Because of China's vast and varied ethnic regions I plan to do at least three restaurants for this country, focusing on their remarkable regional flavors. Today we go to Flushing to dine at FU RUN which specializes in cuisine known as "Dongbei." This is a cuisine from Liaoning Province in the Northeast bordering North Korea. There are three "Dongbei" restaurants in Flushing, but FU RUN which has been around for eight years, is the most authentic, serves the best food, and has the nicest setting. The restaurant serves one of the most unusual, special dishes in New York, called the Muslim Lamb Chop, and by itself alone is worthy of making a trip to FU RUN for.

Well there it is . . . On my initial visit to FU RUN, when I saw the waiter heading toward me with this gigantic platter piled with ribs literally falling over the plate, I looked behind me thinking it was for someone else. But, no, it was for me . . .  Eight HUGE ribs caked heavily in cumin and red pepper. When I say "caked" in cumin and red pepper, it is as if the chef just took the spice jar and shook the entire contents  on it.  However, the ribs, oh my, what a taste!  The ribs are very moist, and the combination of the cumin, sesame, red pepper and garlic provides powerful flavor and with a burning sensation, that to me was pleasant, and not searing in its heat. The Muslim Lamb Chop, is a fantastic dish, not to be missed.

FU RUN is an attractive restaurant with gleaming hard-wood floors, substantial wooden beams where colorful lanterns sway, and large front windows makes way for lots of natural light. One of the walls contains two significant, good-sized calligraphy paintings by Zhen Guam Zhong, a well known artist in China.

Though it is the Muslim Lamb Chop that is the 'must have dish," there are other dishes that are very good as well; such as Conch with Scallion. 

The staff at FU RUN is young, energetic and takes big-time pride in talking about Dongbei cuisine, and the Northeast part of China where most are native of.

This dish is called Crispy Sliced Fish with Chili Pepper and Cumin. Tasty with a distinct satisfying burn to it.

Here is what I look like when I am "in love with a food item." The Muslim Lamb Chop. I have been to FU RUN probably a dozen times and this dish continues to win my heart.  It is more than just the taste . . . it is a dish that you ache to be "savage" with. Try to eat it with chop sticks, then a fork, and I guarantee you will put these down and just gnaw!  For those seeking an ethnic eating adventure, FU RUN and the Muslim Lamb Chop is worth a gastronomic pilgrimage. 

Mandarin (China) language lesson - "Hello" (Ni how)  "Thank you"  (shay shay)  "Delicious" (How chu) "I am full"  (Cha bula)

Interesting fact about China - China is often considered the longest continuous civilization, with history marking 6,000 BC as the dawn of Chinese Civilization. It is also the world's longest continuously used language.

Address - 40-09 Prince Street Flushing (Queens)  (718) 321 - 1363