brisket — Wine & Dine

All you humans ever known to Noodle Planet and think that's the best that you can do, have you ever tried Noodle City? It's one of my favorite joints that my parents used to take us to. Sometimes, they would even bring home take-out and I would remember finding the largest bowl I can get my hands on to mix my noodles together. These are moments you kind of forget and take for granted. Lately, I've been really thinking and appreciating all the delicious memories that I've received growing up. My parents literally fed us every type of cuisine you can think of. From having sushi at Todai Buffet (really? don't judge), every fast food joint, chili cheese fries, street tacos, chicharron from Super A, the best fried chicken from Pioneers followed by Popeyes, and you everything else you can just imagine.

Noodle City is located right next to Noodle Planet on Valley BLVD in Alhambra.

628 W Valley Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91803

The set up is not the greatest with the interior being a bit outdated. You kind of have this impression that maybe you should step out and go to Noodle World. Noodle City is strictly Vietnamese food. No weird fusions or other cuisines like Thai/Chinese/Japanese muddled into a menu.

The menu itself, is simple yet complicated. Complicated in a good way of course. You can literally find every combination you would like. Broken rice with pork chop. Broken rice with egg rolls pork chop and steamed egg. Broken rice with shredded pork skin and steamed egg. You get the point. There was a lot of things I wanted. But when I saw Lemongrass beef on the menu, I literally salivated. I was imagining taking every bite, with a citrus burst of flavor, with the fresh cut veggies and basil, and the fish sauce mix with a big glob of chili garlic/sambal to give it more heat.

What's not to get excited about? Everything that I just described prior to eating this, met the expectations and more. Everything just tasted super fresh. The lettuce, cucumbers and basil. The spicy sauce drizzled onto each bite. I'm salivating all over again as I am thinking back on this.

Combo phos normally has everything in it. Rare steak slices, brisket, tendon, tripe, beef balls. Douse this with bean sprouts, basil, fresh jalapeno, lime juice, culantro, and a whole lot of Sriracha. Oh and a lot of napkins to wipe your face.

If you ever have time or in the area and craving Vietnamese food, do give this place a try. I also believe credit/debits are acceptable with $10+. And the service can be slightly awkward... or to say it in a nice way, thug life. Don't be intimidated or feel mistreated. Just say your pleases and thank you's as you should in any other restaurant.

Slurps Up!

Daiisies

2 Comments

So. My mom calls me, twice. She asked me if I had dinner yet, at 6 PM. Ok just say it, what is it? She got a new car and said she wants to drive me. Keeping in mind that I was assuming she got the car some time this or last week. I got to her place from Pasadena within 30 minutes. As I parked and got out, she was getting ready to back out. After getting in, I looked at her like 'whhhaaattt are you doing..?'. She stops in the middle of the road as she was trying to switch to drive. I asked her "Did you just get the car today?!" she said yes in the afternoon.

AND.I.LITERALLY.JUST.DIED.

I'm not even kidding you. The seat belt fastened so quick it just took one click. And then, I kept my arms away from the doors, and sunk my body into the seat. I feared she was going to make an asian move into the intersection to merge and a car was going to slam on my side. If I had balls, they shriveled. I was so terrified! I'm not going to lie I wanted to cry. She sees a random restaurant and asked me if I would like to try it. I, immediately said yes. Especially because it was around the corner from her place and I don't want to be a passenger for more than 1 mile.

Dandan's Guilin Rice Noodle

600 E Valley Blvd Ste A San Gabriel, CA 91776

Just to start. I kind of felt this vibe as if our patronage was not necessary. Given they were fairly empty for their little shack, I felt bad to not try it while my mom wanted to leave and eat somewhere else. I'm not sure if I would come back because of that. My mom was speaking to the waitress in cantonese. I could hear it in her tone and see her body gestures that she was not into us. I don't tend to do this... but when someone upsets me and I feel disrespected, I give them the look. I have this thing I do, that I just stare. Into their eyes. Suck out their soul. And that's it. But my goal now, is to eat, pray for my safety as my mom drives back, and go.

First dish

You are able to choose 3 different types of cold dishes that they offer for this trio appetizer. My mom chose the seaweed, spicy pig ears, and some dried been curd. It was mediocre, not bad, but not great. A typical appetizer that I love to snack on. The seaweed is in a slight tangy vinegar, sesame marinade.

This dish was actually pretty good. It was stewed till tender, and it came out pretty quick. Literally, in about 2 minutes. There wasn't anything particularly special about this dish. It was just comforting and hearty. I doused this with a lot of chili oil.

What's not shown are some scallion pancakes that were also mediocre. Not sure if they made it in house, but it lacked a lot of color, and can be cooked a little longer to cook out the grease.

Not sure if I will come back because of the bad attitude. I will always try a restaurant again for their food. For service, it only takes one bad impression for me to walk.

And, honestly, this is 626. I can find this food anywhere.

Thanks Mom!

Daiisies

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Wine & Dine

Noodle City

Dandan’s Guilin Rice Noodle - with Mom