With the constant buzz and hype (on the internet, social media and in personal conversations) about “what’s new” in the ever-changing culinary scene around us - some of us self-proclaimed foodies get so focused on trying to catch up!. So much so, that it is easy to overlook the tried and true staples that have been around for years. They are right here under our noses. They have never failed us. They see us running around from one restaurant opening to the next wine-dinner to the next food festival - and all the while they patiently wait for the moment when we will stop, take a break, and walk-in to their welcoming smile.
We all know places like that. These places with no savvy PR person at the helm( so we don’t hear about them much on news media). These places maybe small but are incredibly good. Places we visited on a regular basis, before the influx of all these newbies. Places right here in Fairfield county!
Shanghai Gourmet in Westport is one such place to me. My family used to go there ALL the time…. and then all these new restaurants started opening up near and far. I got so caught up in “catching-up”, that I lost track of what may be old but is still damn good.
Until recently - when I was running a bunch of errands in and around Westport. Come lunch time, I could not make up my mind on what I felt like eating. Until, lo & behold, I pass Shanghai Gourmet. I used to LOVE that place, I thought. Wonder if its still as good as I remember, I pondered. Well! there is only one way to find out, I concluded. 
Yes. Indeed. It is still as good. Going strong with consistent quality. Deeply aromatic dishes with well-developed and rather-sophisticated flavors. One thing I have always noted here is that the food does not seem overly greasy unlike some other Asian restaurants. The menu is quite extensive and everything that I have tried there so far has lived up to its expectation.
If you eat-in you will notice a steady stream of take-out orders being picked up. I prefer my food hot and properly plated - so I usually opt for eating in even though the place is somewhat cramped. Now, I have started visiting Shanghai Gourmet again - more often. And my infatuation continues to thrive.
Some of my favorites are Thai Curry Noodle Soup, Beef in Sambal Sauce, Szechuan Dumplings, Satay…. How about you?
By the way - did you know that Shanghai Gourmet in Norwalk is not part of the same ownership? It used to be when it first opened, but not anymore. I recently tried the Norwalk location and I found the food quite similar in taste but somehow just not as good as the original gem in Westport. I shall stick to tried and true, thank you very much!
Shanghai Gourmet, Westport | http://shanghaigourmetct.com/index1.htm
