What does the Boca Raton menu listing General Tso Chicken as spicy suggest about its heat level compared to Szechuan preparations?

It likely means a mild warmth intended to cut the sweetness of the glaze

The interpretation of 'spicy' varies significantly between specific dishes and regional expectations within American Chinese cuisine. Although the Boca Raton menu labels General Tso Chicken as spicy, observations from general discussions suggest this often translates only to a mild warmth integrated into the glaze, serving primarily to balance the inherent sweetness of the sauce. In contrast, authentic Szechuan or Hunan preparations are generally expected to deliver a more intense, complex heat, often characterized by a numbing sensation derived from specialized chilies and peppercorns, meaning General Tso's labeled 'spicy' is likely much milder than a true Szechuan dish.