Aug 2013

Tasty Noodle House – San Gabriel

Tasty Noodle House - San Gabriel

Ever since Chengdu Taste came into my life a few weeks ago and the idea of sampling every dish on the 100+ item menu took hold, I’ve been returning to the restaurant anytime anyone requests a Chinese food outing. Or at least I try to.

On a recent Saturday afternoon, The Astronomer and I veered from our spicy standby due to a standing lunch date with Sichuan-averse friends. Instead, we headed to Tasty Noodle House, a highly respected Dalian spot famous for its clean flavors and cooking finesse.

Tasty Noodle House - San Gabriel

The dining room is tiny, bright, and modern, while service comes with a smile. My last two restaurant outings in the neighborhood have boasted notable hospitality and atmospheres. I’m sensing a sea change in the San Gabriel Valley, so we’ll see if this streak continues.

Tasty Noodle House - San Gabriel

To start, we shared a platter of sliced jellyfish head marinated in chili and black vinegar ($6.99). Chilled, snappy, and balanced just so, this starter was outstanding.

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Aug 2013

Daw Yee Myanmar Café – Los Angeles (Silver Lake)

Daw Yee Myanmar Cafe - Monterey Park

Instead of grilling in the backyard or heading to the beach to celebrate the Fourth of July, The Astronomer and I spent our random Thursday off from work lunching at Monterey Park’s Daw Yee Myanmar Café. It somehow seemed fitting to celebrate America’s birthday over Burmese food. Mmm, freedom.

Daw Yee Myanmar Cafe - Monterey Park

We first encountered Daw Yee Myanmar Café’s impressive cooking at the 626 Night Market and were stoked to finally visit the brick and mortar location. The restaurant, which is named after its owner Daw Yee, specializes in homey Burmese fare served in a bright and modern setting.

To start, we shared the lahpet thohk ($6.95). The beautifully plated Tea Leaf Salad was comprised of sesame seeds, shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, chilies, crispy lentils, fried garlic, roasted peanuts, and of course, fermented tea leaves.

Daw Yee Myanmar Cafe - Monterey Park

The salad was a veritable cornucopia of textures, flavors, and freshness. The fermented tea leaves brought a distinct funkiness to the table, while the legumes offered a punch of crunch. The salad was a touch too stinky for The Astronomer, but I wholly embraced it.

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Aug 2013

Randy’s Donuts – Los Angeles (Inglewood)

Randy's Donuts - Inglewood - Los Angeles

Randy’s Donuts is famous for the gargantuan, doughnut-shaped sign perched atop its building on the corner of Manchester and La Cienega Boulevards in Inglewood. Designed by Henry J. Goodwin, the shop was originally part of the now-defunct Big Donut Drive-In chain.

Randy's Donuts - Inglewood - Los Angeles

For the past four decades, brothers Larry and Ron Weintraub have owned the 24-hour drive-through operation, maintaining the iconic signage with each passing year.

Randy's Donuts - Inglewood - Los Angeles

The shop offers deep-fried classics like old fashions, twists, and jelly-filled, as well as “Fancies” like apple fritters and bear claws. All are reasonably priced in the neighborhood of one dollar a piece.

For my inaugural trip to Randy’s, I brought along my friend Nastassia. Her passion for doughnuts rivals mine, so it was fitting that we visit this Los Angeles landmark together.

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