Seasme Dish for Vegetarians? Yes!

Cherry Dragon: Seasme tofu, add broccoli, with a side of steamed rice.
Cherry Tree Shopping Center
Washington, IL 

Overall Rating: A
A resounding A! In the years since I rediscovered my place as a vegetarian, one of the hardest things for me to give up was a dish called 'sesame chicken'. Fried little bits of chicken (with that smooth batter that resembles beer batter), covered in what tasted like a honey, sesame glaze. It was possibly the most amazing thing I'd eaten as far as I found out it wasn't made with honey - but I almost insist that it was. It was that damn good! So you can imagine the fear I felt thinking there would no way I would experience such a sweet, salty and sesame concoction such as that because, for some reason, no one wants to make it! I searched so long but to no avail. No one made a vegetarian sesame dish I knew could be my replacement. Until we moved to Washington.

Parts & Points

Sesame Tofu

• Fried Tofu: Firm tofu! Yes! Thank you! I don't understand the switch many places seem to be making to the soft stuff. It's not as good in these dishes! Make it firm and, when frying, make it crispy! It doesn't have the crispy consistency you come to expect from fried bits of things, but it creates a slightly crispy, outer layer on the soft, warm interior of the tofu bits. Oh, and they're big bits!
• Sesame Sauce: Now, this does not taste like it's made with honey. It's red. It looks a lot like sweet and sour sauce, but you know what? It's fucking fantastic. It really is. This dish is a good "healthier" cheat-food, unless you're like me and can eat a little over half of the container despite the feeling of implosion. 

*BONUS* I always add broccoli to this dish. I don't think it usually comes with it but it is so good added. They steam the broccoli to perfection; not soggy, not so tough you can't really stand it. It's perfect. In fact, I think they should add broccoli to this dish. It adds a healthier 'kick' and really interacts with the other flavors and textures nicely!

Steamed Rice

• It's steamed rice. If you can't steam rice, get a rice cooker or find someone who's really good at it and have them make you some. These guys and gals at the Cherry Garden don't need help. They do a phenomenal job!

In Conclusion...
 If you're in or passing through Washington and you think about wanting some Chinese food, check out Cherry Dragon. It's right by Kroger too, so if you need groceries and just want something quick and delicious to take home, stop in, make your order, get your groceries, get your food and get home. Talk about the one stop shop!