Flaming Mountain

Flaming Mountain's strip mall environs may be less than exciting but they save their sizzle for the food. The owners, husband-and-wife Hongfeng Li and Ling Wu, are originally from  Shenyang in China's northeast, and the menu proudly displays their regional heritage alongside classic Sichuan cuisine and grilled skewers. Chef Wei Zhang sources quality ingredients for dishes that deliver bold flavor across the board. Portions are hearty, so arrive armed with an appetite for meals like Chungking spicy chicken, with a plate piled high with classic dry fried chicken studded with chilies and peppercorns. Cucumber salad tossed in a vinegar sauce balances the heady spice. Cumin-scented lamb done in a stir fry style is another standout.