76565 Fri Dec 16 19:31:13 -0800 2005 4 2 Los Angeles Area 0 422069 Hi All: My sister is coming for Xmas and, as Westsiders, we want to use that as an excuse to explore further East. We are particularly interested in Mexican and all things Asian. So I am looking for must tries especially for lunch since it can be kind of a long trek from here. So far thanks to you and some eating outings with the local chows & the ultimate food poll, we have come up with: Little Sheep (we went there with the group but I want to try it with a small group this time-and scoop out the herbs and go to Fosselmans after!) Din Tai Fung Dumpling House Arcadia Triumphal Palace Alhambra (what should we try there in particular?) 888 Seafood Restaurant (ditto here-anything that is a must try?) For Mexican the only one I have so far is: El Tepeyac We have tried Babita's which is great but new ones don't have to be that "high end". We just keep hearing that there really isn't any great Westside Mexican and that we need to go East..... SO all suggestions are very welcome and we would especially like specific dishes to try if you have favorites. thanks jpie Fri Dec 16 19:31:13 -0800 2005 0 jpie 1 422089 Sounds like a neat plan! :) You know about Little Sheep from first hand experience and sadly, Trumphal Palace is still on my own must try list... but here's some suggestions... Din Tai Fung is a bit further away than the other restaurants in SGV being in Arcadia. However, I LOVE their Juicy Pork Dumplings (I really didn't find much difference between these and their pricer version with pork an crab) and their string beans. Their plain chicken soup is plain, but I love their wonton soup! Great veggies too and the staff is really nice and will guide you through your selections. 888 Seafood Restaurant: I've only been to Dim Sum. I put in the flavor league and pricing of Ocean Star. Not the fanciest stuff, but tasty. They do have however a MUCH biggest selection than Ocean Star. So be sure to linger... :) El Tepeyac: You have to get the Hollenbeck... but get the Chicken version! I also love their Taquito and Guacmole App. This is NOT Babita by any stretch of the imagination, this is pure East L.A. Comfort food... Other SGV/ELA suggestions for you to ponder Kings Palace for Pork Pump, the Chinese version of Carnitas! http://eatingla.blogspot.com/2004_10_01_eatingla_archive.html Sunday at Mercado of East L.A., pick up some addictive fresh made Potato Chips with Chile and Lime along with air filled with Live Mariachi Music! http://chowhound.com/california/boards/losangeles/messages/196847.html Check out Chinese Islamic at its best. I perfer Tung Lai Shun in the Focus Center to the legendary China Islamic on Garvey... http://chowhound.com/california/boards/losangeles27/messages/136250.html Also, Don't Forget Last Year's LA Magazine Top Mexican Restaurant (which was deserved!), Tacos Baja Encenada! http://chowhound.com/california/boards/losangeles/messages/198523.html Finally, since it is the Holidays, you could bring back home lots of Tamales (And all sorts of meats from Cinco Puntos and Baked goods from La Mascota!) by doing a Tamale Tour of ELA... http://chowhound.com/california/boards/losangeles37/messages/181308.html Hope you guys have a great time! :) --Dommy! Fri Dec 16 20:26:45 -0800 2005 422069 0 Dommy! 2 422090 Thanks Dommy-you are the best! I am assuming the Mercado of East L.A. won't be happening on Christmas day? Fri Dec 16 20:34:59 -0800 2005 422089 0 jpie 3 422091 You know, that's a good question. Most Mexicans I know celebrate Noche Buena, which technically falls on the 24th. In my family, Christmas Day, was for sleeping in and going for Chinese food... LOL! So it MIGHT be open. Still though, I would call any place you might wanna stop by on Christmas Day... El Mercado 323) 768-3295 3455 E 1st St. --Dommy! Fri Dec 16 20:43:46 -0800 2005 422090 0 Dommy! 1 422157 If I never been to the places below I would sure want to go. I have taken friends and family here and they have all become regulars. IMO these are the best in L.A. at what they do. I have also listed several other discussions on SGV Chow. Also, check out the great “Bandini’s blog” listed below. Best Tacos and burritos (OK, not SGV but this is IMO the best) El Parian Restaurant (Must try Carne asada, Goat, & Carnitas tacos). 1528 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles (213) 386-7361 Best Pizza Petrillo's Pizza (Restaurant & Take-Out) 833 E Valley Blvd San Gabriel, CA 91776 (626) 280-7332 Chowhouh diiscussion on Petrillo's Pizza http://www.chowhound.com/california/boards/losangeles/messages/191314.html Best Egg Nog. A must do for any local or out-of-towner. (Very Near SGV) Broguiere's Farm Fresh Dairy (Very Cool old Drive thru Dairy with Milk in old-time Glass quarts and half-gallon bottles, Must try the chocolate Milk in glass bottles also Egg Nog) 505 S Maple Ave Montebello, CA 90640-5404 7am to 7pm Mon. to Fri. 7am to 6pm on Sat 8am to 2pm on Sun. Egg Nog, $2,99 qt. plus $1 deposit on the bottle. Chocolate Milk, $2.45 qt. plus $1 deposit on the bottle Homo Milk, $0.94 qt. plus $1 deposit on the bottle Homo Milk $1.45 ½ gal., plus $1.50 deposit on the bottle (323) 726-0524 One block South of Olympic almost on the Rail Road Tracks. North of Washington Blvd. About five blocks) SGV discussion Chowhound 12/09/05 http://www.chowhound.com/california/boards/losangeles/messages/201528.html SGV Breakfast Burrito Discussion Chowhound http://www.chowhound.com/california/boards/losangeles/messages/202637.html SGV Burrito Discussion Chowhound 11/30/05 http://www.chowhound.com/california/boards/losangeles/messages/199320.html Pasadena Discussion Chowhound 12/5/05 http://www.chowhound.com/california/boards/losangeles/messages/200536.html Bandini’s blog http://www.tacohunt.blogspot.com/ Sat Dec 17 16:38:03 -0800 2005 422069 0 Like-Go-Eat?