Ms. Biz, LV and 24/7 Mom took me out for a belated birthday lunch. As we walked over to Chinatown, we have to cross this tricky two-lane left turn intersection on 4 Ave SE and 1 ST. Ms. Biz always sticks our her arm straight out and stares at the drivers as we walk. However, this time around it didn’t prevent a driver from almost hitting us. Ms. Biz turned around and pointed at the driver and then at the walk sign, her Louis Vuitton bag swinging on her dainty arm. The driver scowled at us as we commenced and tried to gun pass us. Seriously! There is no respect for pedestrians in Calgary.

After my near death experience, I wanted to eat at Chong Fat. The owner always gives me a compliment, and greets me with a a friendly leng lui (pretty girl). I didn’t get my customary greeting, so I’m guessing I wasn’t looking so hot after almost being run over.

Ms. Biz consulted with everyone before ordering Soy Sauce Duck ($9.99); Fish Balls and Noodle Soup ($8.99); Black Bean Beef Noodles ($10.99) and Salted Fish and Chicken Fried Rice ($10.99).

The duck was meaty and lean. I like how the soy sauce flavour is soaked into the skin. The cuttlefish was razor thin, crunchy and not chewy. A winner in my book.

The black bean sauce was not overpowering. Everyone agreed it was ho sic (delicious). The beans were crunchy and sweet. The beef was tender. We couldn’t finish this dish because we ordered so much food.

The fish balls and fish cakes are homemade. Ms. Biz really liked the bouncy texture and she was relieved the fish balls didn’t have that mushy texture.

The highlight of the meal was the fried rice. This dish was hou hoeng (fragrant). You could smell the wok hei and contrasting taste of the salted fish, which gave it a nice umami flavour, kinda like anchovies in a Caesar salad. The rice was caramelized from the wok. There were so many little treasures in the rice. Honestly, this was the best fried rice I ate in Calgary, almost as good as my famous duck fried rice.

I love the friendly service and the homestyle food. Remember it’s cash only. Thanks girls for a wonderful lunch. On our next foodie adventure, we are heading to Ms. Biz’s favourite Thai restaurant, Khao San Thai Kitchen.