The Donut Hole
15300 Amar Road
La Puente, CA 91744
626-968-2912
Drive-through only; 24 hours.
Visited: May 2010, Dinner, Take-out
Well, the real reason to visit The Donut Hole is that you get to drive through the donut's hole! It's very cool. The donut shop is open 24 hours, and even at 8pm, they still had a nice selection to choose from.
We just got a couple things - a Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting and a Raised Glazed Twist. Both were fresh and satisfying. They don't sell French donuts (which is a rarity, anyways).
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Dim Sum Express, Monterey Park, CA
Dim Sum Express
326 N. Garfield Ave
Monterey Park, CA 91745
626-307-5800
Walk-up stand; 4 tables and benches on the side.
Parking in the lot behind.
Open 7:30a-7:00p.
Visited: May 2010, Late afternoon, Take-out
We were a little apprehensive in visiting this place because almost all of the dim sum items are sold by the piece, and that just seemed way too expensive (and unlike most other dim sum places). However, after we saw how large they were, and how tasty, we were sold.
The Siu Mai ($0.75) were large and plump, and very flavorful. I sometimes worry when siu mai are too big cuz they don't cook all the way through, but these were great.
The Har Gow ($0.85) had large pieces of shrimp - you could actually tell they were shrimp, not just minced orangey-pink bits. Very good.
The steamed Cha Siu Bao ($0.85) was also very tasty. There could have been a little more filling, but overall it was still satisfying.
The Hom Suey Goks ($0.75) were very large. They were a little greasey, but the dough was nicely chewy and the meat filling had a nice flavor.
We don't usually order Egg Rolls ($0.75) for dim sum, but thought we would try them while we were here. Yeah, no. They were nicely crisp and had lots of veggie filling, but they were very oniony. The overwhelming flavor was onion.
The flat Fried Wontons ($1.35) were disappointing. They tasted like fried egg roll wrappers (which is fine) but there was hardly any filling.
The Pot Stickers ($1.35 for 4) and the Steamed Dumplings ($1.25) had plenty of filling and were very tasty.
Also good was the Chicken Rice in Lotus Leaf ($1.65). The rice was tender, and there was the right amount of chicken filling. This would make a great lunch.
And the Turnip Cakes ($0.75) had a very nice pan fried char, and lot of yummy tasty bits.
The last thing we ordered, we were a bit disappointed in. They also feature some 'fast food' non-dim sum items. We tried the spicy Deep Fried Pork Chops and rice ($4.49). For the price, you get a lot of food. But it didn't have much taste - definitely not spicy.
Overall, we were quite pleased with this little dim sum walk-up stand.
326 N. Garfield Ave
Monterey Park, CA 91745
626-307-5800
Walk-up stand; 4 tables and benches on the side.
Parking in the lot behind.
Open 7:30a-7:00p.
Visited: May 2010, Late afternoon, Take-out
We were a little apprehensive in visiting this place because almost all of the dim sum items are sold by the piece, and that just seemed way too expensive (and unlike most other dim sum places). However, after we saw how large they were, and how tasty, we were sold.
The Siu Mai ($0.75) were large and plump, and very flavorful. I sometimes worry when siu mai are too big cuz they don't cook all the way through, but these were great.
The Har Gow ($0.85) had large pieces of shrimp - you could actually tell they were shrimp, not just minced orangey-pink bits. Very good.
The steamed Cha Siu Bao ($0.85) was also very tasty. There could have been a little more filling, but overall it was still satisfying.
The Hom Suey Goks ($0.75) were very large. They were a little greasey, but the dough was nicely chewy and the meat filling had a nice flavor.
We don't usually order Egg Rolls ($0.75) for dim sum, but thought we would try them while we were here. Yeah, no. They were nicely crisp and had lots of veggie filling, but they were very oniony. The overwhelming flavor was onion.
The flat Fried Wontons ($1.35) were disappointing. They tasted like fried egg roll wrappers (which is fine) but there was hardly any filling.
The Pot Stickers ($1.35 for 4) and the Steamed Dumplings ($1.25) had plenty of filling and were very tasty.
Also good was the Chicken Rice in Lotus Leaf ($1.65). The rice was tender, and there was the right amount of chicken filling. This would make a great lunch.
And the Turnip Cakes ($0.75) had a very nice pan fried char, and lot of yummy tasty bits.
The last thing we ordered, we were a bit disappointed in. They also feature some 'fast food' non-dim sum items. We tried the spicy Deep Fried Pork Chops and rice ($4.49). For the price, you get a lot of food. But it didn't have much taste - definitely not spicy.
Overall, we were quite pleased with this little dim sum walk-up stand.
Shakas Hawaiian Flavors, Monterey Park, CA
Shakas Hawaiian Flavors
2300 Garfield Ave
Monterey Park, CA 91754
323-888-2695
http://www.shakas.com/
Casual; order at the counter.
Located just north of the 60 freeway.
Parking in the strip mall and on the side street.
Second location: 101 Main St, #C, Alhambra, CA 91801
Visited: May 2010, Lunch, Take-out
Shakas is a nice casual Hawaiian fast food place. We tried just a few things, but were quite satisfied, and will definitely be back to try more menu items.
We had the Kalua Pork Tacos - two crispy tacos FILLED with kalua pig and topped with raw cabbage, cheese and pico de gallo. The kalua was smoky and rich, however, I figured out that kalua tacos are not for me. While tasty, they were waaay too rich for my blood.
We got a side order of the Mochiko Chicken. Boneless chicken pieces that have been marinated in a sweet soy sauce, and then lightly coated and deep fried. These were delicious little morsels. They identify the Mochiko Chicken as a house specialty, and they're right.
We also got an order of Spam Musubi ($1.95) which was very fresh and flavorful. I love it when there's just a little sauce on the rice, and this how they do it. It was larger than I expected - maybe 4 inches long.
They have all the other traditional Hawaiian grindz (Loco Moco, Kalbi, Katsu, Huli Huli Chicken, etc.) so we'll be back to try.
2300 Garfield Ave
Monterey Park, CA 91754
323-888-2695
http://www.shakas.com/
Casual; order at the counter.
Located just north of the 60 freeway.
Parking in the strip mall and on the side street.
Second location: 101 Main St, #C, Alhambra, CA 91801
Visited: May 2010, Lunch, Take-out
Shakas is a nice casual Hawaiian fast food place. We tried just a few things, but were quite satisfied, and will definitely be back to try more menu items.
We had the Kalua Pork Tacos - two crispy tacos FILLED with kalua pig and topped with raw cabbage, cheese and pico de gallo. The kalua was smoky and rich, however, I figured out that kalua tacos are not for me. While tasty, they were waaay too rich for my blood.
We got a side order of the Mochiko Chicken. Boneless chicken pieces that have been marinated in a sweet soy sauce, and then lightly coated and deep fried. These were delicious little morsels. They identify the Mochiko Chicken as a house specialty, and they're right.
We also got an order of Spam Musubi ($1.95) which was very fresh and flavorful. I love it when there's just a little sauce on the rice, and this how they do it. It was larger than I expected - maybe 4 inches long.
They have all the other traditional Hawaiian grindz (Loco Moco, Kalbi, Katsu, Huli Huli Chicken, etc.) so we'll be back to try.
The Donut Man, Glendora, CA
The Donut Man
915 E. Route 66
Glendora, CA 91740
626-335-9111
Walk up stand, no seating. Cash only. 24 hours.
Plenty of free parking behing the shop.
Visited: May 2010, Afternoon, Take-out
The Donut Man is best known for their Fresh Strawberry and Fresh Peach donuts. Large circular raised glazed donuts that are cut in half and filled with fruit and glaze. The fruits are seasonal - either they have strawberries or they have peaches. When we arrived in the late afternoon, they were in the process of making a new batch of the massive strawberry donuts. We decided that they had so many other tasty things that we tried those and come back another time for the strawberry.
We tried their other specialty, Tiger Tails. Looong twisted raised glazed donuts that are plain, or have chocolate twisted in. Very good.
Their Boston Creme Pies were also decadent. Large (maybe 4 or 5 inches in diameter) raised donuts filled with custardy cream and topped with chocolate icing. Exceptional.
They also make French Donuts which are hard to find. They were fresh, and they custom glazed one for us with chocolate. Unfortunately, it wasn't that great. It was mushy in the middle. (Randy's in Inglewood makes excellent French donuts.)
We also tried their very large donut Cinnamon Rolls (maybe 6 inches in diameter), and their traditional Raised Glazed Donuts were very good.
There was slight hint of old oil, but overall they were very good donuts. And everyone was very friendly, including the other customers in line. It seems everyone's in a good mood when ordering donuts!
Despite the late afternoon/early evening timeframe, we were pleased at how fresh the donuts were. For a 24-hour business, it was great to know that they make their donuts regularly and provide quality donuts at all hours.
915 E. Route 66
Glendora, CA 91740
626-335-9111
Walk up stand, no seating. Cash only. 24 hours.
Plenty of free parking behing the shop.
Visited: May 2010, Afternoon, Take-out
The Donut Man is best known for their Fresh Strawberry and Fresh Peach donuts. Large circular raised glazed donuts that are cut in half and filled with fruit and glaze. The fruits are seasonal - either they have strawberries or they have peaches. When we arrived in the late afternoon, they were in the process of making a new batch of the massive strawberry donuts. We decided that they had so many other tasty things that we tried those and come back another time for the strawberry.
We tried their other specialty, Tiger Tails. Looong twisted raised glazed donuts that are plain, or have chocolate twisted in. Very good.
Their Boston Creme Pies were also decadent. Large (maybe 4 or 5 inches in diameter) raised donuts filled with custardy cream and topped with chocolate icing. Exceptional.
They also make French Donuts which are hard to find. They were fresh, and they custom glazed one for us with chocolate. Unfortunately, it wasn't that great. It was mushy in the middle. (Randy's in Inglewood makes excellent French donuts.)
We also tried their very large donut Cinnamon Rolls (maybe 6 inches in diameter), and their traditional Raised Glazed Donuts were very good.
There was slight hint of old oil, but overall they were very good donuts. And everyone was very friendly, including the other customers in line. It seems everyone's in a good mood when ordering donuts!
Despite the late afternoon/early evening timeframe, we were pleased at how fresh the donuts were. For a 24-hour business, it was great to know that they make their donuts regularly and provide quality donuts at all hours.
Bahooka Family Restaurant, Rosemead, CA
Bahooka Family Restaurant
4501 Rosemead Blvd
Rosemead, CA 91770
626-285-1211
http://www.bahooka.com/
Casual; great for families or drinking get togethers. Full bar.
Plenty of free parking in their lot.
Visited: May 2010, Afternoon, Take-out
This place is quite the sight to see - even if you just come to look and not eat (which is almost what we did). There are fish tanks EVERYWHERE! Great fun to look at. It's also quite a maze of a restaurant, but looks like it would great fun to hang out with friends and have lots of drinks with umbrellas.
They feature Polynesian food and tiki bar fun stuff. We decided to try a couple of their noted appetizers. First, Bahooka's Special Exotic Ribs ($23.25 for two pounds) which were like Chinese-style red ribs but then they were served with American-style bbq sauce. The ribs were tender, but didn't really have much taste. I was expecting much more.
And we got an order of the Crab Puffs ($10.75 for 2o puffs) which were rather odd little things. They were little fried balls of soft crab filling. The first one kinda tasted crabby, but the next ones just seemed salty.
So, I'm thinking that we won't be back for the food, but for the ambience. And after a few drinks, maybe those appetizers will be downright delish.
4501 Rosemead Blvd
Rosemead, CA 91770
626-285-1211
http://www.bahooka.com/
Casual; great for families or drinking get togethers. Full bar.
Plenty of free parking in their lot.
Visited: May 2010, Afternoon, Take-out
This place is quite the sight to see - even if you just come to look and not eat (which is almost what we did). There are fish tanks EVERYWHERE! Great fun to look at. It's also quite a maze of a restaurant, but looks like it would great fun to hang out with friends and have lots of drinks with umbrellas.
They feature Polynesian food and tiki bar fun stuff. We decided to try a couple of their noted appetizers. First, Bahooka's Special Exotic Ribs ($23.25 for two pounds) which were like Chinese-style red ribs but then they were served with American-style bbq sauce. The ribs were tender, but didn't really have much taste. I was expecting much more.
And we got an order of the Crab Puffs ($10.75 for 2o puffs) which were rather odd little things. They were little fried balls of soft crab filling. The first one kinda tasted crabby, but the next ones just seemed salty.
So, I'm thinking that we won't be back for the food, but for the ambience. And after a few drinks, maybe those appetizers will be downright delish.
Euro Pane Bakery, Pasadena, CA
Euro Pane Bakery
950 E. Colorado Blvd, Suite 107
Pasadena, CA 91106
626-577-1828
This is the 'old' location near Lake. They're opening another location further west on Colorado (west of Los Robles.)
Some indoor and outdoor seating.
Metered street parking.
Visited: May 2010, Afternoon, Take-out
Euro Pane was recently on Food Network's Best Think I Ever Ate (for its Egg Salad Sandwich), however it was on our list to try before that. We were going to be the area, and thought we'd stop in.
It was around 3 in the afternoon, and we were very disappointed in the selection that remained. They didn't even have any more bread left to serve sandwiches! The cases was partially filled onesies of this and that, and it was all rather surprising since there was a line of customers who left rather disappointed. They were scheduled to be open until 5:30, and I don't know what they were planning to sell.
We tried a few things, and were rather disappointed in the lacklusterness of the items. We tried a slice of the Frittata which was really more like a quiche. It had some veggies in it, but the problem were the long frilly herbs that made it difficult to eat.
We also tried a Cinnamon Roll, and they threw in a Dinner Roll for good measure (I guess to clear the cabinet faster?). Both were just there, not inspiring.
The intriguing thing was the bag of Chocolate Chocolate Chip Biscotti-like things. They tasted and felt like a chocolate chocolate chip cake that was sliced thing and left to dry to produce these crispy wafter cookies. Fascinating and tasty. They didn't have a label so I don't know what they called them, or what they were supposed to be. Maybe they were just dried out cookies? Dunno, but they were tasty.
We were hoping to try the brioche, croissants, lemon bars, etc, that we had heard good things about. But alas, based on what we tried, we won't go out of our way.
950 E. Colorado Blvd, Suite 107
Pasadena, CA 91106
626-577-1828
This is the 'old' location near Lake. They're opening another location further west on Colorado (west of Los Robles.)
Some indoor and outdoor seating.
Metered street parking.
Visited: May 2010, Afternoon, Take-out
Euro Pane was recently on Food Network's Best Think I Ever Ate (for its Egg Salad Sandwich), however it was on our list to try before that. We were going to be the area, and thought we'd stop in.
It was around 3 in the afternoon, and we were very disappointed in the selection that remained. They didn't even have any more bread left to serve sandwiches! The cases was partially filled onesies of this and that, and it was all rather surprising since there was a line of customers who left rather disappointed. They were scheduled to be open until 5:30, and I don't know what they were planning to sell.
We tried a few things, and were rather disappointed in the lacklusterness of the items. We tried a slice of the Frittata which was really more like a quiche. It had some veggies in it, but the problem were the long frilly herbs that made it difficult to eat.
We also tried a Cinnamon Roll, and they threw in a Dinner Roll for good measure (I guess to clear the cabinet faster?). Both were just there, not inspiring.
The intriguing thing was the bag of Chocolate Chocolate Chip Biscotti-like things. They tasted and felt like a chocolate chocolate chip cake that was sliced thing and left to dry to produce these crispy wafter cookies. Fascinating and tasty. They didn't have a label so I don't know what they called them, or what they were supposed to be. Maybe they were just dried out cookies? Dunno, but they were tasty.
We were hoping to try the brioche, croissants, lemon bars, etc, that we had heard good things about. But alas, based on what we tried, we won't go out of our way.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Ristorante Deneno, Alachua, FL
Ristorante Deneno
14960 Main Street
Alachua, FL 32615
386-418-1066
http://www.deneno.com/
Casual nice. Full bar.
Plenty of parking in the public lot across the street.
Visited: May 2010, Lunch, Dine-in
This adorable restaurant in the heart of downtown Alachua is such a gem! The portions are generous, the prices are very reasonable, and the service is friendly.
We started with the Calamari ($6). A very lovely pile of nicely coated and crisp calamari as well as these little slices of coated crispy lemon slices - quite an interesting flavor surprise. The marinara was thick and spicy, and very tasty.
The have an open wood burning pizza oven, and we had the Portobello Pizza ($6) with lovely portobello mushrooms, and grana padana and mozzarella cheeses, and the Blanca Pizza ($7) topped with garlic, artichokes, and a number of cheeses - ricotta, parmesan, romano, and mozzarella. Both were plate-sized with a very lovely chewy crust and plenty of toppings.
We also tried the very tasty Deneno Burger ($8) that came topped with gorgonzola, red onions, and choice of swiss or cheddar. The burger also comes with mushrooms, but we opted out of those. As the pizza crust was great, the burger also came on a very nice homemade roll. A generous serving of pasta salad also came with.
It was a very relaxing lunch with great good. I'm looking forward to trying other menu items.
14960 Main Street
Alachua, FL 32615
386-418-1066
http://www.deneno.com/
Casual nice. Full bar.
Plenty of parking in the public lot across the street.
Visited: May 2010, Lunch, Dine-in
This adorable restaurant in the heart of downtown Alachua is such a gem! The portions are generous, the prices are very reasonable, and the service is friendly.
We started with the Calamari ($6). A very lovely pile of nicely coated and crisp calamari as well as these little slices of coated crispy lemon slices - quite an interesting flavor surprise. The marinara was thick and spicy, and very tasty.
The have an open wood burning pizza oven, and we had the Portobello Pizza ($6) with lovely portobello mushrooms, and grana padana and mozzarella cheeses, and the Blanca Pizza ($7) topped with garlic, artichokes, and a number of cheeses - ricotta, parmesan, romano, and mozzarella. Both were plate-sized with a very lovely chewy crust and plenty of toppings.
We also tried the very tasty Deneno Burger ($8) that came topped with gorgonzola, red onions, and choice of swiss or cheddar. The burger also comes with mushrooms, but we opted out of those. As the pizza crust was great, the burger also came on a very nice homemade roll. A generous serving of pasta salad also came with.
It was a very relaxing lunch with great good. I'm looking forward to trying other menu items.
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