Szechuan Restaurant: Where Culinary Worlds Collide

Szechuan Chinese / Japanese Restaurant
http://www.szechuansedona.com/
1350 W. Highway 89A
Sedona, AZ
928-282-9288

Asian culinary worlds collide at the Szechuan Chinese and Japanese Restaurant in Sedona.

We are frequent visitors of this place, which is snuggled toward the back of the New Frontiers Marketplace along 89A, not far from Ravenheart of Sedona. A number of restaurants have come and gone in this locale, but Szechuan seems to be here to stay, largely due to the popularity of the live music on warm summer nights and the adjacent Martini Bar. There is also the variety. At no other place in Sedona can one order a sashimi, hot saki, California rolls, Moo Shi Shrimp and Chow Mein on the same ticket. See a full menu here.

The staff is always very friendly, whether being seated or taking out. Parking is usually ample although summer nights can be a bit crowded (but worth the atmosphere). See picture below and click here for Szechuan's image gallery.

On our most recent visit, my wife and I took our two daughters and a friend to dine-in. The kids are big fans of the lettuce wraps, which consist of diced chicken, pine nuts and crunchy noodles that go inside the ice berg lettuce pieces with plum sauce. Very tasty. It's just the right amount to share among several at a table.

The kids also liked the veggie chow mein with the noodles. It offers just the right flavors for kids big and small. The noodles are almost like large spaghetti and are flavored nicely with the chow mein sauce.

On the adult side, we went with the Moo Shi Shrimp with plum sauce. The shrimp have good flavor, are firm and fresh. The Moo Shi mixture is savory with assortment of vegetables, including mushrooms and cabbage. The pancake shells come with their signature plum sauce that you load up with the mixture.

On a separate visit, we've ordered the sesame chicken, which has a great tangy sauce and is sprinkled with sesame seeds. The chicken pieces are tender, however tend to be a bit overly deep-fried. If you are looking for the heart-healthy meal, you may want to consider another item.

The sushi we've ordered in the past is also fresh and tasty, but not surprisingly, doesn't quite compete with the sushi you get in San Francisco or other coastal city. If you have several people at a table, order the Volcano, which comes with a whole platter of goodness, including California rolls, spicy tuna and other varieties.