Coming Soon? Gourmet Island in Alhambra

[Chandavkl]

Well, the signage is up on the former location of The Kitchen in Alhambra and it says it's going to be Gourmet Island. They haven't started lining up to be the first one to try the restaurant yet, but knowing some of the locals they'll probably start queuing up pretty soon. Any intelligence would be appreciated.

[dreamcast18]

I miss the Kitchen!

[Chandavkl]

This is not what I expected--cafe style ambience (formica tables, some bench seating), though not exactly cafe style food. Dining area diminished by bbq meat take out area and partially open kitchen. Opens at 8 am with $2.99 and $3.99 breakfast specials, with $4.99 lunch specials. Nothing over $12.99 unless you want to order a whole duck or chicken or giant hotpot. This is the anti-Kitchen.

[Harry Nile]

Chandavkl, did the signs make clear that it's going to be a restaurant, rather than, e.g., a kitchen-supply store?

[Chandavkl]

Only did a drive by so I couldn't see for sure. However, since that's been a Chinese restaurant location for almost 30 years I would expect that another restaurant would be housed there.

[TonyC]

No intel, but I did visit last night (grand opening).

Had spicy clams that were spot on, pepper salt fried pork chops flaked with MSG! ZOMG! unabashed MSG as adornment, see pix. Final dish was just bombastic, braised herbed duck over taro. Just so overwhelmingly salty, tender, a bit fatty, spiced (anise? the exact spice escaped me).

On grand opening night, the restaurant was packed, with people celebrating birthdays, bringing in trays of mini cupcakes. Operation is beyond smooth, but they charge for rice AND tea pots. Ick. Prices are higher than JJ/KT/Sunday/ABC/Garden but on par with Bacali, Tasty, etc.

[raytamsgv]

I take it that Gourmet Island is a Hong Kong-style restaurant?

[Chandavkl]

Yes, except for the $19 peking duck. (Roast duck, soy duck same price.)

[ipsedixit]

Bet you dollars to donuts that it's another Hong Kong cafe style joint?