Cafe Noodle and Chinese BBQ (Las Vegas, Nevada) -Avoid-

    Coming here for a long time, this restaurant was the place to go to after watching a show, or even a midnight snack. Since last year, this place has become a dump. Yet my parents and brother are dedicated to this place, since we have so much history with it. The parking is horrible for so many restaurants situated in a small plaza. The only thing good over there now is the korean bakery. Anyways, not to lose concentration, when you get into the restaurant, the appeal of it is not that great. What is the one thing you notice when you walk into any restaurant or shop? For me there are many things when I walk into a restaurant that I notice at an instant. The tables, the ceiling, the floor. OMG the floor at this restaurant looks like a road in a village in China. Sounds pleasant? Nope. It is dirty and it looks like they wanted to replace the whole flooring but never got to it. It has been like this for a year and a half. 

   So, despite not trying to focus on the floor while eating, I had to look straight towards the windows. The menu was not surprising either. They were dirty and on the verge of falling off from the binder. There was not much of a binder left on it. We ordered the food, (2) won ton noodles in soup with won ton dumplings, beef ball with noodles, and fish in black bean sauce served over rice. The wonton noodle looked pleasant but when my mom took a few bites and sips, the taste was very bland. It was like drinking water and eating noodles with no flavor at all. She had given me some won-ton and the flavor wasn't there at all. The broth is what makes the noodle dish and this was just a bitter disappointment. It had reminded me when I didn't want to eat the bitter melon that my mom had prepared. But, even the bitter melon had some flavor. I didn't even want to use the restrooms over there. It was that just sad!! I had to wait until we headed over to Caesar's Palace for the restroom facilities. So, overall, I wouldn't even come here if I was desperate for Chinese food. I would have had a nice cheeseburger at Mc Donald's and would have enjoyed it!! Hope y'all have a great week!

Yama Sushi (All You can eat) [Las Vegas, Nevada]

   It seems to be an ongoing tradition for my folks to vacation in Las Vegas during the Christmas holidays and New Years. Can't complain, there's just so much to choose from by entertainment, shopping, and food. Last year we had some really good AYCE Sushi at this Japanese restaurant, Yama Sushi. Located on 1350 E. Flamingo Road, this medium-sized restaurant is a hidden gem amongst most AYCE sushi places. It's off the busy Las Vegas strip and caters to the local people. Yet, this restaurant still lures us in no matter what. Wait time for lunch is the busiest, but for dinner, it's not that busy. Oh, they don't do reservations. There is online reservations available on the website, but i had no access to it. :( 

    When seated,you have a choice to eat a la carte or AYCE. I would choose AYCE and just eat the appetizers, sushi, and avoid eating the custom rolls. Unless, you want to try the custom rolls. 2nd time here and still we go for the custom rolls. I prefer the sushi, because there's a lot that you will definitely love. The appetizers are so good.. You've got dishes like tempura, soft shell crab, teriyaki dishes, miso soup, etc. There are certain dishes that have a limit, so be prepared. My favorite things to  order is the salmon sushi, masago sushi, tamago (egg) sushi, garlic tuna sushi, crab stick sushi, eel sushi, miso soup, seafood salad (different kinds of sashimi soaked in a salad dressing)... that's the one you definitely need to try!!! The drinks are not included in the AYCE.. so usually hot water or cold water is good.. and free. It's best not to drink so much, since it will expand the rice in your body and you will get full easily. A big guy like me, however, it has only happened once. Every time we dine here, we come out of the restaurant full!!! 

  A few side notes, if you have left over rice from sushi that you just couldn't eat, they will charge you. And you are given 2 hours to make use of the AYCE option. Although when it's not busy they really don't watch the clock!!! But to let u all know, that there's a time limit. I would give this restaurant a 5/5. A must definite to check out when you are in Las Vegas and craving sushi!!! Here are some pics!! ENJOY!!!

Standard Wasabi and Ginger

Sushi Chef. Digging the background picture

Tuna and Salmon Sushi

Gyozas (dumplings)

White Tuna, Tuna, Garlic Tuna

Sea Urchin 

Soft Shell Crab

Miso Soup

Shrimp Tempura

   I hope everyone has had a wonderful and joyous Christmas Celebration. I am here in Las Vegas, Nevada for the holidays and have had the privilege to try out various different foods and restaurants during our stay. The weather is indeed colder than Southern California. But a big guy like me, this cold is nothing compared to San Francisco. Now that is chilly willy cold. The one thing, though I haven't had yet is eggnog. I am going to have to get some eggnog eventually!!!

  Well, all the buffets last night were packed. I knew it was going to be like that since the traffic on the strip was horrendous. Though, my brother was hopeful and wanted to eat at the new buffet at Caesar's Palace. Upon arrival, my dad and him checked it out and the buffet line was closed, because of the huge wait. So, we decided to go to Bellagio, since that buffet is my favorite. It used to be my brother's favorite as well. The traffic was horrible and so my father got out the car to the inside of Bellagio to see how big the line was. He said the line was huge!!! Some advice for y'all who want some buffet, line up at 3pm at best for the buffets. Last year, we didn't have such problem. The only problem was for the buffet at Caesar's Palace. That was huge! I hope everyone got what they wanted for Christmas. We are actually heading out to the Fashion Mall in Las Vegas for Christmas shopping. I just bought my brother's present on amazon.com. Have a great week, and I shall post some awesome or poorly restaurant reviews here!

Five Star Seafood Restaurant (formerly known as New Capital Seafood Restaurant) [Alhambra, CA]

    At first this restaurant was Sam Woo Seafood Restaurant which is completely different from the Sam Woo BBQ franchises. Until, about 2004-2005, the restaurant was taken over with a new ownership and it was then called "New Capital Seafood Restaurant" Since there is another restaurant also called Capital, I think it was the reason for it to change names almost a year ago to "Five Star Seafood Restaurant", but with the same owner. 

    This is a wonderful restaurant that can be found on Valley Blvd. and Del Mar Ave. in Alhambra, California. They are the best for their dim sum and dinner aspect. They also have many rooms for banquets. The restaurant is situated or somewhat in the center of a big plaza. In this plaza there are other small restaurants, shops, and one big market which is called 99 ranch market. I will definitely have to do a review on the market sometime soon. To park, there is parking outside, and also underground. The underground parking is two floors down which is P1 and P2. Entrance to the restaurant is through underground parking elevators or through the focus shopping center elevators. The sign of the restaurant is definitely not hard to miss or see. As like most restaurants you have to wait in line and tell the hostess how many people are in your party and you will be seated when there is a table suited for your party. It's always best to go there early for dim sum or dinner, because it gets super busy and on Fridays-Sundays, there's always banquets and wedding receptions that it gets crowded. Always arrive early and have someone from your party to get there up fast to get a table!!! 

   Now for dim sum, for the greenhorn who has never been should make sure to do the following things: Raise your hand and always speak up your voice. If all fails, walk to the dim sum cart ladies and ask for what they have and select a dish. Beware, those metal dishes are HOT!!!! Hot tea, is the best beverage for either dim sum or dinner, only because it's beneficial in many ways. Let's get onto the foods, the food will always be hot. But when you see the bus-boy's carrying trays of food and shouting out the name of the dish while they walk all along the room, make sure you check out what it is and try it out! Those are a rare commodity, because those are dishes you won't find in the carts. Now it's just wait for carts to approach you so you can find out what each dim sum cart lady has to offer. These are chinese ladies that push a cart with a wide selection of steamed foods for your choosing. Bon- Apetit!!!

    When it comes to dinner, it's a whole new story. The menu is catered to Chinese people which is great, because you can finally taste AUTHENTIC CHINESE FOOD. None of that panda express crap! Sorry I have to say it is, because Chinese Fast Food in the valley is catered to those who don't know what REAL Chinese food is. That's why make friends with Chinese people or take a risk and try something different. My favorite dishes to order is steamed tofu with seafood on top, steamed tofu with soy sauce and dried scallops, Roast duck, Sliced chicken with jelly fish, Oysters sautéed with sauce and green onions, and winter-melon soup. If you are new to the dinner scene, order the tofu dishes. It won't disappoint and order a soup such as fish maw soup. Order some Kung Pao Shrimp and/or Beef with Chinese Broccoli. A side note *if you order more than 4-5 dishes, you can get a free 2-lb lobster, crab, or shrimp for free! Ask them though to make sure!! Sometimes they will let u know , too!! if not, ask!!!

Besides the incredible Chinese food served here!! The views of the San Gabriel Valley from the windows are breathtaking. There are many windows in this restaurant that give a nice vibe!!! So, if you are down to get some dim sum or dinner, come on by!!! 

Rice Noodle with Beef

Inside the restaurant during the day

At night time

Inside at night.. you can
almost see the windows on the far left.

Dim Sum lady serving something....

Hot Steamed Rice with Chicken and
Mushroom with Gingers. A
local favorite with HKers.

Red Bean Sesame Buns 

Cold Chicken with Ginger and Green Onions

Steamed Live Shrimp

Filet mignon with Black Pepper Sauce 

Beef Chow Fun

Hor-gow (Steamed Shrimp Dumpling)

Custard Tart

Rice noodles with Beef 

Winter Melon Soup

Winter Melon Soup

Jasmine Tea

Black-Chicken Soup

Fish in Black Bean Sauce with Bell Peppers

Oyster Beef with Snow Peas

Sam Woo Barbecue Restaurant (Van Nuys, CA)

       There aren't a lot of Chinese restaurants in the San Fernando Valley that can pull it off with their prices, taste, and environment. Sam Woo first opened in the early 90s in Van Nuys, CA. It opened a portal for Asians, especially Chinese people to get some Chinese food rather than to travel all the way to Chinatown for Chinese food. I remember it clearly as it was yesterday. It was just the 99 ranch market and Sam Woo Restaurant. I was 10 years old and this was exciting for my family and my relatives. When my brother was born in 1991, we ate here at the Sam Woo many times as well. From then on, whenever we had lunch or dinner, Sam Woo would be one of the destinations for us to dine at. The staff has changed a bit, there are still the old timers that have been there since 1990. It's such a treat to see them still there and remember the good old times. They still remember when my mom was pushing my brother in a stroller and we ate some won ton noodles. They also had remembered when I was a short skinny fella. There's a lot of history in that plaza and I am glad to have the chance to review this restaurant.
      There's lots to choose from and their menu has slightly changed since then. We each have our own favorite special dishes. I would recommend as a first time visitor to have beef chow fun (dried), unless u want sauce which is the wet version, hot tea, roast duck on rice, lo-mein, and some steamed rice. Of course, if you are a food enthusiast, such as I, I would recommend the BBQ Rice Dishes. Depending on how many is in your party, get the bbq pork (cha-sui) and salty-chicken on rice.
Also, upon entering the restaurant, there's a pad where you must sign in your number and sign in how many people are in your party in the sign up sheet. There is no background music here, but just loud chatter from the customers. The restrooms are tidy and the restaurant is very tidy. The boba is not my thing over here, I would recommend elsewhere, but if you do get it, then just get the thai ice tea boba. Also, the almond jello is very nice here. I tend to order (1) order for myself since it has been a treat for me since I was a kid. I would always get an order of almond jello for myself whichever Chinese Restaurant I may be. They also have order to go, and they have bbq roast pork, bbq duck, bbq pork, chicken, ready for sale. So I hope when you come here, you order something that you wouldn't rather order when you are at Panda Express or any Chinese-fast food restaurant. Of course, the food here tastes much different!!!

Salty Chicken (half) and Soy-Sauce Chicken
(half) on rice

Roast Pork

BBQ Pork and Salty Chicken (half) on rice

Jasmine Thai Restaurant (Porter Ranch, Northridge, CA)

There were a few restaurants that came before Jasmine made its debut here. I was kind of skeptical and curious, too about Thai Food. I had Thai food and it hasn't been a welcoming experience. Either it was too salty, or it wasn't for me. However, I had to try it. Apparently they also have one other location that is 20 minutes away from my house. Nevertheless, this location is more upbeat and relaxed. As you enter through the doorway, you are welcomed by a small streaming fountain. The music in the back is very tranquil and the decor of the space inside is very chill or new age. The lighting is very dim and relaxing. The hostess or waiter at any given time will seat you at your table and the tables and chairs are very comfortable. Having been here multiple times, i like sitting besides the window or where there is a booth on one side and chairs on the other. Now, the menu is quite a pickle. There are so many things you can order. To get a taste of what this restaurant has to offer, I'd suggest to come here during lunch. I love coming here for dinners, as well. The Thai Ice Tea is a bargain. You pay for what you get. Also, the pad thai is an amazing dish, itself. Pad Thai is a thin rice noodle soaked in some kind of brown sweet sauce. Then it's surrounded by different cold sliced vegetables and such. Now the orange chicken is unlike any other dish you've had.. just one bite, and you are in heaven!!! I have had many disbelievers and yet after one bite, they cannot resist but take more!! So, I do hope you can get the chance to try out some really awesome thai food. Lastly, my mom had the curry here and it was to die for. So, it should be a treat next time.

Orange chicken at its best (thai style)

Chicken Curry

Pad Thai. Yummy

Got Thai Ice tea (Served in a beer mug)

Ritter's Steam Kettle Kitchen (Santa Ana, CA)

In the area of Santa Ana, California? Then this should be an interesting place for some Creole/Southern Food. Each city in California has its signature restaurants to dine at and here at Santa Ana there are tons of different cuisines. Southern Food, is very difficult to find here in Southern California. There are not many of them here, which is good. The more rarer they are, the less competition there is. Ritter's Steam Kettle Kitchen is all cooked with steam kettle making the food evenly and faster to make. According to the staff members, Chef Ritter used to work for the Oyster Bar at the Palace Station in Las Vegas. That's where Steam Kettle originated from and here it is in Southern California. There lots to choose from the menu. There are soups, salads, starters. There's a lot that you can choose from the menu. Being it the first time for my whole family since my brother who took me here for my birthday in 5th of October 2013, we chose dishes we are familiar with such as the jambalaya, gumbo and for starters some cajun fries and raw oysters. Overall, it was a great dining experience. The chairs are a bit small for my size, but the food was great. The music that was played was soothing. Listening to some good blues music and eating Southern food is a treat. When ordering your jambalaya, they have a rating of 1-5 of spiciness. Of course, for us (asians) we tend to like it even hotter. So we thought, hmm it's Southern Food, why not try the hottest? I tried a 4 which is the 2nd hottest and it was pretty spicy. Of course for my parents, it was nothing to them. This is a good restaurant to bring a date or the family. If I am ever in the area, I am definitely coming here. Try them out if you are in the Santa Ana Area. Check them out on their website. rittersskc.com  oh btw! my rating is a 5/5. 

Sitting area of the restaurant

Raw Oysters… yummy 

House Jambalaya

Les Sisters-Southern Kitchen (Chatsworth, CA)

Craving for some Southern Cuisine? Look no further! Les Sisters is a family owned restaurant that has been serving New Orleans and Southern Style Cuisine since 1986. I remember the first time I went here was when I was walking with my mom as she was pushing my brother in his stroller. There was a live band playing some awesome but weird music to me. At the time, I was a kid and I couldn't understand the music or what "Southern hospitality" was. Until recently the only Southern food I have had has been at the Blue Bayou at Disneyland. Of course, I can't always drive that far for Southern food. Luckily for me, I have been to Les Sisters once with a friend, and just recently for my birthday. I also frequent Farmer's Market, but the portions are so small. Thankfully there is Les Sisters. The portions are just right and for a great price. I recommend eating the jambalaya here as well as a cup of gumbo. Both screaming out southern flavors in my mouth. My taste buds couldn't get enough jambalaya!! The freshly squeezed lemonade, though is too sour. I think next time I will order a soft drink. All the drinks are served in glass jars and it just feels like I'm in New Orleans when I am come here, even though I have never been to New Orleans. I would definitely recommend coming here if you crave some Southern Food, or if you miss a little bit of home. This is definitely the place to go!!! Check their website for their hours, as they open certain times for lunch and dinner! 

My mouth is watering thinking about the next time I com here. 

Here is their website. lessisters.com

this is their jambalaya. This was less than $10. This is a deal! 

Golden City Cafe (formerly known as Golden City Seafood Restaurant)

This is a unique restaurant. It has been in business since the 70s. My mom and dad went here on a date before they got married. This restaurant I have been eating when I was a kid and when my brother was a kid. We have been dining here since the day I was born. Of course the restaurant has changed since, but the owner has been the same. This restaurant can be featured in the movie, "rush hour" You could only see a glimpse of it for a few seconds, but it was there. It was the scene where Jackie Chan brought some Chinese take-out for Chris Tucker and they were eating "camel's hump" I don't think it was camel's hump, though.
I have to say, though, this is one of the few existing, authentic, and reasonable Chinese restaurants that are in Chinatown, Los Angeles. There's a lot of history into this place. I have celebrated holiday events, birthdays (in particular, my mom's and dad's) and every Friday and/or Saturday eating here. What do we order usually? Well it has transitioned three times and menu's have changed a bit. Usually we would order house special crab. (delicious!! it was crab with black pepper sauce.. which can only be found in Singapore). Nowadays they resort to the cafe-type style of foods, though, keeping the authentic style around. They cater to Western type foods which is steak, fries, etc. However, still when I come here with my family, we have the traditional foods. Foods that you won't get at Panda Express. This is "real" Chinese food. I feel I have to educate my non-Chinese friends about Chinese food, since they seem to think that places such as Panda Express, ABC food-to-go, Silver Panda are the best Chinese food ever. Sorry to disappoint. But, this is when you need a Chinese friend! :)

This is the Chinese Version of calamari. It's squid
in spicy salt.

This is a hot clay pot with rice cooked
with chicken and mushroom.

This is fried chicken
"Chinese style" served with sweet
Thai Chili sauce

This is beef brisket with tendon
 

My favorite dish which is
Sweet and Sour Pork with Bone

A famous appetizer which is minced chicken
with lettuce (can be also minced squab)

for $12.99 you get Lobster with Yee Mein
(or thick white Chinese noodles)

This is how the restaurant looks from the back

This is minced beef over rice in a clay pot. The egg placed on top gives a little flavor. 

this place is fried fish filet with corn sauce. Very crispy, but very sweet!!!

I hope by viewing these few dishes, you can visit Chinatown which is situated in Los Angeles, California. They also have a lunch menu! It's quiet at night because all the shops close, but there are a few restaurants worth trying and I would suggest to try this restaurant. I would suggest don't order any noodle dishes. Order something you would never order like…sweet and sour fish fillet, clay pot rice with minced beef, clams with spicy salt, seafood tofu hot pot! And of course hot tea!!