Hungry Panda's yummy and fun adventures

Oregon Coast Gem

2011-09-13T19:55:00.000-07:00

Oregon coast is beautiful, and temperamental. On one hot summer day, as we approached the central coast, the temperature dropped some 20 degrees in less than an hour of driving. As we looked towards the ocean, another surprise awaits us. Under the glaring sun, a thick marine fog stares right back at us. We couldn't see much, but the limited view was quite mythical.

We explored the town of Newport, scrolling along its historic Bayfront which is a working fishing port and home to a variety of shops and restaurants. It was fun to watch fishing boats unloading their catch, and leisure crabbers at the dock. We even saw a crab pulled up!

Still waiting for the fog to lift, we decided to grab a bite. Luckily, we found Noodle Cafe. It may not be the obvious choice in a coastal town with half a dozen chowder and seafood places within a block of each other, but it was a wonderful delight. We only ordered a couple of items, but both were superb.

The steamed oyster were so fresh, with a sweet taste. The hand-made Jung Bong noodle came in a delicious seafood broth, it is a little spicy but not too overwhelming. The shrimps and scallops were among the best I have tasted. It was a quaint little place, the kind of place that makes you feel immediately comfortable with everybody around. The owners apparently decided to move their restaurant business here, while vacationing in Newport a few years ago. Their brought their culinary talent to Newport, to the delight of visitors like us.

As it turned out, the fog never lifted that day. But the surprise find at Noodle Cafe made the trip and wait worthwhile.

Lovely Carmel Belle

2011-06-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

Carmel-by-the-sea, where rugged beauty of Monterey coast meets the charming ambiance of a European village, is perhaps the epitome of romance. Your heart will sing as you stroll around its shops, galleries, restaurants, and beautiful white-sand beach.

Arnold was not the first Hollywood celebrity to indulge in politics, Clint Eastwood was Carmel's mayor in 1980s, probably a much better choice. It is said that he still lives in the area.

While visiting Carmel, we found Carmel Belle a perfect spot to relax. Situated centrally in downtown Carmel, its location inside a small shopping building may take a while to find. It is cafe style where you order and take your own seat, we found the environment comfortable and relaxing. Fresh ingredients and artistic preparation makes its food delicious.

Mushroom melt is simply wonderful. The combination of truffle oil, delicious mushroom, cheese and perfect bread, makes every bite to treasure.

Carmel Belle is the kind of unassuming place that you don't think too much about. Yet when you remember good times, you remember wonderful spots and moments like that, and it reminds you of life's simple joy.

The legend that is Din Tai Fung 鼎泰豐传奇

2011-01-16T22:07:00.001-08:00

Something wonderful happened in Seattle, judging from the hour line up, it is not a secret any more.

A new dumpling house in upscale Lincoln square, but Din Tai Fung is so much more. Its story is legendary, and its food delicious. Founded in Taiwan in the 70s by Bingyi Yang, a former army supplies officer. Yang was a kind man who fled the civil war in mainland China and settled in a civilian life. Yang and his wife initially sold steamed dumplings as a side business, in order to feed their five children. But the dumplings were so good, words got around, many celebrities became fans, and a legend was born.

Don't let the occasional crowd gathering at the door scare you. The friendly hostess will let you know approximate wait time, and provide some suggestions. You can also watch the magic of dumpling making, through glass window at the entrance, another Din Tai Fung trademark.

Once seated, you will likely find the menu to be rather simple. Steamed pork dumplings is the star here, they are work of art, and require extreme care. You don't want to break the skin and lose the delicious soup inside. The traditional way to consume them is by dipping in ginger vinegar. I like the crab variety even better, you should try both.

Surprisingly, I found several other dishes just as good, if not better, than the dumplings. The chicken soup, the real authentic kind, every drop was heavenly. I particularly like the noodle, great texture, not over cooked at all. And who would think too much of fried port chop? It sure didn't look impressive, but was easily the best I've ever tasted. On subsequent trip I tried a few other dishes, beef and tofu soup are more on the average side, desserts are usually pretty good. I've read some not so great reviews on Yelp, maybe it had to do with the ordering? I'll also be reasonable with expectations. for the price, location, I have very little to complain about.

The waitresses are very well trained, and on one occasion, provided exceptional service. She always came back at the right time. Since I ordered a special dessert, red bean steamed rice cake, a dish that gets dry and inedible if sitting out for too long. She had the kitchen timed so that it came straight to our table, and the result was moist and delicious.

The story of Din Tai Fung is one with quality and care that is put into simple food.

The Seattle location is only its second in the US, the other one is in LA. Judging from its popularity, you really can't go wrong with it. The wait can be painful, but nearby Bellevue Square provides a convenient distraction. And when you finally get to taste the legend, it will be all worth it.

Heavenly Granville Island Crepes

2010-01-08T19:39:00.000-08:00

Of all the places in Vancouver, this is such a little gem.

I am not even a huge fan of crepes, until I tasted them at "Muffin Granny de Paris". It's really just a little food court store on Granville Island, a very lovely and touristy place. But, wow, what incredible crepes. You will actually see it made right in front of your eyes. The secret must be in the batter, and it is so smooth, just the perfect texture, incredible.

The one I like the most is ham and cheese, they blend so well into beautiful layers. And when you bite into them, it's heaven.

Go ahead, give it a try. It will leave a smile in your face. Better, enjoy it on a sunny day, take in all the scenery around you. You will think, love is so good.

It is definitely 5/5.

Amazing Crab at Chiang's Gourmet 叙香园

2009-12-31T10:34:00.000-08:00

Chiang’s, with its non-descript Lake City location, is one of those places that no gourmet would dare venture into, judging from its outside. Its inside is not much better, in its vintage “Chinese food” North American style. It clearly enjoys a slow but steady stream of returning clientele, suggesting it has something to offer.

We were first attracted to its weekend only mainland style breakfast, like soy and tofu soup, pastry, fried donuts (豆浆，烧饼，油条，油豆腐粉丝). Beef in baked buns (牛肉夹饼) is good. They are on a weekend special menu.

After a few trials, we found the real diamond in the rough. Whole Dungeness crab with rice cake is so tasty, thanks to fresh local ingredients and a very talented chef. Dungeness crab (温哥华蟹) is often called “Vancouver crab” in Chinese. Actually Dungeness in Olympic peninsula is the original place where the crab known, hence the name. Apparently there used to be crabs all over the place in the Puget Sound area. If you look at the right places, there probably still are. We occasionally saw crab shells in beaches.

The crab is prepared to perfection, its meat tender and sweet. What makes this dish truly exceptional is the source, soft rice cake soaking in all the flavors. You will enjoy it as much as the crab. The crab shells are still a little soft, so you will have little trouble cracking them open. Umm, the meat, when you pull out the sweet meat, beautiful color, tender texture, yummy.

It’s a whole crab, combined with rice cake and beans, it comes as a large dish, almost a meal for two in itself. It cost $25, possibly the most delicious dish $25 can buy in Seattle. The dish in my mind is 4.5/5. It can compare to any seafood dishes even in Vancouver. The restaurant overall 3.5/5.

Chiang’s Gourmet 叙香园
7845 Lake City Way NE, Seattle, WA

Guu With Garlic, and Love

2009-12-30T11:38:00.000-08:00

For a week we stayed near Denman and Barclay in downtown Vancouver. I couldn't think of a better location to experience urban living at its best. It's a leisure and fun walk to almost all directions, to English Bay, Stanley Park, many restaurants, and of course, Robson street.

One early evening as I stroll by just a block south of Denman on Robson, I noticed there is a small lineup forming at the corner. Out of curiosity, I took a peak through the still closed doors. Inside what appears to be a small restaurant, the staff is going through some sort of pre-open chanting gathering ritual, while the small crowd waits enthusiastically outside. Interesting, I thought to myself.

On a slightly rainy day when there appears to be some opening, we went in to give it a try. The moment we stepped in, we were greeted loudly, and were led to share the side of the bar table with another couple, tight and slightly uncomfortable seats, but that does not seem to distract the happy people inside. The staff is all Japanese, there is a lot of shouting, and in a surprising and funny way you get used to it after a few minutes, feeling that you have left Vancouver already.

The place serves Izakaya, or Tapas Japanese style, very informal. It's a great concept for a couple to sample more dishes. The unit price is small, so is the serving. Most noteworthy is the tuna, and sea urchin 海胆. The ingredients are fresh, the quality of the preparation is quite outstanding. The presentation is simple and beautiful. In fact, you can see sushi chef right in front of you, who shows pride and enthusiams. The noodle feels more average.

It's a great little place to experience something truly unique. If you are starving, I'd recommend one of those buffet places. If you have a big crowd, your chance of getting proper seating is slim. However, if you are looking for a casual, fun and memorable place to take somebody, this is as perfect as it gets. You may end up just being friends, or spend the rest the your lifes together. The outcome? Like your love for Guu, really depends. But it is certainly worth a try. A solid 4/5.

Guu with Garlic on Ronson

1698 Robson St

Vancouver, BC V6G

Seattle is Facing East (東來食府)

2009-12-28T21:15:00.000-08:00

There were times I almost gave up on real authetic Chinese food in Seattle. There are plenty of choices, many do a decent job to feed the hungry, but none with quite the love and imagination, leaving you more likely to think to yourself, I probably won't be back here for a while, then "I want to come back to try something else tomorrow!"

That makes the discovery of Facing East such a pleasant surprise. Located near Bellevue Square, it's great for shoppers and movie goers. The place is really just a small eatery. You see a group of 8 adults squeeze around a traditional style square table with 4 bench seats (one on each side), that's really tight. But those appear to be 8 very happy adults, as all the seats are taken within 10 minutes of opening. The waiting time can be long.

We ordered the famous pork hamburger. One bite, just one bite, it just totally blew my mind away. The steamed white bun is soft and warm, the meat so juicy and tender, it's the marble cut with the just right amount of trimming, not too lean not too fat. Despite of the name, it's more like the equivalent of a steak sandwich, only you will be savoring the sweetness of tender pork. Considering it cost less than $4, it could well be called "hamburger on heaven".

Grilled milk fish is quite well done, a little crisp outside, tender inside. Fried oyster is simple and fresh, I would prefer the batter to be a little more flavorful. Handmade fish ball soup is delicious, there is juicy filling inside.

The next day, we also tried the weekend only rice vermicelli. It came up a side dish a little on the exotic side. The beef noodle is a light version with a clear broth. It is good but not quite the same perfection as the one in Wang’s. Black pepper beef rib is very tasty. Overall, all the dishes in Facing East are prepared with consistent quality and care, with some more exceptional than others. Reasonably priced, a solid 4/5, even compared to Vancouver standards.

Facing East Taiwanese Restaurant 東來食府

1075 Bellevue Way Northeast

Bellevue, WA 98004

Wang's Beef Noodle House (王记台湾牛肉面馆)

2009-12-20T12:29:00.000-08:00

So many great choices for Asian food in Vancouver, but sometimes all you want is a bowl of hot, tasty, hearty noodle. I must have driven by "Wang's" on Granville a dozen times, never too impressed by its strip mall location, until one day I finally decided to give it a try.

Inside is an oasis of authentic Taiwan style beef noodle (台湾牛肉面) in a modern setting. It's late evening, the place feel bright, clean and lively with a young crowd. Comforting is the best word to describe it, from tasty food, polite staff who are mostly student age, to the not much more than food court price. When you enjoy a bowl of steaming hand-made noodle, with tender beef, delicious soup, you may feel like back at home again.

Tried a few other dishes as well, nothing fancy but all quite good. Vegetable (青菜) was particularly delicious, it has soaked in the flavor of source, tastes juicy and tender.

The chef can be a little too liberal on garlic. Ｂe aware if you are on a date. Ｐarking can be a little tricky too.

A perfect place to watch snow flakes fly, and enjoy simple comfort of home cooking. I give it 4.5/5.

Wang's Beef Noodle House (王记台湾牛肉面馆)
8390 Granville Street (between 68st and 70st)
Vancouver BC

Shanghai River Restaurant 沪江海派料理

2009-10-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

I love visiting Vancouver, the rain didn't stop me. I suspect it has something to do with the wonderful variety of food there.

My latest trip kept me there a little longer than expected. I am glad, because I had more time to explore, especially more "local" places. One of those is "Shanghai River".

In the heart of downtown Richmond, I first noticed it driving on the street, a bustling place. A good sign.

My first visit was for lunch. The place and decor feels modern and comfortable. Beautiful teapot served fragrant Jasmine tea...good-looking waitresses driving nice cars is another Shanghai River specialty (ok, let's stay with the topic). We ordered, and sat back to enjoy watching the making of many traditional delicacies behind a large glass window.

First came "little steamed dumpling" (小笼包). They were fine, juicy fillings. But the skin was a little thick. Not as good as the top ones in Toronto. But probably 7/10.

It got better from there. The cold cut meat dish (镇江肴肉)looks too good to eat. Although I'd prefer a little more jelly than meat, but who am I to complain. Later I found out it won them an award in 2009.

The one dish I love is sweet and sour spare rib (糖醋排骨). I am usually not a huge fan of sweet style meat. But this one is truly exceptional. It is served warm, and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. It's so flavorful, we ended up finish them all!

The dessert, fremented sweet rice soup (酒酿园子), was heaven. The wonderful mixture of tenture and aroma, was easily the best I tasted, even compared to those in Shanghai.

One colossal failure, was the so basic Shanghai big dumpling in soup(大馄饨). It would have been ok, if they didn't break apart! Totally overcooked. Just shows what could go wrong even in a decent place. Fortunately that was the only low light.

The price? Estimate $15 per person, really depends on what you order. Very reasonable for the quality and service. I give it 4.5/5.

I also went back for dinner. Both incredients and cooking were excellent. Note the menu is different, it will be a little on the expensive side. Still a solid choice if you like Shanghai style cooking.

Shanghai River Restaurant
7831 Westminster Hwy, Richmond BC
(free parking in the strip mall)