Sichuan food is hard to find in Los Angeles, and sichuan food that makes an impression is harder still.
Enter Sichuan Impression, a San Gabriel Valley rock star spreading its reach to the depths of Westwood, LA. Their menu is not modest, but half their dishes are called "impressive" because that's just what they are. Starting with a signature of the south, the Impressive Bean Jelly is appetizing appetizer, a textbook cold gelatin noodle. It's exactly what that this dish should be, and the chili oil with crushed peanuts compounds taste and texture for a slick finish you won't forget.
My favorite dish here is the Wok-Fried Kidney with Rattan Pepper. Ask for it mild and revel in the burn. The kidney has a tender chew to it, and the seasoning sinks between scored crevices to literally fill it with flavor and amplify the savor.
Do eat your vegetables between bites of the hot stuff. The Taiwanese Lettuce, or a-choy is a must, and I'm sure the mustard greens are just as good. They're stir-fried to perfection, and they're a much-needed break from the burning meats.
One of few not spicy plates the Tea Smoked Pork Ribs, carved table-side. Meat comes off the bone with minimal effort, and the brown sugar-sweet topping rivals dripping barbecue.
Toothpick Mutton, fatty chunks of lamb sizzle and sweat in ma-la chilies.
The Xi-zhi Wok-Fried Crab is a splurge, but each bite carries spicy succulence. Wear the gloves when eating or remove contact lenses at your own risk.
They hit the San Gabriel Valley by storm, and they're the thing Los Angeles needs. Sichuan food is scarce, and Sichuan Impression scratches the itch and fills the niche. It's one of few, if not only, Chinese restaurants in LA that I can call both authentic and fantastic.
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