I particularly like the number 52 because Meowth's Pokemon number is 52 (don't even try to argue with me about the new numbering system - why would you reorder Gen 1?!?) and if you know anything about me it's that I am pretty much obsessed with Meowth. Don't even get me started on that bitch Meowzie (MEOWTH YOU DESERVE SO MUCH BETTER).
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| Gahh he's so fucking cute |
Meowth is based on the maneki-neko, which are often found in Chinese restaurants despite their Japanese origins. So there is a link to this after all, and while I didn't see a lucky cat statue in No. 1, I think they must be channeling one because they had a lot of customers come in for take-out. While we were getting ready to leave, a woman came in who was clearly a regular and knew the wait staff and even said something along the lines of "I was having a bad day, but getting food here always cheers me up." It may not have been exactly that, but something along that sentiment - which I still haven't decided if that's a good thing or a sad thing. So, in spite of my initial hesitation of this being a really crappy Chinese restaurant, it was encouraging to see that a lot of people found the food tasty enough to come get take out or even be regulars.
But is the food really worth being a regular? Well, I was definitely pleasantly surprised at the quality of it, let's say that. The first test is if I like their wonton soup, because wonton soup is one of my favorite comfort foods. Salty broth + thick noodle-like goodness = happiness. I enjoyed their wonton soup, the broth was definitely flavorful and salty, and the quality of wontons were pretty good for what I was expecting. The noodle part was a little bland, but I've certainly had worse. For dinner, I got cashew chicken, which was pretty flavorful and not overly salty or greasy. I always like the mix of vegetables and crunch from cashews/celery, and this had a nice mix of that. The rice was also very good - the right amount of fluffiness/moistness (I feel like a lot of times the rice gets really dry). It made for a nice lunch the next day too, so thumbs up for good leftovers.
The inside of the restaurant is a few tables and lots of empty boxes, but I have to add that while we were sitting there, we could hear the television in the background, and the cooks were watching something ridiculous. I think that one or all of the following happened: 1) aliens came and abducted people 2) a woman was kidnapped 3) children were merrily playing outside. It led to a lot of unnecessary giggles.
If I lived a bit closer or were in the area, I'd definitely order from here when I was craving Chinese, so I totally get all the people coming in for pick-up. But it's not enough to merit going out of my way to return again.
No.1 Chinese Restaurant
639 South Street
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 574-9639
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