Restaurant names often come with a story and Corner 17 is one of those. Seventeen was the age of the owner, when he came here from China. It marked the turning of a corner in his life. I like that.
Oodles of Noodles
Every now and then my body speaks to me sternly: “I need some Chinese carry out,” it says.
“I’ll eat it at a restaurant or tossed together in your wok—but I prefer to go out.” My better self argues back, that it’s 100 degree in the shade. Leftovers would be more logical, I say.
My body pouts. I give in. Hmm. . . that was easy.
Most often I make a run to Corner 17, that’s located near my condo, has a vast menu, and even an amusing “sideshow” of the Noodle Man, pounding and pulling dough into handmade noodles.
The Noodle Ballet
The “noodle ballet” has all the grace and precision of a dance performance. Within minutes the noodle maker can fold, twist, throw, spin, chop, twirl, and stretch lumps of dough until they become long strings of noodles ready for a pot of boiling water.
Food bloggers overuse the word authentic, but I trot it out here, because it truly fits. Too much Chinese cuisine has been Americanized. But the aromas and tastes at Corner 17 remind me of those I enjoyed when I visited China for two weeks in the 80s.
Austin offers me some of his Dan Dan noodles.
Colorful and Flavorful
General Tso Chicken. There’s also Cashew Chicken, Orange Chicken and Lemon Chicken. Can’t go wrong with any of these.
Great little plate of sliced cukes, perfect for sharing.
Eggplant—another sharable
Dumplings
Spinach Dumpling
Cabbage
My Mango Fluffy Ice is definitely not shareable–don’t even think about it !
Corner 17 Chinese Restaurant: 6623 Delmar Blvd. in the Loop. Open: Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun 11a-9p. Fri and Sat, 11a-10p. Menu.
