Santa Fe, New Mexico Restaurant Review: Ying Yang

Most people coming to Santa Fe, especially downtown Santa Fe, expect to see mostly Mexican, Southwest, and fusion restaurants on their trip. There are some other local staples, however, featuring Italian, Chinese, and Japanese foods. If, somehow, you get sick of margaritas and green chili while in Santa Fe, head just a block past the Santa Fe plaza to Ying Yang. Ying Yang is located in the design center just off of Cerillos Road, behind the plaza at 418 Cerrillos.

Ying Yang features traditional Chinese dishes in a nice, semi-casual atmosphere. The décor is also traditional, with pink walls and red and gold accents, and paintings. This is a great spot for a family dinner, as it is usually not too crowded- it's removed enough from the plaza to keep the tourists from overtaking it, while being close enough for those who know where it is, is affordable, and not as formal as many of the nearby restaurants. But, it is also a great place for a dinner out downtown or a date.

The menu includes, as I said, traditional dishes as well as more exotic ones, but the traditional are some of the best I've ever had- specifically, the beef with broccoli, the sweet and sour chicken, and the chicken and almond. My absolute favorite dish here though must be the crab wonton appetizers, served hot and creamy with plum and spicy mustard sauce (that you mix yourself to your liking) on a bed of cabbage. Their entire menu is MSG-free and full of options for a variety of diets, especially vegetarian. They also offer a variety of beers, domestic and foreign, and tea.

The prices at Ying Yang are also some of the best you'll find in the area, with most appetizers running between $3 and $10 and entrees between $6 and $15. This is another reason to bring your family here, as it's often difficult to go out with a family on a budget. At the same time, it makes for an impressive while affordable date spot.

While the food here is itself impressive, especially for the price, the staff makes its own great impact. I am a very picky eater, oftentimes requesting dishes without certain vegetables or spices. The staff here is extremely accommodating, and even remembers me when I come in. I was shocked when, on only my second visit, I had the same waitress as my first visit. When I ordered a dish, she informed me that there were mushrooms in it- the menu didn't say so, but she told me because she had remembered from my last visit that I did not like mushrooms. Needless to say, I was impressed and continue to be so by the flexibility, considerateness, and cordiality of the staff along with the food and prices. I would recommend this place to anyone, even if you came to Santa Fe for the Mexican food, you must try this place as well.