510935 Sat Apr 19 11:29:01 -0700 2008 10 2 Los Angeles Area 0 3610238 Just started a new assignment in Skid Row, and have unexpectedly found myself taking on the role of a food minister. Will be hosting my first luncheon based on Chow recs. So far, I'm planning to serve Hop Li's orange chicken and BBQ pork fried rice. Any other recs? Many thanks! Sat Apr 19 11:29:01 -0700 2008 153275 Waverly SGV 1 3610442 Orange chicken is fried, opt for a healthier choice maybe? Sat Apr 19 13:29:35 -0700 2008 3610238 13137 jackattack 2 3610776 Thank you for your conscientious response. And you are absolutely right! But I guess I'm trying to choose the lesser of all evils (other client requests were fried chicken, BBQ ribs, and anything with sugar, oh...and beer). Decided to opt for vegetable fried rice instead of BBQ pork, and will add braised string beans. Sat Apr 19 16:20:54 -0700 2008 3610442 153275 Waverly SGV 1 3610566 How about egg rolls from Panda Express? I know in year's past, Panda Express used to donate quite a bit of food to local food banks, at least the one on Lake Ave. (Pasadena) and inside the Pavilion in Arcadia did. Sat Apr 19 14:23:33 -0700 2008 3610238 11583 ipsedixit 1 3610622 I agree w/ ipsedixit... I'd contact places in the area, and see who might be willing to help donate and contribute. Sat Apr 19 14:52:23 -0700 2008 3610238 15572 Emme 2 3610783 Thank you ipsedixit and emme. I am planning to develop an up-close and personal relationship with the local markets and restaurants in the near future. But for this occasion, I have a modest budget. Any alternative restaurant recs? I've chosen Hop Li based on chow recs and proximity to our current site, but am open to other suggestions. Thanks! Sat Apr 19 16:26:07 -0700 2008 3610622 153275 Waverly SGV 3 3611049 sorry not to give a specific rec(s); what is your current site location more precisely, just so i can be more precise in my response :) what about the chinese stand in grand central market or paul's kitchen? Sat Apr 19 18:51:44 -0700 2008 3610783 15572 Emme 4 3611850 We're currently located at the outskirts of Skid Row, near Central and 7th -- thanks for asking! I've heard about Paul's Kitchen. It gets mixed reviews. I personally like Cantonese-American style cuisine. Grew up eating it. Sun Apr 20 08:26:21 -0700 2008 3611049 153275 Waverly SGV 1 3611085 If you're on any kind of budget you'd be better off going to a Chinese fast food restaurant, which would be much cheaper than a sit down restaurant. Indeed the best orange chicken I ever had came from such a place in the garment district, Lotus Chinese Dishes at 901 E. 12th St. Haven't been by there lately, so I don't know if it's still around. In Chinatown, Tai Wong at 711½ New High St. has lots of stuff at rock bottom prices. Obviously not gourmet food, but I don't mind going by there once in a while. Sat Apr 19 19:09:54 -0700 2008 3610238 10131 Chandavkl 1 3611330 You may want to talk to Zen Mei Bistro at 800 Yale Street, Los Angeles. Good prices generally and generous portions. Fairly close to the Hop Li in Chinatown. Just across the street, in fact. Tell them what you intend to spend and they will tell you what they can do. If you are going for fried rice, i don't think the vegetable version is any healthier than the bbq pork version. Personally, I think the bbq pork version give them more protein. Just my 2 cents. Sat Apr 19 22:25:41 -0700 2008 3610238 56125 curtiskan 1 3611844 Thanks for the suggestions! I will look into Paul's, Lotus, and Zen Mei. Can't go too cheap bc there may be some big wigs attending. Plus I don't want to put anyone into an MSG coma. Trying to balance nutrition, flavor, and cost. I actually tried the Arcadia Hop Li's orange chicken yesterday. Pretty good, not too sweet. The oysters with ginger and green onions, on the other hand, were not the freshest. Sun Apr 20 08:23:40 -0700 2008 3610238 153275 Waverly SGV