What: Chef Tan is a new Chinese restaurant specializing in Sichuan and Hunan cuisine. This is Chef Tan’s second restaurant in New Jersey. The original restaurant is located in Highland Park.
Interior: The restaurant is located at 558 Washington Boulevard in the former home of Confucious. Decor-wise, it’s very clean with comfy spacious seating and bright lights. It’s a very family-friendly environment and although they have a cozy bar counter, the restaurant is BYOB. However, we were told that only red wine and beer are allowed. (This policy may have changed, so you’ll want to double check).
The Menu: The menu features a mix of Hunan, Sichuan, and Americanized Chinese dishes. Sichuan dishes — known for their spice and heat — include Szechuan Spicy Tofu ($13.95), Duck Blood & Stripes in Spicy Sauce ($25.95), and Fried Chicken in Chongqing Style ($16.95).
Fish Head w/ Diced Hot Red Peppers ($26.95)
We Loved: The Fish Head with Red Peppers is an excellent meal for two or even three people. You get two medium-sized fish heads with collars that pack a lot of meat. It looks hot, but it’s spice level isn’t high. A word of caution: The fish have multiple tiny bones, which are very easy to miss. You’ll want to eat this slowly. The Sauteed Shrimp with Spicy Sauce are also good, albeit too simple for $25.
Could Be Better: I’m not a Sichuan expert, but I expected the dishes to be spicier. Even dishes labeled with three peppers on the menu (the highest rating) weren’t that spicy. Certain entrees are served on woks with fire underneath, so your food continues to cook at the table. It makes for a cool presentation, but they splatter hot oil and can overcook your meal if you don’t ask your waiter to extinguish the fire. The cabbage in our Cabbage & Pork dish, for instance, was completely wilted with no texture.
Final Take: Will I go back to Chef Tan? Absolutely, but I’m in no particular rush. Food is pricey for what you get and although no one was rude, staff weren’t very attentive. With Menya Sandaime, Battello, Komegashi, Los Cuernos, and Ruth’s Chris within walking distance, Chef Tan needs to up the ante. To be fair, they’re still somewhat new, so here’s hoping things will improve.
Cabbage w/ Pork ($14.95)
Sauteed Head Shrimp w/ Spicy Sauce ($25.95)
Chef Tan | 558 Washington Boulevard |
