Xiao Ye

...is located in NYC's Lower East Side and I wanted try it because of their Cheeto Fried Chicken - brined in buttermilk, battered in Cheetos and served with chili organge marmalade dipping sauce ($13).

So I dragged "C" with me and we ordered the fried chicken which was more like nuggets (breast meat) and neither crispy nor Cheeto-y. I was disappointed because there only seemed to be a light dusting of Cheetos.

We topped it off with a Taiwanese Flat Booty Cake - pancakes with spicy lychee condensed milk sauce, crushed peanut, lychees and fresh whipped cream ($12). This was like a Chinese riff on breakfast. The pancakes were fluffy and light.

The drinks were the main attractions (as this more of a bar than a restaurant). I can't even remember what I had because it was pure vodka poured over a mountain of shaved ice topped with lychees. Whew!

White Palace Chicago

This diner located on Canal St. in downtown Chicago was featured on Food Network's "Guy Fieri - Diners, Drive Ins and Dives" and they are cashing in on it. The White Palace has posted their Food Network fame on every surface inside their classically decorated diner. The food is hearty and generous. On the weekends there is usually a line of customers waiting for a table.

I had a spinach omelet which is served with 3 pancakes.

T had bbq brisket sandwich which was served with a cup of cream of chicken soup.

W had the huevos rancheros which was served with rice, guacamole, chips, and refried beans.