A-1 Chinese Restaurant

Appropriately named; as the food is A number 1. This hole in the wall has been in operation for more than 30 years. Since the change of ownership, I have gone there more often as they are a lot friendlier.  I have not had their Peking Duck for the longest time since it seems a waste to order that if there are only 2 in your party. Last night was perfect; party of five.

We ordered the Peking Duck. They still do know how to make it. It was perfect. The skin was real crisp and the meat very tender. This was served with a white dough bread called Frozen Gwa Pao. They are steamed just before they are served. You stuff the gwa pao with the duck meat and the crispy skin, add the scallions and the Hoisin sauce. It is delicious and also filling as the gwa pao is heavy when it makes it's landing in your stomach. Believe it or not, 5 of us could not finish the duck.

We also ordered the A1 House Special Fried Rice and the A1 House Special Pan Fried Crispy Noodle. These noodles are so crispy when it gets to your table. You would enjoy it better if you mix everything so the sauce in the bottom of the plate gets incorporated with all the noodles and it no longer is crispy but nice and soft. This had all sorts of seafood and vegetables. My only complaint was that the octopus was not tender but rather chewy and rubbery.

The Sauteed Shrimp is always a must. They do know how to get this 100% perfect every time. The General Tao's Chicken was supposed to be spicy (had 2 chili peppers before it) but was not at all. It had a hint of spiciness. We all loved it. We were not sure if we ordered enough but as it turned out, we had leftovers.

A1 Chinese BBQ has an extensive menu. We will have to go there many times in order to try the many other pork, seafood, beef and vegetables dishes. A1 is very small and it is best to go as soon as they open at 5 pm for dinner. They are also open for lunch.  It is not a place to take someone to impress as far as ambiance but if you want REAL Chinese food without leaving the South Bay, this is the place to go. They are located at 2014 Pacific Coast Hwy. in Lomita, California.