Hsiu Yu (pronounced "Shoo You," as it says on the sign in front) does not have a lunch buffet, so I was expecting a typical Chinese restaurant lunch menu. I was quite surprised, however, to find that it consisted of three items, in addition to seven that are served every day Monday through Friday (including such exciting dishes as lemon chicken, sweet and sour pork, and chow mein).

I was fortunate to have picked a Thursday to visit, however, since one of the three special lunch items was Spicy Shredded Chicken. This was a delicious blend of chicken and vegetables with the right amount of spice.

My dining companion ordered another of the specials, Potato Beef, which was reported to be equally good. While potatoes are not normally served in American Chinese restaurants, they are common in some of the northern Chinese dishes. The fact that they are served here shows that Hsiu Yu is not only a little out of the ordinary, but also goes out of its way to serve more traditional and authentic dishes than the average restaurant.

The highlight of the meal may have been the Hot and Sour Soup--some of the best I've ever had, but which the waitress warned that it contained MSG (I think too much since I had a mild MSG reaction to the meal).

Overall the restaurant had excellent food, but caution should be used because of the MSG. Tofu dishes are very limited.