Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Tasty Garden (Irvine, CA)

Baked Fish with Rice and Cheese

Chinese Waffle Cake (Sweet)

Interior of the restaurant

Is that fish on top?

The front (waiting area)

is that a boot for the milk ice tea bob? Das boot?

Yep, those are fishes.. Thats awesome

So, was in Irvine a week ago and wanted to grab something to eat before we visited my brother's new place. Luckily theres a big plaza of restaurants to choose from thats close by his new place. So as we arrived at the plaza, my folks were contemplating, suggesting, throwing out ideas of where to eat. We drove and drove and finally came across Tasty Garden. Well, of course it was me who had pointed it out that there's "whoa, there's a tasty garden." Mom looked up and was happy to see it and immediately told my dad, "tasty garden... lets eat there!" From the front of it, it doesn't look much. When you enter inside, it still looks a bit different from the other Tasty Garden's I have visited. 

As we sat down, I had noticed the decor here. It was really upbeat and different. As I looked at the center of the restaurant I noticed something different about the ceiling. There were fishes hanging from the ceiling and it displayed a bright display. Those were amazing!! Lights that were fish from glass. That's pretty epic. Something you do not see everyday. The bathrooms here are definitely top-notch and it does seems that it gets attended to. That's one of the things I definitely like about a restaurant is when they keep it clean. 

Now, on to the menu. They have a Chinese menu and Western Menu. So for those who are tired of eating Chinese food all the time, there is an option to eat American food. Or as they call it "western food." Since we wanted a light meal, we ordered baked fish with mushrooms on rice and cheese, Pork on rice baked in Portuguese style. For drinks, my folks ordered hot water and I ordered Ice Milk Tea with Boba. When my drink came, it came in a form of a boot! WTH? That is strange, indeed. But, definitely cool!!! Oh, btw for those who have never come here before, it's definitely a treat. Free refills on drinks. Just don't get too carried away. I don't think they do free refills on sodas though. Just Chinese drinks. The dishes came in, and the presentation of it was good. It could be better if the dish was shaped as a fish which I have had at ABC Cafe. But the taste of the food was perfect. To top it all of, they even gave us a Chinese waffle cake that's famous in Hong Kong. 

Would I come back here? Well, since my brother lives in the area... for sure. And it would have to be when we make a visit to Irvine. Irvine is about 60 miles away from us. 

If you like the address, I left it here. There are Tasty Garden locations in Arcadia, Monterey Park and Alhambra which is about 25 miles. I hope you enjoyed this review! More to come!!

15315 Culver Drive, Irvine, CA

Monday, September 8, 2014

Siam Cuisine (Granada Hills, CA)

     I finally get to write about Siam Cuisine. This place was the first place that started the Thai food revolution for me. To further explain, it had got me to eat Thai food for the first time. I was at a friends house studying when he had asked, "anyone down for some awesome thai food?" Without a shadow of a doubt, I raised my hand with certainty. So did everyone else. So we drove to this place that's located in small plaza near his house. We entered into the small restaurant and the lady greeted us. She instantly greeted my friend.. and told us that he had been a customer since he was a kid. Thats when it had struck me that I'm definitely going to eat some really good Thai food if he's been eating here for a long time. I have no doubt in the choices of places to eat when my friends choose them. So we stared at the menu, but he ordered chow mein. I was puzzled to why he'd ordered chow mein. And he responded, "this is the best chow mein that you will ever taste." Of course when I heard that, I ordered chow mein as well without hesitation. Siam Cuisine is a family operated restaurant. It's a mom and pop place that has been here for like the longest time. I would guess since the 80s. There are tons of foods to choose from other than noodles, but I wanted noodles. The seating area is limited but quite nice for a private occasion. When we got the chow mein, we left for my friends house. We started to grub and the second the noodles got into my mouth, bursts of flavors exploded into my mouth and I had a "awww" look of expression on my face. My friend noticed it and said, "yup.. see... what did i tell you?"

  Seriously it was the best chow mein I have had in a very long time. After our study session, I made sure to make a trip back to order 2 more orders. I met up with another friend and him try it to make sure that this wasn't just a one time "OMG.. that was the best ever" chow mein. He tried it and he showed the same facial expression that I had when I first ate the chow mein. So, I knew that it wasn't just me. Siam Cuisine has the best chow mein ever! Yet, I need to come and try their other dishes..but if you are ever in the mood for some really good Chow Mein? Come to Siam Cuisine, Located in Granada Hills.

Here is their address: 11033 Balboa Blvd. Granada Hills, CA 91344. (Closed on Mondays)


Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Pinkberry (Northridge, CA..near Costco)

   After having dinner with my mom, lately she has been asking me where to go for dessert. I had remembered that we went to a place called Fluff Ice in the Monterey Park Area and immediately thought about Pinkberry. Not able to recollect the name right away, I just remembered that it was near  Costco and it was in Northridge. Also that my buddy Ed and Mariano had taken me there saying it was the best thing ever. So, I wanted to take my mom there. Once we got there, parking was a no-hassle since it was about 930 at night and most of the businesses were closed by then. The only thing opened was five guys hamburger joint.
   So, Pinkberry it is. We got inside and immediately I felt like it was my first time entering into this fine establishment. The decor was pretty impressive. As we queued in line, my mom jumped ahead to look at the different choices they had. I told her that I will get her "everything mango." She loves her mango. When it was my turn, I immediately said, "Medium size (2) and Mango yogurt." But they also serve mango ice which if we go next time, I will order that for my mom and see how she likes it. I get her the Mango tapioca and the Mango chunks. I get the same but with kiwi. The attendant forgot the mango and I had to remind her. It's all good, maybe she had other things on her mind. Paid for it and sat down. The seating that is attached to the wall on the side is pretty comfortable. I prefer that seating rather than the individual chairs. The lighting is not too bright but adequate. There are plenty of sitting areas inside as well as outside. I prefer inside, though.
  Now to the yogurt. In my honest opinion, I would give it a 4/5 for taste. I would give a much better score if I had tried something different, but I was aiming for something a bit healthier. Will give props and a 5-star rating for comfortability and environment. It's definitely a nice place to hang with friends and loved ones. I wouldn't see myself hanging out there for more than an hour. I guess I will have to give this place a little more time and try out the different flavors. Maybe by then, I will update this review. Hope you enjoyed this review!
View from where I was
seated.

Mango Yogurt with kiwi pieces,
mango chunks, and mango tapioca.

Pinkberry's philosophy??

mmm. delicious..  
irresistible?
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