Chengdu 46   

i guess this place might be good if you can actually eat the food without your mouth catching fire. i tried to eat at this place with my dad and couldn't eat my food because it was way too hot/spicy. i even asked for the spice to be toned down when i ordered. i like spicy food, but not when fire is the only thing i can taste. this food didnt have any flavor other than heat! i cannot believe this restaurant gets top honors...yuck!

For a time, this was the top tier in sophisticated chinese fare - I still have never had more tender chicken or beef anywhere. It had a lustre you can't find outside NYC but, after a time, the small negatives seemed to root deeper and some policies and attitudes at Cheng Du 46 became a bit too unfriendly for the market they attempt to serve. First, they absolutely do practice a dividing technique as you go from the first exterior set of doors to the second sent of interior doors. If you don't look the part, if you've got smaller kids, if you're not shiny, happy people ... you're going to the left-side of the house (a more informal two-tiered dining room that feels like an outer suburb compared to the right-side of the house (a far more sophisticated and elegant space with well-lit artwork, pretty table design and a row of very comfortable slightly-elevated booths). I've had success in getting to the right by looking the host directly in the eyes while saying "We'd like to eat in your better dining area" - yup, let them know you're hip to the game and unless they're full, they will sheepishly guide you to the better room. Now, its important to remember - this is worth the trouble if you want to taste food that's prepared differently resulting in fabulous taste AND if you've got the cash to overspend by about 30% to 40% on the meals (or if you just want to treat yourself). Problem area #2 - the staff equates masterful service with lightning quick service. You must slow them down if you want to feel less panicked about your dinner being rushed. Only order your appetizers at first. They will keep checking on you "Are you ready to order your entrees?" You say, "No, not just yet." Be polite and complimentary and you'll find the staff to be usually very nice. Problem #3 - portions are much smaller than other chinese food establishments - plan on eating 100% of the food served. Plan on eyeballing your wife to see if she wants that last little dumpling because you'll be coveting it bad. DO NOT GO THERE RAVENOUS. EAT LUNCH OR HAVE A SMALL SNACK BEFORE HEADING OUT FOR DINNER. For a couple - plan on ordering one to two appetizers, two entrees and a side specialty (pan fried string beans are outstanding, fried rice is delicate and wonderful, pan-fried noodles or vegetables are also great. Skip drinks and dessert - you can get them anywhere. SPEND YOUR MONEY ON FOOD - if you happen to bring some home - GREAT! Last problem and it shows a certain arrogance and ignorance on the owner's part - with their prices steep and their portions small, they charge $1.00 for a cup of rice beyond the first cup of rice you get. Mind you, this is a coffee-cup sized half-sphere of rice - NOT A BIG BALL OF RICE - if you were bored, you could absolutely count the grains. Personally, I find this practice insulting. Professionally, as a seasoned management consultant familiar with raw material costs and the precedent they might make by always allowing a "bottomless" cup of rice - THIS IS MIND-NUMBINGLY DAFT. Forgetting the phoney-baloney "rice shortage" going on right now, it is the single cheapest item to "give away" - far cheaper than the cost of making/storing ICE for your drinks. They risk insulting their guests and risk a return trip by diners over PENNIES. The bill is the last thing the diner sees ... on it are a series of $1.00 charges for extra quarter-portions of rice ... THAT IS THE LAST TASTE THAT DINERS HAVE IN THEIR MOUTHS WHEN THEY LEAVE. Of course, there's always a couple of piggish people (out of a hundred courteous people) who will eat 9 cups of rice - the rest of the world will take their extra little portion and end it. The owner treats 100% of his customers as RICE HOGS with this ridiculous policy. If you skip the drinks (have a coke) and the dessert, you will spend about $65.00 to $70.00 for a great meal - a memorable dinner for two. Favorites: Two-Flavored Beef, Pork with Jingling Bells, Heavenly Chicken, Chicken Soon Appetizer, Cheng Du Chicken (HOT!!!), Moo Shu Pork (split it as an appetizer - great fun!). Good Luck!

Over priced and never crowded.....This place was even shut down for a month due to food preparation issues (yuck!) Hope cats weren't used!!!!!!

Be prepared to wait a long time for a table if your not one of their special "guests" or look like money. My wife and I deceided to give Chengdu 46 a try. The place was busy so we were prepared to wait our turn. After a very long wait I stared to pay attention to guests arriving. Keeping track of who had reservations and who did not. Who got tables and who waited. It was very obvious that it wasen't first come first serve. So if you actually want to eat their, Go well dressed, wear alot of bling and waive your money around. Can't tell you about the food, I never got a table.