Monday, January 29, 2007
Bacalli Cafe (Alhambra)
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.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
CBS Seafood Restaurant (Chinatown)
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
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Phoenix Food Botique (S Pasadena)
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.