Tuesday Tastings :: Kam Hong Garden

It's funny thinking back on how I used to HATE eating Chinese food. I mean, HATE. I hated rice, hated Chinese soup, hated eating the same soy sauce chicken, or whatever Chinese dish my grandparents or mom cooked. When you're a kid, you want hamburgers, french fries, pizza, macaroni and cheese... the good stuff! Now, all I crave is Chinese dishes.

A couple of friends of ours told us about this place called Kam Hong Garden in Monterey Park. They ranted and raved about the Beef Noodle Soup. If you know anything about me... it's that I LOVE soup noodles. At least I do now. So, friendboy and I decided to go check it out.

Bean curd with cucumbers & peanuts in chili oil

Pan-fried Juicy Pork Dumplings

Beef Noodle Soup with Hand-Pulled Noodles

Personal Noodle Sifter aka. Friendboy

The beef noodle soup here is very clean and authentic tasting. When I say "clean," I mean that the soup tastes very pure. Not too much MSG. Not over salted. Very beefy without being too robust or overflavored. The noodles are thicker and chewy but are fresh and hand-pulled meaning they make their own noodles and actually have a guy that pulls and stretches the dough before it is run through and cut into noodles.

Bean curd is very common amongst the Asian culture. I used to remember eating this as a kid. It was one of the few things I actually did not mind eating. This particular dish is served chilled and was soaked in chili oil and had fresh sliced cucumbers and peanuts mixed in as well. Very refreshing and tasty (I also really like spicy food).

The pan-fried dumplings are quite tasty also. I personally really like vinegar and love to dip my dumplings into a soy sauce/black vinegar/ginger mixture. I don't know what it is, but it goes so well together. This isn't just "my" thing. It's common to do that with dumplings. I just REALLY like it, is all.

It is a little "hole-in-the-wall" place/mom & pop shop. Definitely worth checking out if you like beef noodle soup.

Hello, Is It Me You're Looking For?

Wow... I guess I have been on a looooong hiatus. Sorry!! I have been a bit swamped with work, family, WEDDINGS, and travel!!

I am super excited because I will be leaving for Hong Kong later on in the week and I've never been! I managed to borrow an SLR (Thanks MV!) from a friend and am anxious to get some good shots of the fashion, the food, the sites, and of course the people! I'll be going with the friendboy and his entire family... we're going to for our 7th wedding this year... and the last of them!

A friend of mine that is living out in HK at the moment says that the weather is still warm. Part of me is excited because that means less clothes to bring. Another part of me is disappointed because I really wanted to wear all my fall clothing. I <3 Fall fashion. Of all the seasons to dress for, Fall is by far my favorite. The scarves, the boots, the blazers and light coats, and the colors! Oh well, I guess that means more space in my luggage for all the goodies I'll be bringing back home!

I am told we will be eating a lot of dim sum. In Hong Kong, it's the thing to do. Here, we go grab boba drinks or sit at a coffee shop. Nope, in Hong Kong, you go eat dim sum and socialize over food!

Courtesy of Launch the Lions

 I am also excited for Wonton Noodle Soup. Apparently there will be a great place near by where we are staying at.

Courtesy of Launch the Lions

Pretty soon I'll have my own photos and not have to "borrow" other people's. You get the idea. Anyway, I also want to try these Egg Crate Waffles too!! I have had them here and they are tasty and all. But everyone always tells me that they are the ABSOLUTE best in Hong Kong and that NO where in the US makes it quite the same:

That photo above is actually from when the friendboy made ME some... fresh strawberry filled! I think his egg puff/waffle has been the best I've had so far... maybe I might be a little biased...

Anyway, I am excited (as you can see... mostly about food. If I come back a little pudgier and unrecognizable, I promise it's still me). One last photo of some HK street fashion that I can appreciate:

Courtesy of Street Fashion

More to follow when I return!

P.S. If you are now craving some of the above foods mentioned. Here are a couple of recommendations in the L.A./San Gabriel Valley area:

Wonton Noodle Soup: Green Zone and Won Won Kitchen
Dim Sum (HK Style -- Made to Order): Elite Restaurant and Sea Harbour Seafood Restaurant
HK Egg Puff: Tasty Garden

If only I knew enough Cantonese to say the equivalent of "Bon Apetit!" I would... anyway, enjoy!