Named for both the spicy Sichuan noodle dish and the two chef/owners, DanDan delivers Chinese soul with Midwestern sensibilities. The restaurant pulls from the Dans’ (Jacobs, who will compete on the 21st season of Top Chef, and Van Rite) childhoods and adds some heat, literally. Start with the five spice chicken wings and scallion pancakes with housemade hoisin sauce. Don’t skip dumplings—either the Sichuan pork or short rib and foie gras. Absolutely get the lipsmackingly spicy namesake dandan noodles and then some silken mapo tofu. If you’re really hungry, call a day ahead to order the three-course $85 Peking duck service for three.
