Din Tai Fung Dumpling House (Arcadia)

Ever had a really good Chinese dumpling? This dumpling house in Arcadia serves up one of the freshest and great tasting dumplings I've ever had. The crowds waiting outside says it all. But be prepared to wait during the dinner & lunch rush hours. As you wait, you can watch the people prepare and make the dumplings by hand, one by one. Really amazing since they serve up thousands of dumplings a day. That's not the only thing they serve but that's what they're good at, considering the name of the restaurant. Along with dumplings, they have some fried rice and noodle dishes along with some soups & vegetables. All equally good tasting in my opinion. The portions are relatively small but it gives you the opportunity to sample several dishes each time you visit. The price reflects the size of the dishes as well.

Don't expect to order like you would at other typical restaurants. While you wait, you're given a sheet of paper to select your dishes from. You write down the number of items you want and when you are seated, the order is verified & placed, and in a matter of minutes, your food is at your table, steaming hot.

This restaurant is not one to have coffee after your meal and sit & talk after dinner. The atmosphere is very rushed and the waitresses will do their best to encourage you to leave when you're done. After all, it's only fair because of the number of people waiting outside. But if you want a restaurant with great tasting food and no frills, this could be it. It is definately different from your typical Chinese restaurant but you won't be disappointed


Address:
1108 S Baldwin Ave
Arcadia, CA 91007-7508
(626) 574-7068

Bacalli Cafe (Alhambra)

Not your typical Chinese restaurant or cafe. Ever heard of ordering pizza at a Chinese restaurant? How about rotisserie chicken? Bacalli's got it. Although the roast duck pizza will not be my first choice, I'd have to say it was ok, to say the least. But if you're looking for variety and value along with good tasting food, Bacalli's won't disappoint. Try their Triple Crown if you're hungry. New York steak, pork chop, and a chicken steak served on a huge plate with steamed vegetables and rice along your choice of sauce. You can feed 2 easily with their Triple Crown.

But they also have your traditional fried rice and chow mein or chow fun dishes. Compared to all the other Cafe's in the Alhambra area, Bacalli's stands out ahead of the others in my opinion. They have a menu for each meal (breakfast, lunch, & dinner) of the day. Breakfast is probably my favorite time to eat there. There's no real crowd and you can't imagine the amount of good food you get for a mere $5.95. A bowl of porridge plus your choice of chow mein or chow fun and coffee or tea to drink. And by the way, most drinks are bottomless.

The service is quick and efficient. Don't expect friendly, talkative waiters and waitresses but if you've been to any other Chinese restaurant, Bacalli's no different. But if you want great food at a reasonable price, and a lot of it, try Bacallis the next time you're in the Alhambra area. You'll be glad you did.

CBS Seafood Restaurant (Chinatown)

Ready for dim sum? This is probably one of the best places in Chinatown for dim sum. They serve it 7 days a week during 10am-2pm. If you're thinking of going there over the weekend, expect to wait at least 30 minutes or more. But during that time, if you are starving, you can pick up some dim sum in their deli department. It's the same that's being pushed around in carts inside the restaurant.

It's an absolute treat and you can sample just about everything they have to offer for a very fair & reasonable price. On average, you can expect to get out with about $10 per person and that's walking out being completely satisfied & full. As long as you stay away from the expensive dishes such as the shark fin soup, crab rolls, roast pork or duck, or other specialty dishes. I'm not saying they're bad - they're just more expensive. The traditional dumplings (siu mai, har gow, & others) are very fresh and very good, and they cost less than $2 per dish.

Parking is a bear, like anywhere else in Chinatown but CBS do offer a small parking lot. It's usually full during lunch time but if you're lucky, you might be able to find something on Spring St using the meters. There is also a parking lot across the street that's usually empty if you're willing to pay.

Overall, try CBS if you're ever in Chinatown. You won't be disappointed. It's great not only for dim sum, but for dinner as well.

Their address is:
700 N Spring St
Los Angeles, CA 90012

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Right next to Philippe the Original

Phoenix Food Botique (S Pasadena)

I'm eating there tonight! This is a great little Chinese restaurant in South Pasadena. In my opinion, the best in Pasadena because it's the most authentic. You can't get any better unless you're in Chinatown or the Alhambra (SGV) area.

The restaurant is small by comparison. About 7-8 tables at most with maybe 5 more stools by the window. If your party is more than 4, I'd say try another place. There are also a few tables outside but it's January and L.A. has been cold. When the weather is warmer, sit outside and enjoy. It is especially great for lunch if you work near by.

The food is great! They're individual dishes but the portions are large. Especially for the price ($5.00-$7.00 each). Just about anything on the menu is good. I've never tried the exotic stuff but if you stick with the traditional rice dishes, fried rice, noodles, soups, you'll be fine. It's not your typical Chinese restaurant where everyone eats family style. But if you're in Pasadena and craving Chinese food, this is your best bet. There's also a Panda Express about 1/2 mile down Fair Oaks. I'd take Phoenix every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Their address is:
456 Fair Oaks Ave
South Pasadena, CA 91030

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It's in a shopping strip next to a Starbucks.