Pot from p 28 cook healthy, consistently good food is what drives him, and he’s thrilled to be back at it, despite the risks. At Mifan, he’s crafted a menu that emphasizes the mingling of flavors for intoxicating results. “Cooking is in my blood. I’m an artist more than a businessman, so I always want to create,” he explains. For example, a fresh vegan spring roll is loaded with tofu, carrots, mint, lettuce, and rice noodles, all neatly wrapped up in rice paper. It also includes a surprise bit of strawberry that, along with a housemade dipping sauce, is the TNT that makes this appetizer pop. The steamed veggie gyoza is another appetizer that’s easy to get addicted to. These delicate dumplings are filled with cabbage, carrots, noodles, green onions, and shiitake mushrooms. A soy vinai- grette lends the dish a welcome tangy note. Mifan’s entrees are prepared and served in clay pots — hence the restaurant’s name. Chu likens the technique to cooking in a brick oven. The pots can take heat up to 500 degrees, and he loves how the method maximizes both the freshness and the flavor of the food. Each option includes a combination of vegetables and sauce, along with a chicken or tofu protein of your choice. Rice and roasted garlic cauli- flower and broccoli are served on the side. The House Dynamite is a sweet-and- sour adventure, while HK Typhoon Style mixes Sichuan peppercorns with garlic, shallots, onion, and ginger for a savory sauce combo. There are a couple of shrimp offerings on the menu as well, along with a pair of soulful soups. It’s worth mentioning that the chef creates vegan broths and sauces, so this is a welcome spot for those who don’t do meat or dairy. What Chu wants most is for people to feel the way that he did during meals when he was growing up. “My grandma was in the kitchen, and now I’m in the kitchen. I want people to come in and feel at home,” he says. Takeout is an option at Mifan, but Chu would rather have you stop by. “I want people to take a break from everything and come in and enjoy a beautiful lunch or dinner with someone they like,” he says. “Not only does it taste House Dynamite Claypot at Mifan. better, in my opinion, but it’s also just important for people to take that time to be together.” Mifan Claypot Kitchen 1616 North Central Avenue 602-882-3923 mifanaz.com Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Monday. Amy Young 30 MARCH 3RD– MARCH 9TH, 2022 PHOENIX NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | FILM | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | FEATURE | NEWS | OPINION | FEEDBACK | CONTENTS | phoenixnewtimes.com
