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Little Yang Sing

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MichaelJM
MichaelJM
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
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1
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4
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Little Yang Sing

  • May 9, 2008
  • Rated 4 of 5 by MichaelJM from Nottingham, England
Little Yang Sing

Having chosen the wrong restaurant last week (see my China Buffet journal entry) I just had to return to China Town and this time visited one of the restaurants that had been recommended to me.

China City (sounds like China Buffet!) was only a step away from the place I’d eaten in last week, but it did look a little more attractive. However, that was an option for a future meal as I’d been recommended Little Yang Sing by four different people. That was in my view sufficient accolade to merit a try! I’ve actually walked past the Little Yang Sing on many occasions and always thought it looked a swish place to eat in. Indeed its bigger brother Yang Sing, on Princess Street, has also taken my eye (perhaps another night!)

The Little Yang Sing occupies a significant site on the corner of George Street with a disabled access on Charlotte Street, but I took the short flight of stairs from George Street and entered this large and nicely, almost tastefully decorated basement restaurant. It looks chic and extravagant but it’s really not pretentious or over the top. The staff are dressed in their stylish uniforms and I was quickly shown to my table. The majority of the tables are large and it’s obvious that this eatery appeals to larger groups so I felt that I had to accept the table for two that was offered to me. As seems to be usual for Chinese Restaurants I was asked what I wanted to drink before I’d settled in my seat. Indeed I hadn’t even taken my coat off! I was determined not to be rushed so sat down and asked to see the drinks menu. There were several beers but I chose Tsingtao, a light Chinese beer. At just short of £3 for a bottle it’s a wee bit expensive, but it was light and refreshing and would go well with the spicy dish that I had in mind.

Checking out the outside menu I’d fixed on Chilli Sliced Lamb Fillet with Sichuan Sauce and a study of the substantial and somewhat confusing menu did nothing to change my mind. Indeed the menu was so difficult to find my way round that I had to ask for help to find the rice and noodle dishes. Having said that once it was pointed out it was fairly obviously if not logically placed on the menu. I confirmed my choice of the lamb and was thrown by the option to have a bowl or a large plate. Initially I opted for the plate but within seconds of the waitress leaving my side I decided that a bowl was much more logical. It wasn’t a problem because the front of house staff were “hovering all around” and having attracted the attention of one of the young girls I was able to change my request to a bowl.

As I was tucked at the far edge of the restaurant I was in the perfect position to “people watch” and I reckon one day I’ll sit down and record some of my observations about people’s behaviour in public places. People are fascinating and restaurants offer an opportunity to study a micro-cultural view of all types and cultures. Thanks to my Social Work Training I’m naturally nosey and just love to examine and, given half a chance, explore people’s interaction.

But I digress! After a few slurps on my Chinese beer the waitress delivered a hot plate to my table and ceremoniously placed a warm bowl on the plate and then disappeared. Some more people watching, checking out of the decor and a drink or two and she returned with my meal. The meat was placed on the hotplate, the bowl moved to my place setting and a decent portion of egg-fried rice transferred from the serving dish into my bowl. You can’t help but admire the dexterity involved in manoeuvring rice from serving dish to eating bowl using two spoons in one hand!

The meal looked great with an ample portion of sliced filleted lamb covered in a glossy sauce and accompanied with water chestnuts (I just love them), tender bamboo shoots and sliced carrots (not quite as exotic). The sauce lived up to expectations with a hint of garlic and ginger seeping through to the taste buds and the lively tang of the hot chillies. Delightful!

The great think about this meal is that there was enough sauce to permeate through the rice and having filled my bowl four times I was fully sated.

The whole feel of the Little Yang Sing is that of a class restaurant, although I understand that its “big brother” – Yang Sing – is even grander. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal out and was pleased that this time I’d been able to follow the directions in their entirety and taste an exquisite meal in a highly recommended establishment.

Check out their web site at www.littleyangsing.co.uk for further information.

From journal Manchester and Its China Town

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