Having really enjoyed our first visit to Szechuan Gourmet on 39th St., we were curious to find out how the new one at 98th and Broadway compares, so we tried it on Wednesday.

The space, which formerly housed Hunan Balcony, is huge, and tables are well spaced, much more comfortable than the 39th St. location, and with better service. Of course, since there were only about 6 tables occupied, the staff was not exactly overtaxed. We were surprised to find that they do not have a liquor license yet, but they served free glasses of wine, which was a nice touch.

The food was excellent. We started with ox tongue and tripe, sliced very thin and served cool in a chili soy vinaigrette (spicy and very delicious), and pork dumplings in a spicy chili sauce (far superior to the typical dumpling). For the main course, we had sauteed fish filets with leeks, and kung pao chicken, both nicely spiced and very flavorful.

I hope this place will be a success.