Lunch Break - Tso Tso Good

Sampling dishes and diners in and around Miami County

After a particularly annoying and mundane day, I was feeling pretty down, sorry for myself, and searching for both a new place to eat and excuses for my own actions.

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a completely preventable and annoying habit of being late. Today, I was fifteen minutes late for work, fifteen minutes late to a commitment, and thus early to dinner with friends. I could say that I was late for work because of the cold, or that I was late to my commitment because I couldn't find parking in Downtown Dayton. However, I wasn’t. I usually get away with being late, and it’s a quirk, but today’s events really led me to rethink my decision making. Oftentimes, I could be somewhere on time, and I just linger and let the anticipation build as I stare off into space. I think that it's because the longer I wait to do something or go somewhere, the more exciting it feels when I have to rush. Either way, I was late to a small event, and when I made it, all the chairs were taken, people were focused, and I cowered out and left. However, I had dinner plans at a funky place in Dayton that were also canceled, and I was starting to realize that I had driven all that way (20 minutes) just to self-sabotage.

While I was trying to find a cute place to grab a bite in our one and only Gem City, I was also pleading with my friends to come meet me, because eating out at a restaurant alone would just be too much. There are times when I can do it, and there are times when I don't have the courage to feel lonely. This time, I didn’t have to. After scanning the numerous tiny hipster restaurants in Dayton with entirely too large price tags, I decided that instead of breaking the bank for a boujee burger, I could enjoy a sit-down dinner at a reasonable price, close to home, with friends. I headed back north to Shen’s Szechuan and Sushi and ended up turning my night around.

For starters, I was the first person at the restaurant, which is adorably dimly lit and decorated with fancy vibes. The interior of Shen’s reminds me of (niche reference) the basement at Gangster’s Speakeasy in Newport, Kentucky. That being said, the atmosphere still allows for you to dress up or down depending on the occasion you’re dining for. I love a place like that, and I enjoy eating where everyone can feel comfortable in whatever they want. Since I was the first person, and I’d had a long day (that I take full responsibility for), I decided to scan the drink menu. There was a variety of mostly vodka-based girly cocktails that I would like to return to try, as well as a Moscato on the menu. I was so excited about this Moscato. I really enjoyed having a glass of wine like a distinguished adult woman, while not having to choke down something dry and unforgiving.

I also ordered the dumplings, and my friend ordered the Crab Rangoon. Now, dumplings are pretty straightforward and usually hard for any restaurant to mess up. They were especially delicious with the sweet garlic dipping sauce. However, Crab Rangoon is either good or it’s not. That’s just how it is, and it’s unfortunately often a crunchy shell with runny cream cheese that can only be saved when drenched in soy sauce. Not at Shens. The Crab Rangoon was folded into paper football-like triangles, and they were equally flavored with crab and cream cheese. I was pleasantly surprised. After asking the extremely patient and kind waiter, who had the unfortunate experience of overhearing drama, details, and middle school memories, to give us five more minutes for the last time, my friends and I finally ordered our main courses.

I was really debating ordering the sesame chicken, because it’s my go-to at J’s and Megumi in Troy, but I knew you guys would be bored. So, I ordered almost the exact same thing to feel better about myself. General Tso’s and white rice. I won’t lie; she was a little on the spicy side. However, spice isn't bad, and mama ain’t raise no… baby. Therefore, overall, the General Tso’s was absolutely delicious. My friend’s opinion after one bite was “holy garlic.” However, I also think that’s why I enjoyed it so much, and if you’re a garlic girl like me, you’ll feel the same way. It was a Jurassic difference from the General Tso’s you would find at a run-of-the-mill Chinese Buffet or restaurant, and it had so many different flavors that made the dish really unique and tasty. Additionally, everyone was raving about their lo mein, although I didn't try any.

Overall, you can't beat Shens. Everyone I know loves it, it’s reasonably priced, and the food is delicious. It also makes me nostalgic for Greenfire, which I’ve been missing terribly. If you know, you know, and if you miss Greenfire too, I’d give Shens a shot. Not only will it help fill that hole in your heart, but it’s just plain good. Also, as an honorable mention, they give you the cute takeout boxes that fold up and have the wire purse handle, or, as my friend said, “the real deal.” Details make the difference, and they definitely pay attention to detail at Shen’s.

Shen's Szechuan & Sushi is located at 7580 Poe Ave., Vandalia.