NYC Food Guy’s Cheap Eats: China Gourmet’s General Tso’s Combo Platter is Midtown West’s Best
April 8, 2008
Like everyone else, NYC Food Guy wants nothing but bang for his buck when it comes to Chinese takeout. It’s a ray of light from heaven, therefore, when the food is not only cheap but delicious. China Gourmet offers a General Tso’s combo platter with generic but fluffy pork fried rice, and a greasy yet crisp egg roll for $6.35.
And here’s the NYC Food Guy inside info: Pay $1.40 extra for white meat and you’ll get freshly cooked General Tso’s the way it’s meant to be eaten. Piping hot with a sweet, spicy sauce covering crispy nuggets of juicy chicken. No cartilage. Only a couple little pieces of nothing but fried skin.
I’ve had this exact dish three times in the last 3 weeks and it has been delicious everytime. Just have some coffee ready because if you can actually finish this massive amount of greasy perfection, a serious food coma is inevitable. Beware the dumplings, by the way, they’re awful, particularly the steamed vegetable variety which looked like mint green play-doh ravioli.
China Gourmet 877 8th Avenue (b/t 52nd & 53rd St.) (212) 246-8181, (212) 246-8191, For Credit Card: (212) 489-3088 $6 minimum for delivery
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content rss
April 8th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Absolute Best General Tso’s is a place in Rutherford, NJ called “Village Gourmet”. During the week they used to do $5 lunch specials because it was such a huge hit. Super hot and chicken pieces are the best quality. It’s an actual restaurant but you can take out as well. Not NYC but thought I’d throw that in there.
April 8th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
nycfg–where can i get some diesel mooshoo chicken???
April 8th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
i’m a baller i’m a pimp…i eat wonton soup and fried shrimp
April 8th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
where’s the best place in the city to get baby bok choi? me hungry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 9th, 2008 at 12:05 am
…
April 9th, 2008 at 12:08 am
So a chinese couple is laying in bed and the guy says “i want 69!”….his girl responds, “why you want beef-broccoli now!?!?”
April 9th, 2008 at 11:09 am
NYCFG – if you were an inmate on death row and about to be served your last meal, what would you request?
April 9th, 2008 at 11:11 am
do you think you could handle this?
http://www.dangerousdansdiner.com/coronaryburger.jpg
April 9th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
This site is really cool and I truly enjoy what you bring to the table NYCFG. The only thing that concerns me is there are an alarming amount of imposters that post way too often. I don’t understand how I can have any credibility in my posts when someone usually mimics me. It’s annoying and if there was one thing I could change about this site, that would be it.
But I’m definitely positive that if we had to log in to post comments, I wouldn’t post, let alone read this site.
But keep up the good work, you have a gift. Keep using it.
April 9th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
NYCFG–why havent you responded to mooshoo aficionado yet? i’m all about the mooshooooooo
April 9th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
how can you be the biggest fan when i’m the real biggest fan? you are such a hypocrit….impersonating me and pretending like you’re the biggest fan
April 9th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Will be over there tomorrow most likely and will give it a try. I loves me some General Tso but always feel like wrong when I order it from a Chinese place.
“Yes, do you have anything less Chinese to order here?”
“No.”
“General Tso it is then.”
April 9th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Serious comment (for a change!): Does anyone else know of other places for great General T takeout in midtown? (Either Lex/50’s or 8th/40’s) Thx.
April 9th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
nycfg where are you today??? i’m a hungry hungry hippo and i want some dining advice!
April 9th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
stevenp – There is a quality chinese take out spot on 45 and lex called oriental Noodle House. I have to admit that I have not yet tried the GT there, but will probably do so tomorrow. where do you usually go for chinese in east midtown?
April 9th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
MONSTER RAINNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 9th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
as a 38 year old woman, i must say these comments are a tad on the unusual side, but funny nonetheless.
As far as chinese food goes, finding a reliable place in NYC is VERY difficult…chinese is usually hit or miss, but i’m an avid fan of the mongolian beef, and also the traditional chicken in garlic sauce.
keep up the good work nyc food guy. i admire the fact that you let your visitors speak their minds — people have a lot to say!!
April 9th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Betazen – what do you mean by something “less chinese”? Do you have something against chinese? I am an asian-american (my family is from Taiwan and Shanghai) and am quite offended by this remark. What if I said to the pizza man “do you have something less italian?” The answer would be NO because the pizza man sells italian food. Just like my causin Ming sells Chinese food. ughhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 9th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
and by causin, i meant cousin. Excuse the typo.
April 9th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Food Guy,
Know any good foods that can help boost my performance? No, not that performance. I meant my performance on the mound. I’m pitching tonight for the mets and really need to stop this skid. 3 minutes til gametime, I hope you can get back to me.
-Mike
April 9th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
technically i don’t sell italian food…i just deliver it
April 9th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Nut Buster:
I used to work by 46th, and have tried the Noodle House and Hing Won(?) just east of Lex on 45th. OK, not great Gen. T. I’m near 53rd/3rd, been to a tiny place on 52nd bet. 3rd/Lex, not so great. Haven’t found great Chinese in the area. Will be relocating to 41st/8th soon. I’ll probably try China Gourmet (delivery or a long lunch walk); scouting out anything a bit south, closer to 40th, for when I move.
April 9th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Lawrence —
What’s the good word on fried dumplings in NYC? Have you been to joe’s shanghai?
Hope all is well.
DDR
April 9th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
nycfg–i just pitched 5 dominant innings and beat the phils, and now i’m starving!! i’m at shea stadium — what can i get to eat around here? hurry, i’m hungry as F*ck!
Btw, the mike pelfrey above is an imposter!!!!
April 9th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
AzN-American –
If this indeed a serious comment, I’ll just say that General Tso is somewhat controversial in origins. From what I’ve gathered, Chef Peng created this dish in NYC when Chinese food was not appealing to the common American (restaurants were going out of business.) He created a few “americanized” dishes and found great success.
April 9th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Moo Shoo Aficianado-
I haven’t had a lot of moo shoo in the city but I will take it into consideration and see what I come up with. Any top spots for you? Any bad places?
Baby Bok Choi-
I’ve had some good bok choi at Westville in the West Village. It was marinated in soy sauce. You can get a platter with, I believe 4 vegetables, prepared in a unique way for around $12. A great deal. Healthy & Delicious, a rarity for NYC Food Guy.
Fingerlickin-
Houston’s cheeseburger, houston’s fries, houston’s brownie sundae, houston’s ribs, banana pudding from virgil’s, trainwreck cheese fries from virgil’s, chocolate chip coconut pancakes made by my mom, a couple spicy buffalo wings from Scruffy Duffys, some spicy pad thai from Chelsea Thai, and a nice tall glass of bubbling seltzer to wash it all down.
April 10th, 2008 at 10:05 am
NYC Food Man,
You write an amazing blog. It’s been a while since I’ve seen such an attentive writer, who responds to all of his comments. It’s rare that you find a writer who actually reads what ALL of his readers write.
Please keep up the good work!
With that being said, do you know of any great places to get soul food? I’m talking chitlins!!!!
April 10th, 2008 at 10:17 am
eat me!!!!
April 10th, 2008 at 10:21 am
no eat me!!!!!!!!!
April 10th, 2008 at 10:24 am
NYCFG –
What are your thoughts on NYCFG. I know it’s expensive but do you think you could do a review comparing some jewish-style delis? I am thinking 2nd ave, katz’s, carnegie (any others??).
I LOVE the pickles at carnegie.. they are so crisp 🙂
April 10th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Sorry, I meant to ask what your thoughts were on 2nd Avenue Deli
April 10th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Hey Guy,
My uncle just opened a restaurant on the upper east side and is looking for some publicity. If he offered you a free meal, would you write a review? Doesn’t matter if you dont’ like the food, he’s just looking for an honest opinion and it is pretty obvious you have a steady inflow of consistent readers. Plus I like your style.
April 10th, 2008 at 11:02 am
nycfg–where can i find some quality cheese and crackers in this city to take my girlfriend for? she loves cheese, but there are no chucky cheeses in the manhattan area
April 10th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Cheese and Crackers,
Does your girlfriend like frumunda cheese? If so i’ve got a GREAT place.
In my pants.
April 10th, 2008 at 11:56 am
I just clicked over to this site from a hamburger today and i can’t stop laughing. definitely checking back here more often
April 10th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Yankees in 08 — I’ll run it by my girl and let you know what she thinks. thanks for the generous offer.
April 10th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
my boyfriend sent me a link to this site..
nyc food guy – your readers are so funny! your blog is very entertaining. congratulations!
April 10th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
NYCFG, have you ever tried dog or cat? I hear that dog is quite good and would love to experience it. Only problem is I have a dog of my own so it doesn’t seem right eating dog. No qualms with cat though! 🙂
April 10th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Does anyone know if there is a sizzler in NYC? I looked up on google maps and see there is one on 36 and broadway but when I call the #, there is no answer. I LOVE me some sizzler, or any all-you-can-eat buffet.
I heart all-you-can-eat MEAT!!!!!!!!!
April 10th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
jesus man, how can you seriously ask for someone’s opinion on dogs and cats? those are domesticated animals and most certainly not meant to be served as food. absolutely sickening.
April 10th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
I’ve never eaten dog but have always been curious. I will admit, I have done some EXTREMELY inappropriate things with my boyfriend’s dog though when he isn’t home.
April 10th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Molly,
are you mexican too?
April 10th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Si!
de donde vas? soy de Culiacán, es un ciudad en el norte. Culiacán es el mismo ciudad que juegador Oliver Perez.
April 10th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Ayyyy yo se Culiacán! Y Oliver Perez es mi juegador besbol favorito! Yo soy de Mexico City. Yo tengo mucho hambre!!!!! donde esta los tacos?????????
April 10th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
2nd Avenue Deli,
That’s a pretty good idea to compare the kosher style delis. I’ve eaten at all except 2nd avenue and the only ones that I enjoyed were Sarge’s and Katz’s. Carnegie’s is overrated. Stage is alright. It’s all about Katz’s, Sarge’s, and Ben’s Best in Queens.
TBK,
I’d take a free meal but I can’t guarantee a good review. Honesty is the policy.
Mexican Molly & Mark,
No intention of EVER trying dog or cat. You guys are sick.
April 10th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
NYCFG – no response for me?
April 10th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Big Show-
Sorry, with the wealth of comments, most of them nonsensical, I lost your request in the shuffle. As far as I can see from Sizzler.com there are no Sizzler’s in the city. There is one in Rego Park, One in the Bronx, and another in Forest Hills. I’m not much of a buffet guy myself, i go for quality over quantity.
April 10th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Isnt there a big sizzler’s in times square?
April 10th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
or is that red lobster
April 10th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
That’s red lobster
April 10th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
guess thats why im lil nyc food guy…
April 10th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Went today and it was pretty damn good. It actually remained hot even with a walk to 3rd Ave. Thanks for the find.
April 10th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Betazen-
From which place Oriental Noodle House?
April 10th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
General Tso from China Gourmet!!!!!
🙂
April 11th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Betazen, was the GT from China Gourmet as the Food Guy described it? Did you pay the $1.40 for the white meat? Was it “a ray of light from heaven”.
haha oh man what a crock of elephant piss.
April 13th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Hate to correct you (again), but the REAL General Tso’s chicken recipe calls for chicken thighs, not white meat that you claim makes the recipe “as it’s meant to be eaten.”
And for the record (and a little off the topic), your fans should know that there was probably never a General Tso. Rather, this legendary figure is either a Betty Crocker, Uncle Ben or Aunt Jemima, a fiction of the food industry, or perhaps he is the result of bad translation. In “The Chinese Kitchen”, Eileen Yin-Fei Lo notes that the dish is an authentic Hunan classic named “chung tong gai,” or “ancestor meeting place chicken.” Lo believes that misspellings and incorrect translations may have eventually led to the dish being renamed to this mythical military mastermind.
The Doctor
April 14th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Doctor Dyspepsia,
I respect your attachment to authenticity, especially when I apparantely get it wrong, but consider the fact that when I write “meant to be eaten”, I’m talking about the way NYC Food Guy wants it: Fresh, hot, delicious. Unfortunately, when you don’t order the white meat version of General Tso’s, most restaurants have a pre-cooked Tso’s just sitting out which they’ll throw back in the wok for a quick reheat. That means dry, twice cooked chicken for us. I’d rather have thighs over breasts when it comes to fried chicken, but if I by ordering white mean, I can assure myself freshly cooked General Tso’s, that’s the “meant to be eaten” I’m speaking of.
Thanks for the history lesson btw, these are the kind of comments that truly enhance my site, all ass-kissing aside.
April 16th, 2008 at 6:55 am
Noted, and thank you for the clarification. I was worried about you.
April 30th, 2008 at 1:04 am
hey lawrence — i dont love general tsaos, but where can i find some good mongolian beef or steamed dumplings? those are my 2 fave chinese foods and i would love to find some consistently good meals. I”m looking for delivery since i’m so lazy!
April 30th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Hey Dahlia,
Mongolian beef and Steamed Dumplings may be hard to find together because the beef isn’t Chinese food, it’s Mongolian. Your best bet is to look for some Mongolian BBQ in the city and I’m sure you can find some great places for dumplings in Chinatown if they’ll deliver.
May 14th, 2008 at 11:47 am
[…] in spicy, sweet, gooey sauce. So when I saw Lawrence (aka Superman, aka NYCFoodGuy) write that the best General Tso’s chicken in Midtown West is at China Gourmet on 8th Ave. btw. 52+53rd, I knew my mission was clear: use his post as an excuse to eat General […]
May 15th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
[…] favorite ends in disappointment at least 9 out of 10 times. After Zach at Midtown Lunch tested out China Gourmet’s General Tso’s on my recommendation, I decided to follow suit, trying one of his readers picks, BOS & Lucky […]