There’s also Mas’ Chinese Islamic Restaurant down in Anaheim. I haven’t made it to Omar’s yet, but Silk Road Garden and Mas’ are both good, with my nod going to Silk Road Garden.
I don’t recall exactly what I’ve ordered over the years, but in general I get some kind of lamb and noodle dish, and then ask the server if there’s anything they recommend that day.
The last time I had the (lamb) meat pie at Omar, it was soggy and greasy too, yet had a very good flavor. My favorite memory was of Mr. Omar being patient enough to enthusiastically chat with me trying out my first year Chinese. Their yogurt is another thing to get.
There are a couple of other good Uighur places now, Silk Road Garden and Mr. Lamb, both in Rowland Heights though and much further out.
I know. I assumed it was her brother (or husband). I didn’t get around to asking. I saw her the first couple of times I ate there, but he’s always been there.
According to Yelp, the Cerritos (well, Artesia actually) branch is still open. As an aside, geez Tony, you lived in that area and didn’t know when you were in Artesia?
Whoever the fellow was, he’s always been there when I’ve visited and he was nice about chatting with me in Chinese, even though 我只知道一点中文 (then again, that isn’t that unusual).