The crown jewel of Frandor

Chef Gong is the best restaurant you will ever find between a Wendy’s and an urgent care. Located on the outskirts of Frandor, it has been there for years, yet I’ve rarely heard it spoken of. Despite being somewhat daunted by having previously attempted to dine there with a group and being told we’d need to order ahead (coordinating schedules is hard enough), a friend and I went early on a Friday evening to uncover Chef Gong’s secrets.

The giant iPad menu can be intimidating, but if you take your time and, if need be, ask questions, you’re sure to find something for everyone. The prices may be higher than you would usually expect, but the portions are enormous and meant to be shared, and everything is prepared with clear skill and care.

We ordered the dry pot chicken, the scallion pancake and the stir-fried garlic bok choy. Note: If you want rice, you will need to ask for it.

The scallion pancake came out first and was a flaky, delicious start to the meal, served with a side of hot chili oil for dipping.

We didn’t need to wait long for the main event. Dry pot chicken is a Sichuan dish consisting of bone-in chicken pieces that are fried, then tossed in a wok with vegetables and aromatics like ginger, garlic, Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilis. In Chef Gong’s version, I also noted cumin and star anise. The meat underneath the crispy, golden exterior was still moist, and the red peppers and onions retained their shape, not having been cooked to death.

The stir fried bok choy was similarly al dente, with a beautifully bright, light sauce that helped balance the rich, spicy chicken. All combined in my personal bowl of rice, it was a delectable array of color, texture and flavor.

As previously mentioned, the portions are very large, so going with at least three people is probably best, because we had copious leftovers. From my understanding, it’s best to make a reservation for a group, and, if possible, to order ahead, since some of the dishes take more time.

With a huge menu of authentic Chinese dishes and a beautifully curated dining room, a meal at Chef Gong will transport you far from the chaos of the adjacent shopping center and the horrors of mediocre, Americanized Chinese food. I hate a reason to have to go to Frandor, but what can you do?