fried rice, shrimp this and that. It is what it is. So what I’m about to say is purely subjective. This article is for those who feel adventurous and are willing to explore things outside of their American-oriented taste comfort zone.
At the behest of a buddy, I recently joined him for a dinner at Fortune Cookies. When I opened the menu, I was surprised because it did not resemble what I was accustomed to seeing on a Chinese menu. But I liked it. Why, you ask? Because those items were consistent with what I knew people in China ate, such as organ meats, frog, pork and beef bellies, flavored jelly fish, fish head, beef throat, and the like. I don’t expect all of my readers to dive in to these offerings simply because they are extraordinarily different; however for those willing, I strongly suggest they get their feet wet at Fortune Cookies as this is an opportunity to experience authentic Chinese food. There are primarily eight major cuisines in China, the mostly populated country on the planet, and Hunan fare, which is one of the eight great gastronomic traditions, tends to be spicy, hot, and known for its deep colors and flavors, and is frankly delicious. Fortune Cookies lists itself as the first Hunan restaurant in New Jersey.
For starters we ordered the beef tendon thinly sliced with a Hunan sauce with a cilantro garnish that was interesting and fun. For the main course we ordered a whole steamed Tilapia with a bean sauce, lamb in hot chili oil and steamed bok choy. The tilapia was spicy and came very well cooked as was the home made bean sauce that glazed it. The lamb too was tasty and, like our fish, wasn’t over cooked. The bok choy, however unfortunately had too much raw garlic, which threw off the balance of this tasty cabbage vegetable. The service was good and unpretentious. And that is what you want. Let the product speak for itself! Yes. Interestingly, the majority of guests appeared to be Asian; I found that a good thing and reassuring. There are upwards of 200 dishes that can be ordered on the menu that are authentic. However, their menu also lists a sufficient
complement of American Chinese selections. This is pretty amazing because Fortune Cookies’ seasoned chef worked many years on the mainland and is now here comfortably showcasing his Oriental and Occidental culinary talents, and this is why I believe people who enjoy good food should run and not walk to this establishment. Forget about the spare ribs and shrimp fried rice for the moment. You now have a higher calling.
Fortune Cookies is open Sunday through Thursday 11-10 and Friday and Saturday 11-10:30.
No reservations are needed, though weekends and holidays one is strongly suggested, particularly for large parties.
Call 908:429-8886. Fortune Cookies is located at 41 Old York Road Bridgewater, NJ 08807.
All Best,
Laser Lou & Mo