EverSpring Modern Chinese

Although Chinese restaurants come and go – and in Orange County, Chinese-American restaurants have recently been more in the “go” category lately – we were genuinely excited about EverSpring Modern Chinese from the first moment we saw its menu. As one of many sister restaurants to Las Vegas’s China Mama, and the first in California, this young Tustin restaurant initially leaned on a small collection of wok-fried dishes, but has more recently added new soup dumplings and wontons to its collection.

What initially grabbed our attention was EverSpring’s specialty item: Crispy Beef Sticks, an undeniably awesome crispy shredded beef recipe that too rarely pops up on Chinese menus. Forging a flavor and textural middle ground that simultaneously evokes steak, beef jerky, and chicken wings, it’s a must-try entree here.

And joined by a collection of very good second and third items. In addition to solid renditions of dry chili chicken, guo bao pork, rainbow shrimp and Mongolian beef, the egg yolk sesame balls, extra-crispy potstickers, and braised pork hock are standouts. Everything served here is prepared to a high standard – dine-in class, and markedly superior to typical Chinese-American takeout.