From now until our Best Of issue, we are counting down our 100
favorite dishes of the past year. If you've missed some, we've included a
linked list at the end.
#73. 5 a.m. Chitterlings at Tri-Village
Yes, chitterlings. Yes, as in pig intestines. They're awesome. It's the offal truth.
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The Chinese name for this dish is 五更肠旺 (wǔ gēng cháng wàng) and
literally means “five a.m. intestine blaze”. It isn't that spicy, we
promise.
But why 5 a.m.? The reason is that this thick braise of pork intestine, blocks of pork blood, blocks of tofu, suancai (preserved cabbage) and spicy brown sauce supposedly had to be started at 5 a.m. in order to be ready for dinner.
The dish arrives in a metal dish set over an alcohol flame. Spoon some of it over your rice and dig in; the intestines are scrupulously clean, and have a slightly snappy texture (think of the “snap” of a good hot dog). The blood provides richness and the tofu a slightly grassy flavor to balance the spiciness and sourness of the dish. It's salty, it's spicy, it's savory, it's delicious despite its humble ingredients, and it's become a must-order every time I go.
Tri-Village, 14121 Jeffrey Rd., Irvine; (949) 857-8833.
The list so far:
#100.
Jerk Carnitas Torta at The Crosby
#99.
Nem Nuong Cuon at Brodard
#98.
Pork Chop Anything at Nice Time Deli
#97.
Flying Saucer at Alberto's
#96.
Frozen Custard at Marc Burger's in Macy's Signature Kitchen
#95.
Collard Greens at Johnny Reb's
#94.
Strawberry Shortcake from Job's Daughters
#93.
Cuban Sandwich at DeSimone's Deli
#92.
Lamb with Preserved Cabbage at Mas Islamic Chinese
#91.
Baked Rice at Luc Dinh Ky
#90.
Beans on Toast at The Olde Ship
#89.
Midnight Al Pastor Burrito or Taco at Taqueria Tapatia
#88.
Budino di Cioccolato, Pizzeria Ortica
#87.
Beef Teriyaki Bowl, Teriyami
#86.
Salmon Onigiri at Cream Pan
#85.
Beef Fat Fries at SideDoor
#84.
Silken Tofu & Thousand Year Old Egg at Asian Tapas
#83.
Cambodian Beef Jerky at Sophy's
#82.
Com Tam at Com Tam Tran Quy Cap
#81.
Chipotle-Piloncillo Goat Cheese at SOL Cocina
#80.
Nem Nuong Cuon at Au Lac Restaurant
#79.
Blackened Mushroom & Tofu Burger at Taco Loco
#78.
Fried Veggie Fish Fillet at Dong Phuong Tofu
#77.
Tofu Vegetable Salad at BCD Tofu House
#76.
Che Ba Mau at Thach Che Hien Khanh
#75.
Barracuda Sushi at Ohshima
#74. Whole Lamb with Kabsa at Olive Tree
