The three-pork fried rice at Yao (15 Alafaya Woods Blvd. 321-765-4801 in Oviedo; Yaosorl.com) is larger than the total of its parts, says Sous chef Joseph Ulto.
“Each ingredient is not surprising on its own. But when you combine these pieces under a fierce heat, something very dynamic is created to lighten your taste, but gently wraps them like an embrace from an old friend. Food has the ability to quickly connect with people.”
Now the world can use more embraces if you ask me. But instead, a large bowl of fried rice, celebrating the national holiday on Saturday (September 20), could serve as a stand-up with delicious carbohydrates.
I always buy my mom’s Chinese takeaway, but she never wants me to be fine as she sits in my fridge and can turn into a spam-fitting bread for just a few minutes, from chili chrys prostated beets and cauliflower to marshmallowee patagonian scallops. Maybe there’s a fried egg on top that will turn over.
Yao’s version, fresh corn, Chinese sausage, bacon, homemade chasiu (you might debate Ulto about whether it should be counted as “inconspicuous”) creates a magic that has become a favorite of regulars at this Oviedo restaurant.
“Everyone likes to talk about their favorite spots. “It’s that memory of us competing.”
So when a guest tells the manager or owner that it’s the best thing he’s had since childhood or “since I left New York,” Ult says, “it’s the most special thing and more than anything, he’s complimenting us better as a chef.”
It’s not so basic, and you might still want to get the “basic” with a fried rice. Read some starchy options.
The taste of Hunan
Upon hearing about this latest editorial business, a friend mentioned this Chinatown Plaza favorite, black truffle beef fried rice.
Handling “Chinese Stomach” with Hunan’s Taste Review
sorry.
Here the tender beef and rice add just the right amount of sweet, earthy truffle oil and feel almost blended in. (I know that some people don’t agree, but to me there’s something about this mostly good). This is coveted and makes my leftovers.
Hunan Taste: Colonial Drive, 5148 W. Orlando, 407-930-3188; hunantastefl.com
Chengdu taste
Another classic Orlando favorite I haven’t visited in a while, this story was the perfect excuse for pop at the original West Colonial Drive location, with subtle green tea and chewy bacon pops, contrasting lightly and pleasantly contrasted with dishes like green peppercorn fish fillets and mixed dried pots (both are stellar). It’s also a great challenge for friends who like instigating less Chinese food.
Taste of cengdu: 4856 New Broad St.in Orlando, 407-286-4850 and 2030 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando, 407-839-1983; Tasteofchengduorlando.com
Timely
West Indians meet Chinese people in time. I wanted to come here and get a box of roasted duck fried rice, but I didn’t dig, but there were no ducks. These are happy accident situations. Instead, I ruled out a large sampling of pepper lamb fried rice instead. This is for the cocky person between you. It is an amazing complement to the hot sauce that comes with it, as the lamb and vegetables are soaked in both sweet and sticky. Burning! I’ll rule it out if it’s not yours, but give it a try first. What a combo.
Timehri: Colonial Drive, 7371 W. Orlando, 407-291-2047; Timehri.co/home
Toritori
This gorgeous Mills 50 Izakaya is very different from some of the humble Western colony haunts and crab fried rice on my list, but decades of crab fried rice, chef/owner “Sony” nguyen calls it a “simple yet elegant take.”
He said, “It’s built on quality ingredients… aged jasmine rice covered in sweet blue crab meat, fresh green onions and flavored garlic confit.
Toritori’s Marketing Director, Maybel Salazar, brings it to a perfect circle.
“Fried rice is always available at any time,” she says. “It’s also easy to use leftovers from the fridge. It’s as simple or complicated as you would like, and truly represents the heart of Asian comfortable food.
Tori Tori: Orlando, ToritoriIpub.com, 720 N. Mills Ave.
Do you want to reach out to me? Find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @Amydroo or the Osfoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun, join Let’s Eat and Orlando Facebook Group.
