Boasting Flavors of Canton

July 8, 2012 By Steve Murray Photos By Nathalie Walker

For the pupu lover, it’s hard to beat a good Chinese restaurant — and Canton Seafood is a good Chinese restaurant. Whether experiencing the food as designated appetizers or enjoying an entree to share or to be devoured solo, the cuisine offers a variety of flavors that reflects the varied culinary landscape of the diverse and ancient land. Cantonese cuisine is just part of that tradition.

Enough of the history lesson. Let’s eat!

Though you may get strange looks if dining alone, there is nothing wrong with tackling the House Special Appetizer Platter ($25.99) all by yourself. That being said, you will have more room for other dishes if you share, but that’s up to you. The platter is a weighty helping of egg rolls (done with an interesting curry-style spice), cold jellyfish, salt and pepper pork chops, roast duck and char siu pork. You won’t find the platter on the regular menu, but ask for it.

If you’re looking for something lighter, Boiled Shrimp ($11.99) will do the trick. The sweet shrimp is boiled, chilled and served head on with a house special soy sauce containing pepper, ginger and green onion.

Other tasty items are Deep-Fried Tofu ($8.99) or Stuffed Tofu with Shrimp ($9.99) The deep-fried tofu is a crispy snack perfect for noshing while sipping an ice cold beer. Stuffed with shrimp, it is a moist and fluffy treat with a clean flavor that does not carry over to the next item.

And the next item could be Clams with Wine Sauce ($12.99). If you didn’t share the appetizer platter, you can mend fences with the steamed clams that are chilled and topped with a Chinese white wine sauce containing parsley, red pepper, onion and green bell peppers.

One final recommendation is Fried Sliced Squid ($11.99). The squid is moist, tender and packed with a clean, natural flavor. A garnish of green onion and red peppers add just the right subtle accompaniment to the dish.