Brothers Patrick and Ryan Evans fell in love with Sichuanese cuisine while working in San Francisco's fine dining industry. When they returned to Michigan, they teamed up with Ryan Corbin, a fellow chef, to bring those flavors to Traverse City.

We talked to the trio about Crocodile Palace, their takeout-only Sichuan restaurant, the appeal of the Sichuan region's mala flavor profile, and the ingredients that go into their bestselling dan dan noodles.

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Crocodile Palace's main brick-and-mortar is located at 124 Cochlin St. in Traverse City.

• Their kitchen at The Little Fleet near downtown Traverse City is open year-round, and offers a less spicy menu of options.

• Find bonus footage from our trip, plus a map of all our past trips, here!

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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