Thursday is Christmas, so it's time to make those reservations at the Chinese restaurant! As we all know, they can get pretty packed this time of year, what with all the New York transplants and devoted fans of "A Christmas Story" hanging around.
In my Jewish household, Chinese food was never really a Christmas tradition. Most of my Christmas memories actually involve sitting in my room, sulking and watching TV. But if I could do it all over again, I would spend the holiday at the lazy Susan, passing plate after plate of beef chow fun, walnut shrimp and steamed mussels in that deep black bean sauce.
Here are three of my favorite Tucson Chinese restaurants that are open on Christmas Day ...
Gee's Garden
1145 N. Alvernon Way, 520-325-5353
This joy ride of dim sum will kick it into high gear from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Christmas Day. Wise men should look for their excellent pork shumai dumplings in sticky soft wonton wrappers, the rich congee rice porridge with green onion and chunks of thousand-year-old egg, and of course, their pillowy steamed char siu bao pork buns.
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China Phoenix
7090 N. Oracle Road, 520-531-0658
This north-side spot makes some of the best Peking duck in town, and you can get it from 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Christmas Day. (You may want to call ahead and request one.) They'll also be serving their regular, comprehensive menu, full of carnivorous delights as well as the vegetarian fantasy, steamed bean cake with plump black mushrooms. Reservations recommended.
China Szechwan
1800 E. Fort Lowell Road, 520-795-0888
If you like to cry out your Christmas with tears of joy, head over here and get the water-boiled fish off the Szechwan menu. The only remedy for a meal this spicy is cookies and milk. Hours: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Peking duck available with 1-hour reservation. Parties of 6 or more should also call ahead to reserve a table.
