mandarin noodle house

Having grown up with an uncle in the area, I've always known that if you want real Chinese, you've got to head east to the SGV. When I do, one of my favorite local places for a casual, inexpensive lunch is Mandarin Noodle.

The food here is simple, rustic and divine. My picks for a perfect meal include the spicy handmade noodle, ordered dry with shredded pork instead of chicken, the scallion pancakes, meat dumplings, pickled cucumbers and a steaming pot of hot tea. That combination seems to hit the spot every time and if you're lucky, you'll have just enough leftover to take home and enjoy later. Not to mention plenty of cash left in your wallet to pay for gas on the drive home, since that'll likely cost you more than the meal. If you want one more item to pack to-go, the pork chop fried rice served with fresh greens and a tasty preserved egg, is another favorite that won't do you wrong.

In other reviews, some have noted less than friendly service, but I've never encountered that personally in my dozens of visits for noodle love. The place has had a couple of facelifts over the years, and they've recently gone through a change in ownership, but I'm happy to report, the beacon bright orange and yellow awnings and the quality, inexpensive food have remained a constant.

701 W Garvey Ave
Monterey Park, CA 91754

(626) 570-9795

red pearl kitchen

After all the mixed reviews, I had to check out this new addition to our neighborhood .. We headed over for a pre-holiday weeknight dinner (sans reservation) and we loved it.

Beautiful interior - the red works and with some of the modern touches (the kitchen is behind one red-tinted glass wall of the dining room, and from the right angle, you can actually watch them cook), it doesn't feel chintzy or bordello-like. The dining room was stunning - complete with red-lit xmas tree - as was the lounge area and brand new pool table - a great alternative to waiting for a table in the dining room or trying to eat in the bar, which is also an option.

The drink list is creative and impressive (the Ju-Ju I had was perfect and not too sweet as is usually the case with signature cocktails). The menu has plenty of options for every palate and everything we tried - Lamb Meatballs, fiery hot Five Spice Chicken Wings, Pineapple Kobe Beef Skewers, Giant Prawn Skewers, Foie Gras ShuMai - were excellent and beautifully presented.

Our waitress (who was obviously stoned - no joke) was attentive and we had great, albeit entertaining, service. My only complaint may have been the tres tacky pseudo Chinois ensemble they're all forced to wear. Come to think of it, I'd have to be high to wear that every night too.

No, it's not authentic Chinese dim sum. If that's what you're looking for, head over to San Gabriel or Monterey Park and hit a real dim sum restaurant. But if you're looking for a great new spot on this side of town to have a tasty dinner and drinks with some beautiful decor, Red Pearl is worth adding to your list.

Interesting twist on valet - all the drivers were women in little red fur trimmed hooded parkas. As an added touch, when our car was returned, the valet girls had left a little package of Red Pearl almond cookies on the center console. Nice ending to a great evening.

6703 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 525-1415

wok on fire

Wok on Fire should be on everyone's delivery auto-dial. If you're craving Asian but can't put your finger on what, these are the guys to call.

They do Chinese, sushi and a couple of Thai basics (Pad Thai and Thai Tea) and miraculously manage to do it all well. They're routinely fast, fresh and friendly. No waiting an hour when you're starving after work for mediocre lukewarm food. Even the packaging is well thought out - it's secure, recyclable and reusable. You'll never find hot items in the same bag as the cool items, nor leaky dishes, soaked thru paper containers and spilled drinks.

Rarely can you find delivery sushi that's good, fresh and trustworthy, but they've nailed it. Their special rolls are great and they have an ample list. The yellowtail and halibut sushi along with the shrimp handrolls are also good picks.

If you're in the mood for Chinese, it's all good. Really. If you're in the mood for small plates, their Lettuce Chicken Cups are fantastic as are the Shu Mai, Spicy Garlic Chicken Wings and Crab Rangoon (if you want a little something fried and naughty).

In the mood for soup? Both the Won Ton and the Hot and Sour are simple and perfect.

We've ordered from these guys at least a couple of times a month for the last few years and have yet to get something we didn't love. If you find yourself with something you don't dig, call me and I'll take it off your hands ;)

As for sweets, they've got you covered. Every delivery comes with an obscene number of colorfully foil wrapped, white chocolate dipped fortune cookies.

Tip: There are a few tables inside, but this really is a delivery place. Some of the usuals like the Garlic Sauteed Green Beans, Spicy Eggplant, MaPo Tofu and Fried Rice can be too oily for the diet conscious. Just ask for light oil and they'll be happy to accommodate. Everything is so flavorful, you'll never even miss it.

1447 S La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(310) 289-5168

Photo courtesy of Kampy