Duo Lao Fang is now Tang Gong, which used to be in Monterey Park and has decent dim sum.
Decent sums it up. They had a little bit of trouble dealing with new year crowd. Our congee came out without the order of donuts. Ended with a small bowl each of lukewarm congee when our donut made it to the table. Though it did mean every last spoonful of congee was stuffed with a large piece of donut.
Hargow was fine, but the chicken feet was far too salty. If they had used a measuring spoon rather than a shovel, it would have been perfectly fine. I have nothing to say about the steamed taro as I don’t care for this root vegetable while my mom adores it. First time with the salted bone and watercress congee. Enjoyed it, again pretty decent.
The mango pudding was very firm. Now I like my jello the texture of a brick so very firm pudding didn’t bother me. But for most, pudding should be more delicate?
In any case, my mother commented Tang Gong wasn’t as good as Sea Harbour . I hope they work out the kinks and wish them well.
Table next to ours were enjoying acye hot pot for $30pp.
On the Sea Harbour front, I’m wondering if anyone has ordered HK bbq from the meat stand next to the main dining room. Wondering how it stacks up to Ruby, Longo, etc.
Big Way Hotpot coming in the space abandoned by 88 Rice Korean Hot Dog in Atlantic Times Square in Monterey Park. And the neighboring Curry House is turning into Mongolian Pie. Interesting to see Chinese restaurants replacing two vacant spots in Atlantic Times Square previously occupied by non Chinese restaurants. In addition in walking by the 101 Noodle Express location abandoned at the start of the pandemic, I could hear construction noise inside. So while the vacancy rate at Atlantic Times Square is still pathetic it’s nice to see some leasing activity.
I know the rent must be discouragingly high, and there was always a lot of turnover, but I was still shocked at the vacancy rate when I stopped by in August.
I don’t know if El Monte counts as WSGV, but I’m impressed with Happy Together for dim sum and feel like it doesn’t get mentioned enough on the “best of” lists.
It’s tucked into one of the fanciest Holiday Inn’s in the SGV. Their classics all taste on point and very reminiscent of what I had in southern China. They also have a pretty impressive BBQ program too with a lot of tables were ordering the “coconut crispy chicken” which is a chicken served tableside on a spit. You just pull the meat off (gloves optional).
Come at 10, there’s a massive wait starting at 10:30, so I guess the locals have caught on.
Could have used the dim sum rec earlier in the week . On the list for the next visit.
Anyone know of any vegan friendly Chinese restauants in 626? I know a lot of places can do veganish things but figured I’d ask to see if there is any that are extraordinary in their selection or preparation of vegan items.
South Gate Noodle replaced Joy Noodle, which itself recently replaced Joy Thai in Alhambra.
Have you had that meal yet, and if so, what did you land on?
No not yet. Still looking for suggestions
Is Happy Family still around?
No idea but I’ll take a look!
Can’t vouch for the extraordinariness, but it looks like Vege Paradise has become Vege Valley:
We used to enjoy the former, but it’s been years.
I too, cannot vouch for level, but Happy Family is still around - in Atlantic Times Square, and yes, Vege Paradise, that was in Focus Plaza, moved to Life Plaza and became Vege Valley. They took over the former Beijing Restaurant space.
This with the caveat that I don’t get to the SGV like I used to, only a few times a year now instead of twice a month (or even twice a week).
Happy Valley should still be around. They changed their name a few years ago but everyone kept using the old name, so they reverted to Happy Valley. Vege Paradise opened up a branch called Vege Valley next to their Focus Plaza location, using a different name in anticipation of returning to Focus Plaza when the remodel was complete. With Focus Plaza being a mess I’m not sure what’s happening.
Rosemead’s Unique Smokehouse opening new branch on Garvey in Monterey Park between Fortune #1 and Yin Tang Spicy Hotpot. I think this used to be a nail salon.
Yes, was just there about two weeks ago. It is still there and good as ever.