Tag Archives: Alhambra

Simply Splendid, a Fitting Name

11 Tuesday Jun 2013

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

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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

Tasty Garden, Yumm

08 Saturday Jun 2013

Posted by in Chinese food, Food

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When my friend would ask me where I want to go eat at while I am out in the San Gabriel Valley area, more often than not, I would say “Tasty Garden”. I have been coming to this Tasty Garden in Alhambra for many years, then a Tasty Garden opened up in Monterey Park quite a while back. The menus are slightly different at the two locations. I was able to enjoy both restaurant on its own merits for a period of time.

Unfortunately, the last time I was in the Monterey Park location, there was a questionable item inside my food; so I related that to the waitress, and told her that I wanted to exchange for another dish. After more than 20 minutes, the new order still had not arrived. I questioned the waitress, and she looked confused. She went to check in the kitchen, and apparently it was not even ordered. I was really annoyed since I had an appointment to attend to, and could not wait any more. I then waved the manager over to complain to him, all he said was that he will not charge me for the dish. He did not even apologize.

I decided not to go back. The Tasty Garden in Alhambra, however, is a different story. The food there has been consistently excellent. Whenever I would be in Alhambra, this restaurant would be on top of my list.

One of the reasons why I favor this restaurant is because of consistencies of the food. There is also a tidiness feeling to the dishes. Being that I love eating all sorts of vegetables, especially Chinese vegetables; I find the quality of the greens to be always fresh and well prepared. The inside of the restaurant, though not big, feels spacious and comfortable and clean. Another deciding factor to go there are the drinks, namely the Red Bean Iced with the addition of boba. With a lunch order, the drink costs around $2.00. Occasionally, I would get the Hong Kong Style Coffee and Milk Tea; but I have to be careful, since the HK style milk tea is so strong that sometimes I would not be able to sleep that night.

 

My usual orders here are: Baby Bok Choy with Mushroom, Fish Fillet in Black BeanSauce, Beef Stew and Wonton Lo Mein. The bok choy and the medium size shitake mushrooms are always cooked well, the vegetables are never limp, and the mushrooms are thick and savory. Since shitake mushrooms contain compounds that are known for its medicinal and health benefits, I would order it every chance I get. The cod fish fillets are bite size, tender but still firm with a slightly sweet and spicy taste from the bean sauce. The beef stew includes tendon and are soft and flavorful. The shrimp inside the wonton gives an overall crisp feel to the dumpling. Noodles are al dente.

Lamb with Dried Bean Stick Hotpot is another favorite. Here, the lamb meat includes the skin which is definitely my favorite part. The skin is smooth and soft. The sauce is made with fermented bean curd which provides a creamy texture and a salty flavor.

Tasty Garden:  288 W. Valley Blvd. Alhambra, CA 91801  Phone: (626) 300-8262