Amazing 66

Justin Hartung

Citysearch

The Scene
Though it suffers from the same bright lighting that afflicts so many Chinatown restaurants, Amazing 66 does make a few small gestures toward individuality. A chandelier hangs from a circular ceiling inset, and a few bizarre touches like mini disco balls and displayed bottles of Remy Martin desperately insist that this is where the party's at. Then again, maybe it is, as tables are filled to the limit with a predominantly Chinese crowd.

The Food
Cantonese cuisine is known for its sparing use of spices and a thorough use of animal parts, and Amazing 66 fits the profile on both counts. A massive bowl of fried duck tongues yields crunchy pleasure, though the cartilage attached to each piece can be a shock. Elsewhere, duck proves too fatty when braised and accompanied by mixed veggies and drowned in a bland, gloppy sauce. Less aesthetically challenging options include honey-slathered quail, crisped to perfection, and pork cooked in a delectable tempura-like batter.

Hits: It's a fun place to take a detour from the Chinese-American classics and venture into something a little more authentic.

Misses: Service is a bit brisk and indifferent, and flat-screen TVs don't exactly warm the room up.