la.foodblogging

Genghis Cohen? When I first heard of this restaurant, I asked myself: “Is this a Mongolian BBQ restaurant? A Jewish Deli?” Never would I have guessed that it’s a Chinese restaurant, full of lazy susans and garlic black bean sauce ~ and no less, in the Fairfax/Midwilshire district.

First things first. When you take a look at the many choices on the menu, the very top has printed four “things you need to know about Genghis Cohen Restaurant“:
* We expect our friends who visit Genghis Cohen Restaurant to relax, and enjoy our gourmet New York-style Szechuan Chinese cuisine.
* If you are a first timer, please be a little adventurous. Do not hesitate to ask our serving staff for Genghis Cohen specialties.
* A special menu is available for large groups and private parites, 18% gratuity will be added to parties of eight or more.
* Seven dollars per person minimum charge required on everyday, from 7PM-10PM

A little while ago, I was definitely among friends to celebrate a friend’s 21st (+10 years) birthday. I was excited about this restaurant because 1) our party planner was good friends with Dennis, the owner; 2) I downloaded the restaurant’s Crackerjack Shrimp recipe a few years ago and wanted to try the real deal in person; 3) I missed the last outing to catch the Comedy Act of The Stage Ningaz; and 4) Most importantly, it’s always a good time with good friends.

I ordered my usual (and quite strong) Belvedere Tonic while we waited for our food to come. Dennis took care of our menu, and we anxiously awaited each plate like kids waiting to open their gifts on Christmas day. We didn’t know what would come out, but we knew that we wouldn’t be disappointed. And out came the barrage of food…Soups: Hot and Sour & Egg Drop Corn w/Chicken; Appetizers: Shrimp Toast, Skewered Beef, Dumplings and dish after dish of delicious Chinese food (American style, of course). I polled some folks that night on their favorites and made sure I snapped some of the evidence before they disappeared! (Some people voted twice or thrice…like me!)

Here’s the tally: Crackerjack Shrimp…my favorite of the night! [3 votes]; Crab w/Asparagus in Black Bean Sauce…another favorite! [3 votes]; Sauteed Green Beans…yet another favorite! [2 votes]; Beef with Black Pepper, Bell Peppers & Onions…tender and good! [1 vote]; Mabo Tofu was thick on the gravy [1 vote]; other good eats included the Chicken Chow Mein and the No Name Duck.

All on a spinning lazy susan, I had several rounds with each of the platters and hit food coma state in less than an hour. Dennis knew his regulars at the restaurant, and assured me that he’s not into pretentiousness. He was a very cool guy who was easy to talk with and who also complimented me on my purse…A guy with great taste and a taste for good eats. I’m sure I’ll go back with my group of friends for a bite to eat, some relaxing music or some stand-up comedy, and more good times.

Genghis Cohen
Street: 740 N. Fairfax Avenue (& Melrose)
T: for rsvp & takeout: 1.323.653.0640
for delivery: 1.310.278.3955
for music hotline: 1.310.578.5591

By Kristy (see more of her posts). A native of the city, kristy loves to discover new sites, new eateries, new things to do in her online journal of finding the best of la.