(3 forks)
3203 N. Clark St.
773-549-5698
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Noise factor: Conversation friendly
First impressions
This appealing new restaurant, a converted bakery, is notably stark and clean. The walls are light wood, the floor dark tiles. Handsome framed Chinese watercolors on the walls provide most of the decor, though there are small plants on each of the tables and four seats at a small bar where customers wait for carry-out orders.
On the plate
Portions–presented in platters shaped like row boats–are large. Steamed rice is a given. The food, inspired by several Asian cuisines, is distinctive, assertively seasoned and very satisfying. Orders for multiple dishes are presented in sequence rather than in one fell swoop.
At your service
On a mid-week evening with only a few tables filled, the lone server was informative, helpful and charming. He even changed plates without being asked.
Second helpings
Garlic chicken bathes tender meat in a fragrant, vegetable-flecked sauce. The Malaysian curry pancake comes with an addicting, moderately spicy “dipping sauce” (more like a stew) of chicken, sweet potato and coconut milk. Very close to the elevated level of these dishes are the vegetable soongs (wok-seared black mushroom, water chestnut, carrot and onion — all minced — served with a lettuce cup and white rice), lightly curried Singapore fried rice noodles and delicate fried tofu with black mushrooms. Not to sneeze at, unless you smell pepper too deeply, are firecracker chicken, chili red pepper chicken and the aptly named “blow your mind beef.” Two of the restaurant’s most popular treats are a cold appetizer known as silk threads (actually potato threads) and a mini hot pot in which meat and vegetables are cooked in broth at your table. For dessert consider banana pineapple rolls, fried rice balls or mu chee ice cream ball.
Take a pass
Nothing our table tasted was crossed off the list. The dough in fried pot stickers was somewhat tough.
Thirst quenchers
Du Yee serves a limited selection of wine and beer, but charges only $5 for corkage if you bring your own. There is plenty of fresh-squeezed juice, plus several tapioca fruit drinks and fruit shakes.
Extras
The contents of the Five Treasures box, a combination of appetizers and entrees, changes every day.
Price range
Appetizers and soups, $1.95-$4.95; spring wraps, $7.95, noodles, $6.95-$7.95; seafood, $13.95-$15.95; poultry, $8.95; beef and pork, $8.95 to $9.95; mini hot pot, $9.99 to $17.95; tofu and vegetables, $7.95; lunch specials, $4.95-$5.95; desserts, $2.95 to $3.95. fruit shakes, $2.95.
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Reviews are based on anonymous visits by Tribune staff members. All meals are paid for by the Tribune.
Ratings key: 4 forks, don’t miss it; 3 forks, one of the best; 2 forks, very good; 1 fork, good
