There’s definitely no dearth of Chinese restaurants in our multicultural neighborhood, so when I stumble upon something a little different than the usual offerings, it makes me want to whoop with joy. Such was my reaction when I looked at Rice Express’ menu. Apart from Mongolian beef and Kung Pao chicken, the restaurant had a category of “sizzling plates,” and I immediately ordered the Sizzling Beef, Chicken & BBQ Pork offering. Soon, the waitress laid down a dark platter that smoked and sputtered and smelled divine. On it sat heaps of thinly sliced beef, pink-rimmed barbecue pork and chicken in a still-bubbling sauce. Tossed with the meats were green bell peppers, onions and minced garlic galore. The sauce was sweet and salty and rendered the meat juicy and tender, while the veggies were slightly charred, which added a nice smoky flavor. I made sure I scraped up every last drop of sauce with some white rice, after polishing off the rest of the platter—waste not, want not! This dish is definitely a great “find.” Find out for yourself at Rice Express, 25004 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 115, Folsom, 916-353-1934. 

—Tara Mendanha