Chef Shangri-La, Riverside

A friend that teaches in Riverside likes to unwind at Chef Shangri-La, so I checked it out after a gig last week; I'd driven past but not appreciated how much of a local institution it is, with many longtime fans returning annually since it opened in 1976, and mourning the loss of founder Paul Fong last year. The decor is fantastic. There was a 190N piece on it last year, and it's been mentioned in some roundups of Tiki bars including "Da" Hala Kahiki and Tong's Tiki Hut, which was already lovably seedy when Star Trek IV was in theaters.

Distinguishing the menu from many surrounding neighborhood Chinese-American spots are sweet mango dishes, Hawaiian bolos with a tangier sweet and sour and fresh pineapple, and some lunch specials like char siu sliders. I enjoyed well-fried, cinnamon-laced egg rolls and the very crisp Mongolian tofu. The hot and sour soup, in contrast, was irredeemable, as if someone had accidentally poured a container of plum sauce into it. I'm told the egg drop is safer. They host regular entertainment including an Elvis impersonator and fire dancers. This is not pilgrimage-worthy (the Zombie was classic, admittedly), but I'd be interested to hear any other dishes worth seeking out.

Chef Shangri-La
http://www.chefshangrila.com/home.htm
7930 W. 26th St.
North Riverside, IL

I pass this place all the time - gonna have to give it a shot now!

It's totally destination worthy, if just for the Dr Fong drinks and the atmosphere. I think it's the 3rd Saturday of the month when there's entertainment and raffle prizes. I find it best to go with a group and get the family dinner for six and 2 or 3 rounds of Dr Fong. They do have a good crab rangoon, their mustard is above average, and I enjoy the beef volcano, if solely for the pyrotechnics. If they had KowKow's egg rolls, you'd have to drag me from the place.

I took my husband here in January for his birthday because of little tidbits that I had read about it in the tiki subject threads. We loved it!


Kamoniwanaleia


Dr. Fong


My Hawaiian pua next to my husband's chicken