CENTRAL ASIA

Towson Market Place (facing Goucher Boulevard) Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Call 825-0200 or 825-0201. There are two Central Asia locations in the Towson area. I opted for the restaurant in Towson Market Place because its carryout shop in the Loch Raven Plaza Shopping Center is closed on Mondays.

Have you ever seen a short Chinese menu? Nor have I, and this one is no exception.

There are dozens of choices of soft noodles, chow mein, fried rice, chop suey, egg foo young, chef's suggestions and a list of 27 special dishes. Any selection may be ordered Sichuan style for those who like a little more zip to their food.

I ordered egg rolls ($2.95 for two), chicken lo mein ($6.35 a quart) and Sichuan pork with bean sprouts ($7.90 a quart), which can definitely feed four.

The egg rolls were large, but lacked character. However, the chicken lo mein was tasty, with lots of white meat, mushrooms, crunchy snow peas, scallions and water chestnuts added to the savory soft noodles. The Sichuan pork was spicy without being too hot, and offered lots of tender pork and vegetables.

One suggestion: It would be nice if Central Asia would give more rice and condiments with the larger quart orders of entrees.