Yue Yang Lou (Hunan Gourmet) #4 - 2006.01.15 -- *****

I have been to this gem of a place in dt sunnyvale many a times already, for brunch and dinner. Solid hunan and sechuan flavors permeate all the dishes, but the shanghai numbers show their capability for a different porfolio of tastes as well. I can't remember much about the first brunch visit here, so supposely dinner is their forte.

Perhaps most recommendable are their simple vegie stirfies. I'm a fan of the cantonese style, light treatments that allow the natural flavors of ingredients to shine out. Yet I find the Hunan approach of strong complementary flavoring equally compelling. The vegies here stand tall enough to be dishes enjoyable on their own. The shanghainese braised pork hip, a pillar of my childhood food memories, is done with absolute finesse and not to be missed. The smoked pork belly and the hunan "small" stirfry both showcase the explosive tastes of chinese cured/smoked meat. Diced chicken with peppers is at once tender and spicy, with a deep marinaded savoriness.

Other dishes were less standout in my mind but I can't say I've had any "bad" entrees here. Price is very fair at around $10-15 per person. Expect no-wait seating, and the typical chinese food service.