Dinner Xi’an – Feb. 16, 2018 – Beverly Hills, CA.

What can I say about Xi’an that hasn’t been said before; elegant, wonderful, delicious, and perfect. Yes, this is Chinese food at its best, and you can tell by all of the laughter and smiles, guests were really enjoying themselves.

Xi’An (translated as ‘Western Peace’) was one of the oldest cities in China and a bustling ancient capital of China. It is also known for the ending of the legendary Silk Road, which for 1600 years was the seat of dynastic power, a sub-provincial city located in the center of the Guanzhong Plain in Northwestern China.

What I really adore about Xi’an is owner Vicky Mense, she is such a fashionista and very hands on. Originally from Taiwan, she made Los Angeles her home in 1984. Vicki really makes you feel very relaxed. Her personality and beauty are very welcoming, she is a staple here on Canon Drive. Besides her thriving business, Vicky has lots to be thankful for. Her past involvement has included Chairwoman for the Chamber in 2008, board member for 2 years, and VP of Vocational Service for 2 terms of the Beverly Hills Rotary Club. Then she became board member for The Maple Counseling Center, as well as for Beverly Hills Global Partners, Inc. Currently, she serves on the Chamber’s Executive Board, chairs the Committee for Asian Business Connection, and is also board member of the Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau. Vicky also spearheads the Asian Liaison Committee, a spinoff committee of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce that focuses on reeling in businesses and organizations from Asian nations to prospects in the Beverly Hills and Los Angeles communities.

Vicky talks about her 2 employees Tao and Cece, who have been with her the longest, “Tao is the Yang. Tao has been with me from my previous business, which I opened 23 years ago, and sold before opening Xi’an. Cece has been with me since the first day I opened Xi’an. They’re an integral part of the success of Xi’an restaurant. I could not have done it without their devotion, passion, enthusiasm, and customer service.”

Vicky about Xi’an, “I think Xi’an really symbolizes a very typical local restaurant. Even though Beverly Hills is famous worldwide, you will get a flavor of how intimate a community we really are, how the people in Beverly Hills eat, live, and enjoy life! We are offering really delicious food, reasonable prices, a beautiful sidewalk patio– we are so blessed that LA weather affords us the luxury to dine outdoors!”

I was honored with Tao doing my service on my visit, he is no-nonsense and can carve a Peking duck faster than you can say Beverly Hills.

Here’s What I Tried:

Appetizers:

Soft Shell Crab Sushi Roll, a very artistic endeavor, with the little crab legs popping out from the sushi roll, just the perfect beginning.

Cool Lettuce Cups with Miso Black Cod. These were so fantastic, the cod is cubed into little pieces and the flavor is out of this world.

Mu Shu Vegetable with Pork. This is always a great choice, with the nice veggies and the egg with the pork it has a nice texture and the tasty bites are amazing as well.

Noodles:

Pan Fried Noodles, Semi-crisp noodles topped with sautéed shrimp and chicken with mixed vegetables. There is a lot more veggies and protein then noodles, so you could potentially order this as a main dish, it’s just that good.

Seafood:

Treasure from the Sea, Shrimp and scallops in a black bean sauce sautéed with snow peas and fresh basil. A real treat, lots of shrimp and scallops make for one superb dish.

Duck:

Peking duck, the perfect roasted duck with crispy golden brown skin and succulent meat, wrapped in 4 thin pancakes at your table. This for me is always very decadent and Xi’an does it to perfection, the sauce, the pancakes, and the duck, just exceptional.

It’s the kind of place that will treat everyone equally, even if you’re a celebrity, you’re still part of the family. It’s not that you’ll go unnoticed, rather than a hidden law that you’re not going to be bothered. The night I came Jay Leno and his lovely wife Mavis stopped in for some orange chicken, which you could tell was his favorite. I dropped by the table to say hi and even got to take a selfie with Jay. He is a very nice man!

The interior is very welcoming, with elegant mirrors and wall sconces, the little touches of Chinese décor add to the overall homey feeling. There are red lanterns that enhance the ambiance as well. They have a private dining room; the exclusive Shoji Room, with its walls of sliding doors, offers you the option of having celebrations or meetings in complete privacy. The Shoji Room can seat up to 28 people while Xi’an’s main dining room and outdoor patio can accommodate larger parties and functions.

Above all Xi’an is a family restaurant, meaning everyone knows each other, it is super friendly, and if you’re not part of the family you soon will be!

Hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 PM. – 10:00 PM

Xi’an
362 N Canon Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA
(310) 275-3345
http://www.xian90210.com/

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