|
From the Chinese-only menu: I can speak enthusiastically of xiang qian rou si, above, a superb stir fry of strips ¿ pork strips, tofu strips, leek and bamboo strips. (Richard Bajjalieh / August 2, 2012) |
When Kevin Pang's story came up in a news meeting about an Arlington Heights Chinese restaurant with a special menu for Asian customers, I emailed Kevin with two questions: How often does that happen? And can a non-Asian still ask for the other menu?
Kevin:
There are a number of Asian restaurants around town that operate with two menus -- one for its countrymen, the other for everyone else.
I always found this curious, because almost always the native menu is far more interesting than the watered-down version clearly intended to appease a wider group of people.
On the 1-to-10 Severity of Discrimination scale, this ranks maybe a two. So this week’s column is my call-to-arms to take a leap of faith, and try the unfamiliar menu.
Just ask.
The wait staff will be pleasantly surprised and happy to help you decide.
-- Kevin Pang and James Janega
Join Trib Nation on Facebook for more of the how and why of Tribune journalism.
Kevin:
There are a number of Asian restaurants around town that operate with two menus -- one for its countrymen, the other for everyone else.
I always found this curious, because almost always the native menu is far more interesting than the watered-down version clearly intended to appease a wider group of people.
On the 1-to-10 Severity of Discrimination scale, this ranks maybe a two. So this week’s column is my call-to-arms to take a leap of faith, and try the unfamiliar menu.
Just ask.
The wait staff will be pleasantly surprised and happy to help you decide.
-- Kevin Pang and James Janega
Join Trib Nation on Facebook for more of the how and why of Tribune journalism.
