Sugar and Spice and Everything Rice
Rice. It's an international-and economical-staple, playing an integral part in the diets of people all over the world, especially Asia. It can go without saying, Chinese cuisine would not be the same without it. In honor of the ubiquitous ingredient, Ben Pao celebrates National Rice Month throughout September with a wide variety of innovative rice preparations, sake flights, and trivia where someone will win dinner for four at Ben Pao.
Along with daily rice specials, rice festivities throughout September include:
Sake Flights: Sake results from the fermentation of rice starch converted to sugars, much like the brewing process of beers. Served cold, warm, or room temperature, Sake is a smooth traditional spirit rooted in Asia. Ben Pao offers three distinct tastes and styles for the novice sake drinker. Priced at $16 per flight, these specially priced sakes are also available during National Rice Month by the glass and the bottle.
Rice Trivia: Every rice lover's knowledge will be expanded as they are given cards full of interesting rice facts. Guests of Ben Pao will also have the opportunity to guess the number of rice grains in a large vessel on display in the restaurant. At the end of the month, the guest who came the closest will win dinner for four at Ben Pao.
Whether savory or sweet, the shining star or a supporting role - the culinary possibilities for rice are endless. Ben Pao offers special rice menu with a variety of fresh and innovative dishes showcasing the many ways this popular grain can be prepared and enjoyed. The menu will include items such as:
* Vegetable Fried Brown Rice - natural brown rice with asparagus, carrots, spinach, mushrooms and bean sprouts, $5.95
* Rice Dumplings - served with fresh ginger, chives and tofu lime sauce, $7.95
* Barbecue Pork Fried Rice - all-natural roasted pork shoulder, sliced and served over three mushroom fried rice with homemade barbecue dipping sauce, $13.95
* Rice Pudding - served cool and topped with chopped pistachios, $4.95
To make reservations guests should call Ben Pao at 312-222-1888.