Kirin

What's it like?

I love Kirin, been going there for years.
Small family operation, they cook the food and serve it.

I go there for the food. Its clean, flavorful, consistent, and not oily. But really, the real reason for this review are a few specials. There are two of them, seasonal, so you can't always get them:

• Spicy beef with leeks, thin strips of beef cooked with fresh leeks with just enough spicy sauce to coat the meat. When leeks are not in season, you can get the same dish with green onions, but it doesn't come out the same. I have vowed to research leek seasons in the Valley because I think I should be able to get this dish more often. (maybe a small leek green-house in the side-yard is in order)
• Asparagus Shrimp, grilled shrimp cooked with thin fresh asparagus, very light, no sauce, slightly spicy. I find this dish more often than the leeks, so I can't complain too much

The are other great dishes like Kirin Beef, or spicy eggplant, or Sechwan Chicken, and Sizzling rice soup. The owner seems to have an amazing memory, you come in a few times, and she will always remember what you like to eat. And always make us feel welcome.