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The B line is the most dreaded of the T services: it's slow, crowded, and full of nine-to-five commuters and Boston University students.
But 20 to 25 minutes and $1.25 will put any Boston College student at the doorstep of one of Boston's best kept secrets: Victoria Seafood Restaurant. This hole-in-the-wall offers 24/7 Chinese selections on their regular menu as well as 24 items (all for $4.25) on their special lunch menu.
As apparent from its name (as well as the hard-to-miss tanks of crustaceans), Victoria's boasts a variety of seafood dishes, including crab, clam, and jellyfish. For those seeking a more traditional Chinese food experience, Victoria's has all the classics like chicken and broccoli ($5.00 with white rice).
The walls of Victoria's are white and fairly barren despite the generic decorations of this type of eatery - nothing special. The place itself is rather large and accommodates the family-style dining experience.
Our server came over right away with ice water and hot tea. Our waitress was so attentive that we had to send her away twice before we were ready to order. We ordered the crab rangoons (10 for $4.15) as an appetizer. I selected the poached chicken with ginger and scallion ($5.00 with white rice) as my entrée.
Even though my entrée was written in red with that notorious little chili pepper next to it, I decided to be brave and try it, requesting that it be made "not too spicy" (I like to be able to taste my food, not just feel it burn). I also ordered wonton soup ($1.95 for a small bowl) and a Coke ($1.95) - two perfect accessories to any Chinese meal.
It's important to point out that Victoria's serves their food like European restaurants do: although dishes are brought to the table in their correct "order," they are carried from the kitchen whenever they are ready. Some people are left with three items to handle while others wait for a dish of food to be placed in front of them.
Not only was the wonton soup made with its standard wontons, but it also included some random vegetables (snow peas, mushrooms, and cabbage). As far as wonton soups go, it was average, but nonetheless a decent amount of soup for the price. A friend ordered the egg drop soup ($1.95), which was good, but better with soy sauce.
Next came the crab rangoons. They were amazing: crunchy on the outside with a soft cream cheese middle. Coated in sugar (sounds weird, but is very good), the rangoons also came with sweet and sour sauce.
Then my friend received her General Gau's chicken ($5.00 with white rice), which was excellent. She also asked for it to be "not too spicy," and the dish reminded me of super-sweet barbeque sauce.
Not long after, I received my poached chicken, which was still spicy but satisfying. The only problem was the chicken was served with bones, which made it hard to eat.
The portions on the two entrées were huge for how cheap they were; they could have easily fed three or four people. We left with money still in our wallets and two containers of leftovers. Victoria fed us well.
Victoria Seafood Restaurant 1029 Comm. Ave. Boston (617) 783-2966
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