Thanks Barry. I realize some of what makes the update is old news here, but fell just after the last update at Eater. I’m glad you brought this up, as it gives me a chance to update what didn’t make the cut (a couple are ESGV, so I’ll move them to that thread). Some Tony covered, some Chihuo covered, some haven’t been covered at all, so…
Alhambra: Flavor Garden signage is down now, replaced by signage (and menus) reading Zui Xiang Yuan.
Wong Java House has a big “Grand Opening” banner hanging out front. Ownership change. Instead of the Indonesian mother & daughter that ran the place, it seems to be a couple running it now. New menus aren’t going to be in for a week or two.
Monterey Park: KT Cafe switched to DLS Cafe. Still HK cafe fare.
Wok BBQ, home of dry pots, has become Wok Crab, focusing on shellfish hot pots.
South El Monte: Focus, a Dongbei-style place, opened on Rosemead Blvd. (sort of across from Shun Fat) in what was Yummy , a Sichuan place, which was a Hunan place before that.
There are more changes coming to the ESGV, but those are probably December or January updates…or happened today, right after publishing, because that’s always what always happens. I’ve already heard about another opening today.
I was one of the many unsuspecting diners who went to Flavor Garden in Alhambra after the move to Chino Hills. I just stopped by Zui Xiang Yuan and the place was packed. And the fish dumplings were as good as ever. Don’t know if it’s a new crew or they just got lucky.
This is so funny. So this new “Zui Xiang Yuan” simply renamed the restaurant using the phonetic translation of the original Chinese name of Flavor Garden?
So I finally tried this place out, and I have to thank you, Barry, for the intel on the beef roll–Flavor Garden’s blows 101 Noodle Express’ out of the water!
So I started off with the pan-fried leek dumplings:
These were very tasty, with a nice crunch to them! The filling was plentiful, but a bit mild. I found I had to resort to pouring my condiments inside each dumpling, as the skins were a little too thick and crispy for effective dipping, but hey, I don’t mind playing with my food a bit.
This was just okay. It was very crispy/crunchy, but also a bit greasy. Although I liked the visible amount of scallions, I find 101 Noodle Express to have a much more flavorful version of this dish.
Ooph! Look at that! And it’s so tasty, too! Just completely overflowing with beef, with a touch of hoisin sauce. 101 Noodle Express has been unseated, but I will still go because their hours run much later.
Overall value is tops here, too–my total bill was under $25 for all this food, after tipping.
Next time I want to try their sesame rice balls.
Zui Xiang Yuan (Flavor Garden)
1269 E Valley Blvd
Alhambra, CA 91801
(626) 284-3549
The filling was plentiful, but a bit mild. I found I had to resort to pouring my condiments inside each dumpling, as the skins were a little too thick and crispy for effective dipping, but hey, I don’t mind playing with my food a bit.
