I’m almost positive that no one readying this blog has ever dined at Blue Willow Chinese (2418 W. Fullerton Ave.). Just West of Western Avenue, Blue Willow hides in a small storefront that most drive by without giving a notice.
The same gentleman, most likely the owner, is always the only front of house employee. It sounds like there’s one cook in the back as well. We’ve never seen more than two other tables in the restaurant at a time, so I suppose this two man team works out well for the business.
We start with their massive bowl of Hot and Sour Soup for a mere $4.95. Lemme say the portion here is big enough for two or maybe three people. It’s a darker rustic more sour, less spicy version of the soup. Deep, rich brown in color, there’s ample fresh veggies and the broth is well done. The mouth feel and density of the broth is viscous but not at all to thick. Excellent flavor, and always steaming hot from the kitchen, you’d be silly NOT to order this or one of their other dirt cheap soups – all made from scratch.
Now to the reason we are here – the Crispy Hot Chicken Wings. Fried naked – without breading – the wing sauce they use is totally unique – and I know they don’t look crispy, but they are. A vinegar, soy based sauce, it has a nice kick for sure, but there’s a unique molasses style sweetness that is unlike any wing sauce I’ve tried. They’re hot, the sauce tastes excellent on white rice, and they’re super cheap – $7.95 an order, which gives you a plentiful basket full.
These wings are hot wings, but they’re not like any other hot wing out there. They are not like Buffalo Wings, the sauce is oriented around the Orient, and the slightly sweet quality is what sets these apart. Get them to-go if you like, they happen to travel really well. Cheers to hot wings from all around the world.
I’m hungry. Let’s eat!
Hungry Hungry Hinden 