West Newsmagazine 10-4-17

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Hot Wok Café: Where authentic Chinese cuisine flourishes
By SUZANNE CORBETT
Authentic is defined by Webster’s dictionary
as something of undisputed origin,
genuine, bona fide or real. It’s a definition
that also applies to Hot Wok Café, which
has provided authentic Chinese cuisine to
the Chesterfield area since opening in 1991.
“Our authenticity sets us apart from
others,” said Hot Wok Café’s Chef/
Owner Andrew Shih whose father, William,
established the restaurant and its
menu to reflect the culinary experiences
the family brought from China and Korea
and honed in San Francisco.
“I like to say we do authentic Chinese
cuisine with Korean inspiration,” Shih
said.
Hot Wok Café’s culinary expertise and
menu are the result of its team’s combined
experiences.
“I have a great team who has over 30
years experience between everyone,”
Shih explained. “We make everything
from scratch. All our sauces – even our
Hot Wok Café
14346 S. Outer Forty Road • Chesterfield • www.hotwokcafestl.com • (314) 576-7008
Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Friday [lunch]; 4:30-9 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday;
4:30-9:30 p.m. [dinner], Friday and Saturday [dinner]; 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday [brunch]
Nicoletti’s
STEAK & PASTA
Hungry?
noodles are homemade.”
Chinese noodle-making today is nearly
a forgotten culinary art – abandoned by
most Asian chefs who opt for commercially
made noodles. But the popularity of
Chinese-style noodle bowls has become a
foodie fascination, thanks to the popularity
of ramen. And the best bowls are made
with the best noodles, which Hot Wok
Café has.
“Noodles are a lot of work but fresh
house-made noodles make a huge difference
in the flavor and texture of the dish,”
Shih said.
Customers can taste the difference in Ja
Jiang Mien and Jum Bong [aka seafood
noodle soup] noodle bowls, which are
filled with a savory broth and studded
with shrimp, calamari, mussels and Chinese
vegetables.
Among those standout menu differences
is Shih’s more authentic preparation
of Sesame Chicken. Here, chicken is sautéed
and tossed in a lighter sauce than its
American cousin, which is battered, deepfried
and coated it in a heavy, sweet sauce.
Walnut Shrimp is another excellent
choice – featuring shelled, ready-to-eat
shrimp or a preparation using whole
shrimp with their heads and shells still
intact. Both preparations feature a lightly
spiced sauce that arrives tableside garnished
with crisp walnuts.
Fans of sweet and sour, chow mein and
egg foo young won’t be disappointed. All
the American-Chinese favorites, along
with classic traditional dishes, are on
Hot Wok Café’s extensive menu, one that
includes a rarely seen Chinese specialty,
Mu Shu. Haven’t heard of Mu Shu? Think
of Mu Shu as a Chinese version of fajitas
– thin pancakes into which guests fold
meats, veggies and a hoisin flavored sauce.
A house favorite also worth the discovery
is Yu Shian Chicken. Shih describes it
as less Americanized. A delightful plate of
sliced chicken, water chestnuts and vegetables
tossed with a spicy garlic sauce.
“If you want to experience something
different, come for our Saturday Chinesestyle
brunch,” said Shih, noting
it’s an al carte specialties menu
of green onion pancakes, beef
sesame buns and Chinese crullers.
“You wouldn’t have thought
October 4, 2017
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
I 49
Chinese dishes with Korean flair are the
specialty of the house at Hot Wok Café.
this was for breakfast but in China it is.
Our brunch is really unique. You won’t
find this anywhere else in St. Louis.”
Since winning the coveted 2015 Taste
of St. Louis People’s Choice Award, Hot
Wok Café’s loyal customer base has continued
to grow both in its restaurant and
its catering.
“We’re proud of what we do. Making
everything from scratch,” said Shih. “It’s
what sets us apart and is the difference
you’ll taste.”
Dinner Mon-Sun Starting at 4pm
$5 .00 Off
with minimum purchase of $25 .00
Carry Out or Dine In
CLIP
THIS
Not Valid with any other coupons
or on Holidays. Expires 11/04/17.
1366 BIG BEND ROAD
(Highway 141 and Big Bend Road)
636.225.4222
Ask about our
LUNCH SPECIALS!
Delicious
Chinese Cuisine
Comfortable Atmosphere
Friendly Staff
Dine In • Carry Out
Lunch: 11am - 2pm Mon.-Sat.
Dinner: 4:30-9pm Tues.-Sat.
Closed Sundays
(314) 576-7008 | 14346 S Outer Forty | Chesterfield, MO 63017
Good Friends.
Great Food.
Cold drinks.
Live Music Fri. & sat. Nights
DaiLy LuNch & DiNNer speciaLs
happy hour MoN - Fri, 3 - 6
288 LaMp & LaNterN viLLage - upper LeveL
636-256-7201
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Discounted yogurt of equal or lesser value. cannot be
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1122 town & country crossing drive
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One coupon per guest visit. Coupon must be presented at the time
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636-391-3700
14312 South Outer 40 Road
314-485-8800