Cho’s; The end of an era
It was a sad day when I found out Cho’s was closing. It was one of those staple establishments in Palo Alto that I have been frequenting for most ofmylife. And, in my opinion, the pot stickers and pork buns were legendary. The ones that set the bar for all others to live up too. More on the food later. I must first talk about Cho’s itself. To call this place a dive is probably overselling it. You could walk by a dozen times and not realize it is there, or what it holds inside its tiny space. Tucked in next to a depressing travel agency, a now 2 Micheline star restaurant, and a Kinkos, it is easy to miss. But, Cho’s has served the hungry Palo Alto community for decades. Business men in suits can be ordering their dumplings in front of stoned high schoolers and computer programmers from the latest tech start up (like Facebook, for example). This little place served all. There is hardly any charm to the decor, except for the fact that its charm is in the lack of details. Mixed matched chairs, tables, the odd 2 day old Palo Alto Daily News surround the super small space for Dine-in customers. All with the comfortable hum of Chinese talk radio heard from the kitchen. Lets just say you would be unimpressed if you were looking to eat in (my favorite was the piece of paper in the corner warning customers that a broken plate would result in a charge that is now $3.50). But, the food is delicious. A bit greasy, but who really cares.
Pot stickers, pork buns, egg rolls, soup and some other dumplings fill in the pretty basic menu. Highlights are easily the aforementioned pot stickers and pork buns. I have had aching cravings for these ever since I first bit into one. Cho’s was a regular itinerary stop anytime I was in Palo Alto. Coming back from college, it usually took me less than 24hrs to have a pork bun. But, my favorite activity was to grab a selection from Cho’s and head a block down to Antonio’s Nut House, a legendary dive bar. There was nothing better than sipping a beer while chowing down on the greasy delights from Cho’s. To say I am sad that I can’t do this again is a huge understatement. And, I am not alone. On what was my last visit, I had the pleasure of chatting briefly with an elder couple who have been coming to Cho’s since it opened. We shared quick tales how all of their kids loved the potstickers and how they were trying to make it there at least once a week since the closing date was posted. I believe that the thick dough and the crispy bottom was quite a signature and I have yet to find a pot sticker that is like Cho’s. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
I won’t dive into the corporate changing of Palo Alto, but losing Cho’s is losing not just a great dim sum spot, but a huge piece of nostalgia and _____ for me and all of Palo Alto. It use to be you would see a lot of Mom & Pop places, boutiques, and businesses unique to Palo Alto. Unfortunately, now just down the road you see a Starbucks and Counter Burger where Kirk’s Steakburger use to live. Its gross. Downtown on University avenue is even worse, but at least the Old Pro, Nola’s and Rose n’ Crown are still around. I understand somethings need to change, and not all businesses, especially restaurants, can live and thrive in such a high rent city. But, as a Palo Alto kid, it is tough to see a gem like Cho’s go. Just like Bob’s Doughnuts and the old Cheese house (I know its still there, but I’m talking about the old shop, where you could buy candy canes in June) before it, Cho’s has served Palo Alto well and will be remembered by us forever. Let’s just hope this doesn’t happen to Hobee’s anytime soon.
Thank you, Cho’s. I will always love your pot stickers.
