Our only complaint with Restaurateur Chef Jimmy Chi's two Kung Pao China Bistro restaurants is that they spoil one. I often find that when I visit other Chinese restaurants, some most successful, I find the menu predictable and unexciting.
The success of the Kung Pao restaurants in Studio City and West Hollywood can be attributed to a variety of factors. First, neither is your typical Chinese restaurant with a standardized, traditional menu. The wine list is important at both locations and unlike almost all Chinese restaurants there is a full dessert cart with several selections.
While the menu is the same at both restaurants, in every other aspect, ambiance, decor and most of all in clientele they are seemingly more than the short drive over Laurel Canyon Boulevard, apart.
Our most recent visit was to Kung Pao in Studio City. My dining partner and I selected from the appetizer menu Barbecue Pork slices and the minced chicken in soothing lettuce, one of my personal favorites. Our entrees included the steamed Chilean sea bass and the tea smoked duck as well as scallops served with a variety of veggies. The Duck was full of flavors and my dining partner even let me try a few slices.. The sea bass arrived with steamed string beans, broccoli, white mushrooms and a Hunan black bean sauce. Both entrees came with choice of either brown or white rice. We could see right away with such large portions that there would be some takeout as well.
Both restaurants have a special health concern vegetarian menu. The veggie entrees use meat substitutes or soybean products so paradoxically one can order veggie smoked duck or veggie orange flavored chicken and many others as well.
Studio City Kung Pao is located at 11838 Ventura Blvd., with free off street parking. Telephone 818 766-8686.
Kung Pao in West Hollywood is located at 7853 Santa Monica Blvd., adjacent to Fairfax Avenue. Telephone 323 848-9888. Also with free off street parking.
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