Some businesses stand out because their food is just that good, others because of character. Chubby Rice has both.
I can't help but smile every time I hear their name, fondness from the lockdown days when every takeout order came with a couple of home-baked cookies and a handwritten post-it note, thanking us for supporting a local business.
Humble and sweet, full-flavored but clean, most of the menu is deliciously straightforward, yet whimsical items like the Chubby Eggroll throw in the sass. This forearm-sized, deep-fried, crispy-crunch egg roll wrapper houses a medley of shredded veggies and perfectly seasoned meat. Anyone who says bigger isn't better never met this eggroll.
Pan Fried Dumplings are just that. Gyoza with a chewy, crunchy wrapper and a juicy filling of pork.
The Chubby Wings are another delightfully fried item, super crunchy, dipped in their sweet and sour sauce.
I hate cream cheese, but I can't get enough of their Crab Rangoon. There's something about that sweet center and the texture of minced crab in cream.
General Tso's Chicken is everyone's favorite dish and undoubtedly their best. Tender thigh meat goes in steaming hot, and each bite has a sweet n' sour tang with a little bit of bang and burn. The chow mein is so good - golden noodles without the extra grease.
The kung pao chicken lacks the spicy pep I've become accustomed to, but the Mapo Tofu is kinda nice. This dish is sweet and soft with plump pork and firm cubes of tofu. Just spicy enough to give you a little kick.
The Salt & Pepper Pork Chop is not my fave, but the seasoning is solid, and they make a great fried rice.
Go for gold with the Pork Chop Sandwich instead. It's a giant telera roll, stuffed with a crispy pork chop, aioli, and slaw, and the fries are formidable.
The pandemic brought out the worst in most people, but Chubby Rice only got better. When times got tough, they showed their resilience, and their clear sense of community may be the only good memory I have during that very dark time. They survived and I hope they thrive - if anyone deserves to do well, it's these awesome cooks at Chubby Rice!
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