• About

yummcha

~ Sharing experiences, ideas & thoughts regarding foods and life in general

yummcha

Monthly Archives: June 2013

Dim Sum is Yumm at Atlantic Seafood

30 Sunday Jun 2013

Posted by yummcha in Chinese food, Food

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Chinatown, Dim Sum, Har gow, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Sunday, Turnip cake, Yum cha

As any child who had spend part of the childhood growing up in Hong Kong, one of the more definitively and lingering memory would probably be going Yum cha, or “drink tea” with the family on the weekends, which really is the custom of going to a Chinese tea house to have Dim Sum – a style of food prepared as small bite-sized, served in steamer baskets or small plates, which includes a wide varieties of dumplings, buns, meats, steamed or fried, savory and sweet.

FISH DINNER @ GEORGE HOUSE 004

Sunday was the official day off for my parents back then, so every Sunday morning was the beginning of my culinary adventure which more often than not, rotated between Dim Sum and Shanghai cuisine.

“What kind of tea do you want?” was the standard greeting from the waiter, which then began the morning ritual. My dad would be the one who usually poured the tea for everyone, while teaching us to tap our fingers as a sign of appreciation.

Char sui bao (barbequed pork bun), har gao (shrimp dumpling), siu mai (pork dumpling), glutinous rice wrapped with lotus leave, cheong fun (steamed rice roll), these were the dishes we always picked while sipping our hot Jasmine or Bo-Lei tea. Dim Sum, in my opinion, was the grandfather of this “small plates” movement that has become so popular these days.

The affair with dim sum continued on most Sundays in Chinatown after we immigrated to San Francisco. There were never any shortage of good Dim Sum for me.

Located on the 2nd floor inside the Atlantic Square, Atlantic Seafood and Dim Sum Restaurant was only opened last year, so the space still felt fresh and clean. The restaurant is large, with glass chandeliers and separate dining areas. I like the fact that they employ the more traditional push carts instead of choosing from a list. One is able to see exactly what the dish look like before ordering. The service was efficient, with the waiters and busboys always around when I needed anything. The best part of the experience was in the unexpected and incredibly low prices of $1.58(on weekdays) and $1.88(on weekends) per dish.

pineapple bun

Having had tried a fair amount of dim sum throughout the years, I still get excited when I come across something new, something tasty. The one item that stood out was a  sweet and savory bun that resembled a tall pineapple bun with a runny salted egg yoke custard filling. Imagine the sensation of hot, cold, sweet, savory, soft, flaky, crunchy all within a soft pastry with warm luscious golden filling.

If one desires something other than the standard shrimp and beef cheong fun, there is a vegetarian version filled with mushrooms and chives, as well as the steamed pork ribs with small rice rolls. I asked if they offer Pig’s feet with ginger vinegar with egg(usually eaten after a mother has given birth), I was told they only have Braised pig’s feet. The pig’s feet, though not too meaty, had a rich flavor as well as very tender skin.

The steamed Daikon cake came out piping hot with tiny bits of dried shrimp and Chinese sausage. I preferred the steamed version over the pan-fried. The Chinese broccoli was fresh but small in quantity, probably due to the low price. The Tofu skin roll was soft and moist with with pork, mushroom, and bamboo shoots.

steamed radish cake

While there are other places that offer similar or lower prices, they are no where even near the quality of the food, service, and the comfort of this restaurant. I would go so far as to say that this might be the best deal one can get if one is in the mood for some good dim sum with “Good Old Day” prices.

Atlantic Seafood $ Dim Sum Restaurant: 500 N. Atlantic Blvd. Suite 200, Monterey Park, CA 91754  Phone: 626-872-0388

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sunday Brunch – Relax and Enjoy

27 Thursday Jun 2013

Posted by yummcha in American Food, Food, Lifestyle

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

California, Food, Pacific Ocean, Palo Verde, Rancho Palos Verdes California, Santa Catalina Island California, Terranea, Terranea Resort

brunch

After an especially challenging month of events, it was such a welcomed and much needed respite to be at this breathtakingly beautiful resort with its calming seascape on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Even though this was not the first visit to the Catalina Kitchen at Terranea, it was the first time having brunch here. One does not need a reason to go up to this stunning oceanfront resort with its captivating panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. The garden is large and immaculate, with walking trails and outdoor fireplaces – these fireplaces are especially dramatic and cozy on a cool California evening. This idyllic setting provides an wonderful escape from the mundane worries to the unavoidable intermittent difficulties of everyday life.

catalina kitchen

We were seated next to the window area overlooking the patio, with the sun shining softly through. The mood was relaxing. One look at the brunch selections, and I was ecstatic – there were so many assortment of cheeses to choose from. I love to taste and to try new cheeses, especially those from different countries. One can choose from various varieties of soft-ripened, semi-hard, and hard cheeses.

To go with the delectable cheeses, the next table over was filled with enticing and mouthwatering breads, croissants, pastries, danishes, rolls, muffins, bagels, donuts, the freshest raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, melons, as well as various cured meats, dried fruits, and pickled vegetables. Just the cheeses and pastries were reasons enough for me to come here.

The salad section, though small, were more than compensated by the excellence in freshness and selections, especially that of the asparagus and the crimson-red beets of which I had at least three or more servings.

All the different food stations here were relatively compact when compared to the other buffets in town. However, the food quality and taste were absolutely top of its class. The manager was constantly checking on the food, and telling the staff to keep replenishing, and to keep the food fresh and at right temperature. I was really impressed with the vigilance and care.

The smoked salmon, always one of my top choice, was great with the onions and capers on the halved croissant.. There were also fresh oysters, mussels, calamari salads, poke, shrimps, crab legs. The hot food station offered tender prime rib cut to order, selections of cheesy thin crusted pizzas, and the most buttery, creamiest mashed potatoes, with all the trimmings.

The next table over had breakfast selections such as fresh waffles, pancakes, very  moist and thick french toast, huge strips of bacon, pump and juicy sausages, steamed vegetables, some shrimp and pork dumplings, and soup of the day.

Sushi selections included tuna and salmon nigiri, and various maki-zushi such as tuna rolls, tempura shrimp rolls, California rolls,…There was a short line at the cook-to-order omelet and egg tables with its many add in options – that was probably the only section that I did not try.

The Dessert and Ice Cream Bar display was seductive and irresistible, and drew me in like a magnet. The numerous petite size cakes looked tantalizing and so inviting. The server, a very nice young lady, was more than eager to describe all the varieties to me. I told her I would tried one of everything. It was also fun to choose and add all the different toppings such as little marshmallows, chocolate covered pretzels, fresh fruits, different confectioneries, and whipped cream to my ice cream.

Did I mention that I had three delicious cappuccinos throughout the meal (included in the price, of course)and one of the freshest tasting orange juice to begin the meal with.

On the day of one’s birthday, the Catalina Kitchen offers a complimentary Surf N Turf dinner. I had the chance to try, and both the lobster and the filet mignon were exquisitely prepared and flawless in taste.

Catalina Kitchen at Terranea Resort: 6610 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275  Phone: 310-265-2836

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Genwa Korean BBQ- Best of All Worlds

23 Sunday Jun 2013

Posted by yummcha in Food, Korean Food

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Beef, Bibimbap, Bulgogi, Galbi, Korean barbecue, Los Angeles, Meat, Wilshire Boulevard

genwa

Back in the carefree days of my senior year in college, my friend and I would venture out to Koreatown at least once or twice a week to have a barbeque dinner at The Corner Place. She would always ordered the Galbi (marinated beef short ribs), while I persisted with my Bulgogi (marinated beef). We had such a wonderful time wrapping the meat with the lettuce, adding the different varieties of bachan (side dishes) to the wraps and devouring everything in sight. One might have thought we were starving art students.

The only complaint I had those days was that once we came outside, got into the car, I could smell the smoke and sweat on my T-shirt and on my hair, pretty much all over. As I arrived home, I had to make the difficult decision of whether or not to wash my hair even though it was not my normal hair washing day.

Fast-forward to present day at Genwa. Imagine my relief and joy when I realized that I will no longer have to suffer neither the inhalation of the smoke, nor the lingering odor, when I do decide to have a good Korean barbeque – actually, I meant to say the best Korean bbq.

The modern interior with the contemporary wooden furnishings is quite atypical of Korean barbeque restaurants in LA. There is a full bar along one side of the restaurant. The service was impeccable, the attentive young waiters patiently answered all my questions about the menu, and later even asked if we wanted any refills when the dishes became empty. I was impressed.

The twenty or so tiny dishes of bachan were spread around the “smokeless grill”. I was excited and ready to try each and everyone of them. Luckily there were only two of us at the table; I could not imagine a big party sharing such tiny portions of the side dishes despite the abundance of varieties.

We ordered the Prime Galbi (marinated prime short ribs) and the Vegetable Bibim-Bap (mixed rice with vegetables). There are set courses that one can order for 2 to 5 people that come with a House salad, and choices of items which might include Soon Tofu, or Japchae (a clear noodle stir fried w/vegetables and beef), or Kimchee Jigae (kimchee stew), and varieties of different meat.

The prices are not cheap, but the quality of the meat is superb. The prime short rib slices were definitely well-marbled, and the texture could not have been more tender, it absolutely melted  in my mouth. For someone like me who don’t consume much beef anymore, I certainly did not hold back with this meal. I also adored these thinly sliced radishes that one can wrap the meat in, it seemed to help in balancing the fattiness of the beef.

The Bibimbap was served in a sizzling stone pot mixed at the table . The flavors and consistencies are similar to most of ones I tried else where. It was not as impressive as the meat dish.

Genwa Korean BBQ: 5115 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036   Phone: 323-549-0760

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Soba Sojibo – Simple and Good

21 Friday Jun 2013

Posted by yummcha in Food, Japanese Food

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Cook, Japan, Noodle, Onigiri, Soba, Soy sauce, Takikomi Gohan, Vegetable

The first visit to Soba Sojibo was soon after the opening in 2012. The main dining area of the restaurant is not huge, but there are tatami sections on the side. The décor is simple –  minimalist; but the overall feeling is spacious, clean, comfortable. That first time we were there, some representatives from Japan came to do some sort of taste test/survey for these various pastries from Japan, so we got an extra treat in addition to our appetizing meal.

DSCN0524

The soba (buckwheat noodle) here is handmade, and the texture and taste reflect the freshness of the noodle. I usually order the Cold Sansai Tororo Soba which is a soba topped with a variety of mountain vegetables and grated mountain yam, and perhaps order a side of the Takikomi Gohan (rice cooked with dashi and soy sauce with small bits of vegetables) , or the Onigiri (rice balls). The soba is distinctly one of the best I’ve had.  The texture is slightly chewy, and along with the graininess of the buckwheat, one can almost picture the soba chef methodically making the noodles.

The soba-tsuyu (dipping sauce) is not overly salty and comes in a little ceramic container that one can pour with.  The assorted mountain vegetables are mildly flavored, and the grated mountain yam is extra foamy and slimy. I would mix all the delicate ingredients together with the noodles, add a big glob of wasabi, pour in ample amount of the sauce, and once inside the mouth, it becomes a gentle explosion of intriguing flavors and textures.

I like the slight stickiness of the grains and the light taste of the mixed rice in the small bowl of Takikomi Gohan. The Onigiri is soft, simple and fresh. I don’t particularly enjoy the small complimentary dish of fried soba noodle pieces, it was too dry and bland, even for my palate.

Soba Sojibo: 1757 West Carson St. Torrance, CA 90501  Phone: (310) 782-7356

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Szechwan Restaurant – Always Enjoyable

18 Tuesday Jun 2013

Posted by yummcha in Chinese food, Food

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Chinese cuisine, Cook, Fish and Seafood, Glutinous rice, Home, Jin deui, Moo shu pork, Sichuan

IMG_1896IMG_1899

If ever I cannot decide whether I should go for some good Chinese lunch specials, or whether I should have some dim sum; or perhaps if I want both, then I know that the perfect place for me would be Szechwan. To me, it is the best of both worlds, at least in the South Bay area.

The restaurant is actually quite large, however, because it is divide in sections, and depending on which section one is seated in, the feeling can be cozy and intimate. I usually get to sit in one of their spacious and comfortable light greenish color booths. The tables are always lined with table cloths, whether it is lunch or dinner, which feels rather classy and clean.

There are the nice ladies that push around the dim sum carts with the standard offerings such as har gao (shrimp dumpling), siu mai (pork dumping), char siu bao (barbeque pork bun), Chinese broccoli, chicken feet, etc. My son’s favorite is the cheong fun (shrimp rice noodle roll), so that is a must whenever he goes there with me. I personally enjoy the lotus buns which is a sweet steamed bun with lotus paste inside.

IMG_1895

Personally, I feel that the lunch specials here are better than the dim sum, I would usually order the Fish Fillet with Seasonal Green, and the Ma-Po Tofu. The dishes are often excellent. I remember one time that the fish and vegetables were just so perfect in freshness and taste that I was beyond impressed and amazement that I had to relate that to the lady owner, and of course she agreed wholeheartedly. While the sauce in the Ma-po tofu dish is not incredibly spicy, it is exceptionally flavorful, and along with the silky texture of the tofu, the dish is particularly enticing and gratifying.

The dinner menu is more extensive, with the prices being higher. I tried the Mu-Shu Pork served with thin pancakes. I preferred the mu-shu without the eggs, so I usually asked them to leave out the eggs. The Eggplant with garlic sauce is another favorite, the eggplant is soft but not mushy, with a good balance of sweet and piquant flavor.

There usually is not a whole lot of focus on desserts in most Chinese restaurants, but here, the two desserts I have tried so far are fantastic! My favorites are the Sweet Sticky Rice Pudding (need to order one hour in advance), and the Fried Sesame Balls. I was so shocked the first time the sticky rice pudding arrived at the table – it was huge! The steamed rice pudding was served on a large round platter that would be sufficient for at least 8 people. There were various dried fruits and a sweet red bean paste amidst the massive mound of sticky goodness – so fabulously rich and gooey. The sesame balls are deep fried to golden perfection with the hot sesame paste oozing out when bitten into. I will make an exception to eat this dessert despite the fact that I rarely eat any fried foods.

Everyone who works here seem genuinely nice, maybe because the lady owner is always pleasant and smiling. The push-cart ladies always remember what I like, and would ask me if they could bring me those favorite dim sum items. There are two waiters here who are avid badminton players like me, so now and then, we would strike up a conversation about the sport.

Szechwan Restaurant:  2107 Pacific Coast Highway, CA 90717  Phone: 310-534-2280

 

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

The Bazaar – Magical

16 Sunday Jun 2013

Posted by yummcha in Food, Spanish Food

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Bazaar, Brussels sprout, Cheesesteak, La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, Mediterranean Sea, Molecular gastronomy, Wagyu

bazaar

Did not know what to expect prior to arriving at The Bazaar. Once inside, I was captivated by the innovative and playfulness of the décor. The space evoked a magical sense of wonder that provided enhancement to the whole dining experience. We were seated in a side area, which offered a bit more privacy amidst a rather busy dining room, with me in a white retro bucket armchair. The fun was beginning.

The menu at Bazaar, by José Andrés, an award-winning chef, is tapas style, with the food encompassing both traditional and innovative modern Spanish cuisine, with the addition of a bit of molecular gastronomy. There were so many different items on the menu to choose from, but we did narrow them down to a few that were recommended to us by the waiter.

bazaar

The Philly Cheesesteak, a small hollow air bread filled with cheddar cheese with Wagyu beef is the perfect start. The beef was melt in your mouth tender, and along with the warm cheese oozing out from the ever so light morsel of bread, it was delicious and clever. The Mediterranean mussels were prepared and served in a can; the flavor had the taste of the sea, just right. The Not your everyday caprésé, consisted of cherry tomatoes with liquid mozzarella which exploded inside the mouth, was ingenious and fun!

The Brussels sprouts were surprising tasty with the lemon purée. The Seared scallops were delicate and sweet, and perfectly prepared.

For desserts, we were escorted to The Patisserie section of the restaurant which is a whimsical wonderland with museum like glass display cases filled with vintage and artsy objects. I was reluctant to move to another area for desserts at first because I was so comfortable in my previous setting, but was glad that we did. The Spanish Flan was smooth and tasty, and the Hot Chocolate Mousse provided a creamy and sweet ending to perhaps the most delightful and fun food adventure that I have ever had.

The Bazaar: 465 South La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048  Phone: 310-246-5555

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Koreatown Galleria Market- Fun Shopping

14 Friday Jun 2013

Posted by yummcha in Bakery, Food, Korean Food, Lifestyle, Markets

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Business, Eyewear, Food, Korean language, Los Angeles, Olympic Blvd, Olympic Boulevard, Whole Foods

IMG_1886

It might seem extreme that sometimes I would end up going anywhere from three to five different markets in one day just to get everything I want for that day. Since I live within 5 miles from the major supermarkets, as well as smaller or specialty markets such as Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Sprouts, Market World,  it is not too difficult for me to visit a few of them in one trip.  Actually, I must confess that the real reason for visiting the different markets is that I truly enjoy looking at all the delectable food items, and I get excited trying new food products.

IMG_1883IMG_1882

Aside from usual markets that I go to almost daily, I would make it a point to visit the Koreatown Galleria Market whenever I am in that area for a meal. The freshness of the fruits and vegetables is one of the major reason why it is so appealing for me. The prices in the produce department seem very reasonable and even low at times, compared to some of the Chinese markets. The Persian and the pickling varieties of the cucumbers are always on sale and always firm and fresh. The Asian pears in boxes look huge and blemish free. The apples are good but the prices fluctuate quite a bit. I like the fact that the market feels really clean, airy and organized.

seaweedgimbap

Being that my son loves to add these seasoned dried seaweeds to his food, there are plenty of sizes and varieties to choose from here. There is a wide selection of banchan here that one can purchase in whatever amount desired since it is self served. The Gimbap here somehow taste better than some of the other ones I tried elsewhere.

galleria

Another propelling factor to go to the Galleria Market is that the Cake House, a Korean bakery, is located right across the market. The pastries and breads, though not as spectacular as some of other places that I frequent, are definitely not lacking in varieties, which makes it more fun to pick and choose from.

As a side note, there is an Eyewear shop on the second floor that I find to have the best and latest styles of frames and sunglasses for those who use them. Even though I don’t wear glasses, I find the vast selection of trendy styles to be inspiring to look at.

Koreatown Galleria: 3250 W. Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90006  Phone: (323) 733-6000

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Phoenix Food Boutique, Dessert

13 Thursday Jun 2013

Posted by yummcha in Bakery, Chinese dessert, Chinese food, Food

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Arcadia, Arcadia California, Dessert, Din Tai Fung, Glutinous rice, Green Bean, Phoenix Food Boutique, Xiaolongbao

When friends came visiting from out of town, we often took them to the Din Tai Fung in Arcadia, and right afterwards, we would walk a few steps over to the Phoenix Food Boutique next door. I think that I was actually looking forward more to the dessert at Phoenix than the Xiao Long Bao at DTF.

phoenix

There is a chain of these Phoenix Food Boutiques scattered throughout the San Gabriel valley and the neighboring areas. These restaurants specialize in fast, casual Chinese food, as well as having an extensive dessert and tropical drink menu. I have tried some of the food selections at red beanvarious locations, and the qualities and taste are usually very good. However, when I do go to Phoenix, my focus had always been and still will be on the desserts, namely the hot dessert soups.

One of my favorite dessert soup is the Green Bean and Seaweed. Taste wise, it is not spectacular. The beans are cooked until mushy, the porridge has a slight sweet taste with a hint of seaweed flavor. However, in Chinese cooking, the green bean is known for its medicinal abilities to cool the body from excessive heat, and to cleanse the body of toxins. Therefore, while enjoying this refreshing dessert, I feel that I am, at the same time, restoring my body back to a better balance. Next is the Red Bean and Lotus Seed. Red beans are high in protein and iron, making it especially good for women in replenishing the red blood cells after menstruation. The lotus seed is thought to be beneficial to the kidneys and spleen, as well as having calming properties that might help with insomnia and restlessness.

sesame

The Black Sesame Puree, another of my favorite, is an ingenious dessert which utilizes a remarkably nutritious seed to make an incredibly delicious dessert that not only taste good but also nourishes the body. The seed contains substantial amount of nutrients such as copper, calcium, iron, zinc, fiber and is thought to slow the development of gray hair. I have been adding roasted black sesame seeds to my cereal for over 20 years, and people have been commenting on how dark my hair is.

As far as a more robustly sweet dessert soup is concerned, the Black Sticky Rice Young Coconut would definitely be the right choice. By combining the fragrant flavor of the young coconut with the thick and gooey sticky rice, the result is a dense concoction that is thoroughly luscious, sweet, and divine.

Mochi with Strawberry and Red Beans was delightful with a whole strawberry surrounded by red bean paste inside the soft chewy mochi.DSCN0686

A Phoenix Dessert has opened recently in the Gardena neighborhood. The space is small but the Green Bean and Seaweed is just as good.

Phoenix Food Boutique:  1108 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007  Phone: (626) 446-7668 (Please see  phoenixfoodboutique.com for other locations)

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Simply Splendid, a Fitting Name

11 Tuesday Jun 2013

Posted by yummcha in Bakery, Chinese Bakery, Chinese dessert, Chinese food, Food

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Alhambra, Alhambra California, Bread, Croissant, Food, Hong Kong, Pastry, Valley Boulevard

I had mentioned previously that I would often go to different pastry shops for certain favorite breads and pastries that are unique to that particular shop. That is exactly what I do at Simply Splendid, a small, modest bakery surrounded by restaurants and shops inside an uninspiring strip mall in Alhambra.

One of my long time favorite is a Hong Kong style bread with the name of Cocktail Bun. Here, this elongated, unassuming looking bun is fully filled with a dense, luscious, buttery coconut mixture that is beyond good. Usually, I have somewhat decent self control when it comes to eating sweet pastries. I often can stop after one or two bites, and saving the rest for later. However, with this bun, which comes three to a package, I have not been able to consume less than two entire buns at one sitting.

Some days the chef would make these little mochi cubes that come in a plastic container with a side of grounded peanuts/sugar mixture. They are some of the softest and best mochi I have ever tried – with the texture being slightly chewy, and a taste that is ever so delicately sweet from the rice.  My son’s eyes would lit up every time I bring them home. The obstacle, however, is that they are not always available.

On a recent visit, I discovered a baked radish pastry that I find to be the best of its class. The flakiness of the crust, along with a moist filling of shredded radish and finely grounded pork, offers a precise combination of savoriness and sweetness, without the often overly salty taste that is associated with this type of  radish pastry.

There are two versions of the plain croissants here that I find I cannot get enough of. One is made with wheat flour and the other one with white. The texture, unlike the traditional french croissant, is not flaky. In fact, they are a bit chewy; but it is that chewiness, combined with the rich buttery taste that I find irresistible.

The mantou, a traditional steamed bun, is offered here in white and wheat versions as well, and comes in a package of four. The wheat version, if available, is the perfect bread for me. The taste might seem bland to most people, but it is precisely that blandness that I find appealing. The steaming process somehow seems a bit healthier to me than baking.

Simply Splendid:  1273 E. Valley Blvd. Alhambra, CA 91801  Phone: 626-308-3277

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Paul Martin’s

10 Monday Jun 2013

Posted by yummcha in American Food, Food

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Braised Short Ribs, Cooking, Food, Home, Paul Martin, Restaurant, Sundays, Waiting staff

paul  martin

Maybe it was because the restaurant was close to where I play badminton at, maybe because it was next to some of the other restaurants that I go to from time to time, maybe I wanted to try something new. Somehow I ended up having lunch there one day. The restaurant is large and spacious, elegant yet comfortable. The two of us ordered the Fresh Fish Tacos and a Braised Short Ribs. We were just enjoying the atmosphere of the place and having good conversations when I realized that it had seemed like a very, very long time had gone by, and still we did not get our food. I questioned our waiter, and he apologized and told us that there was a company party going on, and the kitchen was having problems keeping up. So we waited and waited. The waiter gave us more bread and apologized again.

It must have been over an hour later that the food finally arrived to our table. Naturally, I was a bit upset. I was too hungry to say anything at that point, so we just started eating. The fish tacos were really fresh, tangy and delicious, with just the right amount sauce and seasonings. The short ribs were meaty and satisfying, and came with a big heap of rich, creamy mashed potatoes – probably the best I had tasted.

Though the food was delectable and of high quality, I could not help but felt that the restaurant could have done more to remedy the fact that the food took so long to arrive. As if the waiter had read my mind, he came over to ask us if we would like some complimentary desserts to make up for the long wait. Yes, of course, “what do you have?” I immediately asked. He recommended the Banana Cream Pie, which was very fresh tasting and not too sweet. We also got some ice cream as well.

When the check arrived, the waiter informed us that the boss had decided not to charge us anything due to the long wait. I was finally able to feel that it was all worth it – the wait, the food, and that it was all meant to be.

I have been back a few times since then, the food has never been disappointing. I would highly recommend the Prime Rib Special on Sundays, which comes with salad or soup(the Roasted Butternut Squash soup is superb, rich with just the right amount of sweetness from the squash), and dessert. The prime rib was huge, and so incredibly tender and juicy that, in my opinion, it can rival some of the best known steak house in town – and all that for the price of $25.

Paul Martin’s:  2361 Rosecrans Avenue, El Segundo, CA 90245  Phone: (310) 643-9300

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...
← Older posts

Subscribe

  • Entries (RSS)
  • Comments (RSS)

Archives

  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • November 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • December 2017
  • July 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013

Categories

  • American Food
  • art
  • Bakery
  • buffet
  • Chinese Bakery
  • Chinese dessert
  • Chinese food
  • Food
  • French Food
  • Italian Food
  • Japanese Food
  • Korean Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Markets
  • Peruvian Food
  • Spanish Food
  • Thai Food
  • Travel
  • Uncategorized
  • Vietnamese Food

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

Cancel

 
Loading Comments...
Comment
    ×
    Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
    To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
    %d bloggers like this: