Land of Plenty

"... and Land of Plenty on East 58th Street. I can’t wait to get back."

"Part of the small cluster of quality Sichuan restaurants in Midtown, Land Of Plenty excels at more upscale Sichuan preparations while also nailing everyday classics. The camphor tea-smoked duck is perfectly done, with a strong tea aroma, crisp skin, and juicy meat underneath. The mapo tofu and cellophane noodles with ground pork - known to many Chinese by the poetic name “ants climbing a tree” - are both delicious standbys. Fish, frog, and lamb also come in many iterations that may be familiar to anyone who has spent ample time traveling around Sichuan province. However, if you’re really after some heat, try the braised goat hot pot with five-alarm intensity, which is hard to find anywhere else in New York. Food Rundown Hot and Sour Cellophane Noodles This is one of the best versions of suan la fen you’ll find in New York. The slick, thin cellophane noodles soak up the spicy, numbing, and tangy sauce beautifully. Slurping them can get messy, but just keep some extra napkins nearby. Camphor Tea Smoked Duck This rendition of a Sichuan classic ​​is perfectly done, with a strong tea aroma, crisp skin, and juicy meat underneath. The only things missing are the steamed mantou buns that this duck is usually served with, but the duck is still excellent on its own or over rice or noodles. Braised Goat Meat with Chungking Hot Pot Spiced A dish that’s difficult to find in New York, this Sichuan hotpot has five-alarm intensity and a wonderful smoky flavor. We recommend pacing yourself here because the heat comes on slowly and builds." - Diana Kuan

"When it opened a decade ago, Land of Plenty defined a new upscale style in Sichuan cuisine. Decorated with antique farm equipment on stark white wells, it radiated a staid East Side atmosphere, but even then the food was shocking in its heat and depth of flavor. Order anything with the three chiles symbol, and you can depend on it being mouth-searing, including Madame Song’s seafood noodles, poached rabbit, and crispy tofu with roast chile and cumin. Unlike many similar spots, the lunch specials are not watered down." - Robert Sietsema, Serena Dai

"Part of the small cluster of quality Sichuan restaurants in Midtown, Land Of Plenty excels at more upscale Sichuan preparations while also nailing everyday classics. The camphor tea-smoked duck is perfectly done, with a strong tea aroma, crisp skin, and juicy meat underneath. The mapo tofu and cellophane noodles with ground pork - known to many Chinese by the poetic name “ants climbing a tree” - are both delicious standbys. Fish, frog, and lamb also come in many iterations that may be familiar to anyone who has spent ample time traveling around Sichuan province. However, if you’re really after some heat, try the braised goat hot pot with five-alarm intensity, which is hard to find anywhere else in New York." - Diana Kuan

"One of the most venerable Sichuan restaurants is Land of Plenty (204 E 58th St., Midtown East), elegantly decorated with farm implements." - Robert Sietsema