The Department of Psychology
RAY'S GUIDE TO GOURMET AND FRUGAL DINING
Raymond Lim
I'm pleased to bring you another edition of my "Guide to Gourmet and Frugal Dining." In this article of lunch specials, I will introduce you to two restaurants I frequently dine at during lunch hours. One comment I need to add before I go on with the review is that the cities of Alhambra and Monterey Park are really the places to be if you are a Chinese food lover. With so many Chinese restaurants around the neighborhood, and knowing how Asian businesspersons are, these places are dropping their prices to compete with each other. All I will say is that's not bad because I'm certainly reaping the benefits of it.
The first restaurant is Dragon Regency, located on 120 S. Atlantic Boulevard. Dragon Regency is in the Deerfield Plaza on the south-east corner of Garvey and Atlantic. This restaurant serves the traditional "Cantonese-style" Chinese food. The prices range from $3.95 to $4.95 per dish. The lunch specials that they have include the dish, soup and rice and all the free hot tea and water you want. I particularly like the Spicy-salt pork chops and Kung-pao chicken. It was also brought to my attention that Dr. Weiss and Anthony Ong like their calamari or what the restaurant would refer to as "Spicy-salt squid." Although this seafood dish may be recommended by all, I was told that their shrimp in lobster sauce and black bean clams are a must! Lunch hours are between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Dragon Regency does get very busy during prime lunch hours, but don't despair because I've clocked them to serve the first dish within 10 minutes of ordering. I would highly recommend bringing a lot of small eaters with you. Everyone pays the same price but those who are serious eaters (like me) would benefit fully from all the leftovers.
The second fine eating establishment is Jumbo Seafood Restaurant. Jumbo is located on 203 W. Valley Boulevard. Jumbo is on the north side of Valley and just west of Atlantic Boulevard. This restaurant also serves the traditional "Cantonese-style" of Chinese food. They also have a lunch special that is pleasing to your pocket book. Their prices also range from $3.95 to $4.95, with the exception of their particularly exquisite dishes. If you are a string bean lover, as I am, then this place is a must for you. It serves a spectacular garlicky, spicy string bean dish. I was told by other critics that the seafood dishes are also worth trying. If you are not in a hurry, this is a relaxing place where you can sit and enjoy your meal. Jumbo also caters to the serious eater so be advised to bring your appetite.
Here are my ratings:
| Restaurant | Quality | Ratings | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon Regency: | taste: atmosphere: price: | 8 chopsticks 9 chopsticks 9 chopsticks | ||||
| Jumbo Seafood: | taste: atmosphere: price: | 7 chopsticks 8 chopsticks 9 chopsticks | ||||
Below is a small guide to pronouncing and describing Chinese food:
| Spelling: | What it means literally: | What it really is: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| chow mien | fried noodles (wheat) | noodles that are fried and topped with stuff | ||||
| chow fun | fried noodles (rice) | rice noodles that are fried and mixed with stuff | ||||
| chow fan | fried rice | rice mixed and fried with stuff | ||||
| cha sui | pork grill | bar-b-qued pork (sliced) | ||||
| sei yau gui | soy sauce chicken | chicken marinated in soy sauce | ||||
| nga yout | beef | parts of a cow | ||||
| yui | fish | found in the sea | ||||
| long hai | lobster | a crustacean | ||||
Prepared by
mroffe@calstatela.edu -- This edition update by cconkli@calstatela.edu
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