The Tai Pan is usually reserved for birthdays or new job celebrations because it isn't the cheapest of restaurants in the local area but it has never disappointed yet. Some time ago, we happen to meet the owner sitting on a nearby table and while, I'm sure he wouldn't recognise us these days but this chance encounter has certainly underlined to us the authenticity of the place.
Menu items that are simply descriptions of what you get on the plate and a restaurant full of Chinese people are always good signs, particularly when there isn't what you could call huge indigenous Chinese population despite the many Chinese restaurants in the city.
When we go, we never hold back. What's the point of going to somewhere that you can't really afford anyway if you are going to just limit yourself to a mildly intimidating bill? And besides which, we were celebrating our Very Good Day and money didn't seem much of a problem... as opposed to the following morning when we tried to balance the dinner out with the rest of the monthly shop. But enough of that, on with the food porn!*
Vermicelli noodles were silky, moorish and I couldn't fit as many in mouth as was demanded by my belly. Although I have been known to Udon on occassion, Ramen and even Soba (don't really like those), I simply can't get enough of the long, thin soy laden delight of Vermicelli. These were slippery but not wet and laced with spring oinion and beansprouts. This is the dish of the Takeaway taken to heady and delicious heights.
Other dishes to look out for here are the Crispy Garlic Chicken. This was apparently a half portion (half a chicken that is), but it seemed much more. Huge portions make me happy because it equals another re-run for lunch the next day and this kept very well.
Mrs. P. has taken her time to work her way around the menu and recomends Sautêed King Prawns with Garlic and Hot Chilli, which was recommended to her by the aforementioned owner who offered to choose her a dish when she failed to manage to do so herself. Despite the name, it is not hot at all and she manages it with ease, it usually gets ordered alongside anything else that we might choose just because, she claims, Mrs. P needs to remember what it's called.
We usually drop about £70/£80 with a couple of beers and tip for the two of us but we think it's worth it. It's highly regarded in the Good Food guide and for great reason. For a celebration or those times that the local takeaway just won't cut it, you won't regret it.
http://www.taipan-mk.co.uk
*Admittedly, it isn't my best work in terms of photographic perfection, but as with most porn, it gets the job done quickly and effectively before leaving you feeling slightly dissatisfied and wanting the real thing.
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