Corner of Valley Blvd and San Gabriel Blvd -Chinese Lunch recomendations

[bgazindad]

I will be near the corner of Valley Blvd and San Gabriel blvd in San Gabriel on a Saturday. Any recommendations for a Chinese Lunch?

[TonyC]

China Bistro
Ding's Garden
Hunan Chili King
Lu's Garden
Tianjin Bistro
Yum Cha Cafe
Yung Ho

Throw a rock from the intersection and walk into whatever restaurants it hits?

[bgazindad]

Which one do you recommend? The only things I do not care for in chinese food is mushrooms and curry.

Thanks

[ipsedixit]

As TonyC said, the possibilities near (or at) that intersection is almost limitless.

You could help us out by being a bit more specific -- e.g., how many people, price range, etc. Do you want sandwiches (maybe banh mi), dim sum (maybe at 888), hong-kong cafe food (e.g. China Bistro), etc. You get the idea.

Help us, help you.

[bgazindad]

2 people, me and the wife, wife does not like real hot spicy food, little spicy is ok, dim sum is not preferred, no sanwiches, price <$50 for two. Seafood is Ok, Any meat, noodles, veggies are OK. What is Hong Kong cafe food? How is it different from regular Hong Kong food?

I have been going to Hop Li for years but I am getting tired of it. I was at Seafood Villiage in April for my Birthday. Didn't care the curry taste in one of the shrimp dishes, Other dishes were very good. I had dinner at Elite, not dim sum, two weeks ago. Not impressed favorably. I went to Shanghai style restaurant in San Garbriel area about 5 year ago--lots of shitake mushrooms which I hate. I like the following but I am open to new things, hong kong style chow mein, beef chowfun, schzuan beef, fish in black bean sauce, chinese brocoli, shrimp in honey walnut, squid prepared just about any way possible. steamed pork spare ribs in black bean sauce, almond pressed duck, roast duck, hoisen chicken, seaweed soup, hot and sour soup, War won ton soup. I usually order just steamed rice instead of fried rice. There is other stuff I like but I think this is enough to give you an idea.

Thanks for your help

[ipsedixit]

Sounds like your tastes run pretty mainstream and basic, probably best to go someplace safe like Sam Woo inside the Focus Plaza.

Sam Woo
140 West Valley Blvd
[phone]

[bgazindad]

Looked up Sam Woos in SG. Its closed down. I called their number and it was disconnected. Got any other recommendations?

[ipsedixit]

Mei Long Village in the strip mall across the street from Focus Plaza.

[monku]

That might have been Sam Woo Seafood on the top floor of the plaza. There's a Sam Woo BBQ on the ground floor. I was there 2 weeks ago and I don't think they're closed.

[bgazindad]

That could be the reason why the phone number is disconnected but the address is still listed. Any ways I will find out soon.

[TonyC]

you want generic HK-style dinner food andyou're extremely "selective". Yet you don't like Elite, which is highly respected in the 'hood right now... SPECIFICALLY in that corner, 888 and Sea Harbor are the 2 biggest Cantonese restaurants with a boat load of customers.

If you still don't like either, I don't know what to say. G'luck.

PS: Have no idea what steam rice vs. fried rice have to do with anything. Kinda lost me there.

[odub]

Actually, I think BG should probably find something other than Cantonese to eat. Not like all HK spots are like Hop Li but if he's tired of the type of food that Hop Li serves, I think a change of region is warranted.

Also, if his only requirements are no curry or mushrooms, that's pretty easy to avoid: just don't order any curry dishes (it's not like restaurants sneak curry in. Most dishes with curry will clearly say "curry"). Mushrooms are usually noted - front and center - in dishes too.

I don't know what I'd recommend RIGHT at that intersection but Mei Long Village is always a very safe bet in terms of consistency of quality. Great dumplings, great pork, solid noodles, etc. I've had a shrimp dish there too that I recall was decent (though not earth-shattering or anything). They probably do some nice Shanghai short ribs too.

[odub]

I should add: what's a bit confusing here is that you're tired of Hop Li but all the dishes you named are basically pretty standard for what restaurants like Hop Li serve. I don't know if you're going to find some place that does an incredible "shrimp & honey walnut" dish that will be very different from how Hop Li serves it up. Hence, you should go outside your comfort zone and try something other than the "greatest hits" list. Otherwise, stick to Hop Li - at least you know what you're getting.

[bgazindad]

The list of what I prefer is not complete. Its only the stuff I can remember. I have tried dozens if not hundred of different dishes, I just do not remember them all. I agree with you that is why I am seeking guidance. My main approach to ethnic restaurants is to seek recommendations from those ethnic users. I know I do not have to reinvent the wheel.

[ozhead]

At that intersection, choose randomly -- any restaurant within a block in any direction.