A fine taste of theatre to be had in Beverly Hills

Oh wow, Mr Chow ...

If someone was to ask me what is one of my favourite reasons for travel, it would be the food you get to eat and savour.

Food opens up your mind and excites the tastebuds, reiterating to us there is a big wide world out there.

Delicacies from around the world connect people together which is a special experience in itself, and Mr Chow in Beverly Hills is all of this and so much more.

One afternoon back in 2015 when we were staying at the funky W Hotel in West Hollywood, I said to Steve "I feel like really good Chinese". Steve agreed so we went to the hotel’s concierge to ask where they could suggest.

Straight out of the box, Mr Chow was recommended. We were sold and before we knew it we were in a taxi to 344 North Camden Dr, Beverly Hills.

Following that July 31, 2015, night came July 19, 2017, then sadly, a forced cancellation in 2020 because of Covid, and last but not least our most recent visit on July 23 this year. Our experience yet again was everything we hoped for and much more.

To give a brief background, Mr Chow Beverly Hills opened in 1974 and is owned by Michael Chow, aka Mr M.

Mr M has a number of restaurants in the United States and in London where he opened his first restaurant in 1968. The common denominator is that all of his restaurants deliver cutting-edge Chinese cuisine, served family style in a vibrant, theatrical setting while all adorned with incredible artwork that illustrates Mr Chow’s love for the arts, an institution for loyal customers and Hollywood stars. We were lucky enough on one of our visits to spot Joan Collins dining in a corner not far from us!

The service is world class as well. I love being whisked off to our table to then have the exquisite Champagne trolley wheeled along to us so we can choose what lovely glass of Champagne to start off the night, sipping it as we ponder what to order from the mouth-watering menu.

After much deliberation we choose the lobster dumplings, drunken fish, crispy duck and Beijing noodles.

However, I am just dying to ask the question that has been lingering in my thoughts since we had to cancel our trip in 2020. I eagerly show on my phone two photos of myself and Theodore, our worldly and distinguished waiter who had looked after us each time previously. I do this with my fingers and toes figuratively crossed, hoping for the answer I really want to hear!

The reaction says it all and many waiters gather around to look at the photos. Theodore makes his way over to our table with his beaming smile which in itself has made our night.

We promise to catch up before we leave the restaurant and have that third photo.

Before long, 8.30pm arrives and with it the nightly performance of the famous noodle creating and pulling show where noodles are made from scratch right in the restaurant for all to see by a chef in full attire. The crowd applauds with gusto as they do at the opera which merely adds to the thespian experience of the buzzing restaurant.

We enjoy every morsel of the exquisite food in front of us, all of our senses in pure harmony with the wonderful Chinese fare.

We are in awe that each time we come to this fine establishment it exceeds all expectations without fail.

I do get my third photo with Theodore before we depart. We have a chat and he tells us he has been working for Mr Chow for nearly 50 years. To celebrate, Mr M is going to close the restaurant for a night and throw a big party at his art gallery.

Wow what a party that will be!

 

At your service

Alex Hannagan has been to Mr Chow Beverly Hills three times - in 2015, 2017 and in July this year. Each time she has been served by a waiter named Theodore who has worked for Mr Chow for nearly 50 years. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED