MCI Centertown ... I mean Chinatown

Going to Chinatown for Chinese food? That's so old fashioned.

Ever since the MCI Center opened in 1997 the area has experienced rapid growth. The beautification of Chinatown, underwritten ironically by American commercial interests, has in some way helped to revitalize the small Chinese business community. But the area's Asian spirit is conspicuously diluted by the prevalence of businesses such as Fuddruckers, Banana Republic, and Hooters.


But if one looks for it, Chinatown is home to some incredible pan-Asian culture and food. Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian fare are all represented on H and 6th Streets north of the MCI Center.


I recently ate at Wok & Roll, a Chinese/Japanese restaurant with a small but decorative sushi counter and a big-screen TV usually showing sports games (almost certainly to attract the MCI Center audience). The spicy tuna and smoked eel rolls were tasty, as was the General Tso's Tofu.

In spite of Chinatown's new Western image, I recommend going there for Chinese (and Pan-Asian) food ... and then maybe head to Fadó Irish Pub or D.A.'s R.F.D. afterwards for a pint.