"An authentic Chinese experience" reads the brochure for the West Loop's Jim Ching – a peculiar declaration for a joint with an extensive pizza menu, several different sizes of fried chicken, and BBQ baby back ribs as an appetizer. Well, nobody's perfect, and with a menu as enormous and diverse as Jim Ching's, most people will certainly sacrifice authenticity for deliciousness. And for those with the tongue for hot foods, the smell of potent spices hits you within seconds of opening the door – the aroma for more than 25 entrees labeled "hot and spicy" on the menu.

So let's try to summarize the behemoth that is the Jim Ching menu: Beef and chicken entrees range from Hunan beef to chicken pineapple to moo goo gai pan (and the small portions couldn't be more generous for "small"). Seafood, pork and vegetable options abound as well – hong sue pork, cashew shrimp, Szechwan broccoli and more. A smaller section, labeled "exotic oriental entrees," includes popularized items like orange chicken, General Tso's chicken or beef, and ginger shrimp (all entrees run between $6-$10), and if this section is as close to the authentic Chinese dishes as the menu suggests, Chinese food is pretty darn spicy stuff. While it's a little unfair to generalize this entire menu, it's worth a try: giant servings, big pieces of meat, nothing too soggy and nothing soaking in grease.

While this whole "authentic Chinese experience" assertion doesn't hold any weight, Jim Ching could possibly call itself an "authentic 1970s hangout," as the interior gives off this throwback vibe, including fake plastic trees, old-school napkin dispensers on the table, a dusty TV in the corner, and a few comfy booths for late-night chatting. If you're looking for something original and eccentric, have this Chinese restaurant deliver pizza to your next party.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Andy Seifert