Even Hipsters Love Taiwanese Food at Pine & Crane

Has anyone ever thought Taiwanese food can appeal to the masses?

Neither did I if I think hard. I was thrilled with the fact that Kato have re-create some of the most popular far East Asian dishes with local farm to table ingredients. Still.... I am somewhat skeptical on how this cuisine that is more geared towards street food and home cooking can succeed to the general masses that only looked at the dishes with greasy food impressions.

I am a huge fan of any type of interpretation of Taiwanese food, just not a fan of Silverlake area. Yet, I just couldn't pass up a chance to visit one of my favorite Taiwanese joints in all of LA, which is in the heart of the hipster zone.

Press Play to see the interior

A few years back, I visited Pine & Crane due to my shopping excursion in that area for some hard to find indie label that was considered hip and dope. You are not going to find it at some mall or even upscale boutique store. This area always fit the bill for the people living there with the nonchalant and nonconforming attitude of what's cool with no care in the world.

Which shocked me to no end on how some entrepreneur wants to open up a Taiwanese joint in the middle of that bloated arrogant zone... and succeeded in convincing the populace in that Taiwanese food are the bombdigitty meal that they have been missing out. Maybe it's not that it's neither popular or cool, but the reverse psychology of the not so trendy cuisine make it cool.

Potstickers - Kurobuta Pork with Cabbage

I'm somewhat stunned that this place looked like any other cafe style restaurants can have a great aesthetics. Even more shocking, in a town that serves tons of crafted drinks, abet mixed with Taiwanese alcoholic beverage can worked as well. There were many soda drinks imported such as the popular sarsaparilla HeySong and a few of the Taiwanese beer brands were available on this spot.

A very straight forward place where you placed an order in the register, then being shown to an open seating area (a lot of long communal table and a few open tables by the wall) with high ceiling and good open window facing the main street of Sunset Blvd. Perfect lighting brightens out the room during day time with nighttime scene emulating from the street at night.

Chili Wontons

As in for the food, it was the most cleanest Taiwanese dishes I have ever seen. You'll find it funny that people will order pig's ear to cold cucumber to seaweed can be had. Tea smoked egg can be had as well as they rotate the small plates of cold appetitizers on the counter next to the cash register.

Pretty much of the standard noodles, dumplings, green onion pancakes, to rice dishes you grew up can be had here. What probably stand out is the chili won tons that is popular among the local crowd here in Silverlake. They can't stop raving about this. It's actually funny to me.

Green Onion Layered Pork Pancake

We also gotten the famous beef roll onion cake they have, except... they replaced with kurobuta pork. Maybe the strip of weird parts of cow might be a turn off for this disconcerted crowd who prefer the presence of Berkshire graded pork. This was the first time I have the beef roll becoming a pork roll. Subtle change, but I still immensely enjoy this.

Let me preface by saying that even though I hate coming to Silverlake for various reasons (hard to navigate, lousy parking situation, traffic can be a mess on a busy street, etc etc.), the only saving grace was this Taiwanese restaurant that catered to let's just say residence of this northeast side LaBeau. For all the clean presentation, I still think it captured the essence of Taiwanese food. Not every dish needs to be stylish, but they can presented beautifully and still have that eclectic taste.

Do I still think Taiwanese food appeal to the masses? Just as I writing this blog post, I found out that the owner of this establishment opened up a 2nd different Taiwanese joint not far from here. Heck, there is even another Taiwanese food restaurant might open up in Silverlake as well.

I am lost at words at that tidbit, but let's keep Taiwanese food train rolling. Shall we?

Pine & Crane
1521 Griffith Park Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Re-Invention of Taiwanese Cuisines at Kato

There's seemed to be a modernization going on in the world of dining these days. Where else can you find comfort food being remade into something along the lines of fancy dining? Maybe it's the chance to make something simple into a delicious work of art and upcharge the thing like crazy.

Think avocado toast or grilled cheese sandwiches these days

Recently I was made aware in that Taiwanese food was being re-imagine by a few restaurateurs in town. First, I think I heard of "Pine & Crane" in the Silverlake area, who somehow was able to cater some simple dishes to hipsters in that part of the town with some of the easier to do Dim Sum dishes (not Taiwanese, but many smaller plates are Taiwanese).

Smoked Hamachi with cucumber and charred scallions

Then I heard on the westside in Mar Vista, a place called "Status Kuo" was opened up with a cocktail bar and fancied up some traditional Taiwanese for those clientele who are not familiar with the street fare of ROC. The location changed its name to "Little Fatty" with the bar attached called "Accomplice". Then in Chinatown, another addition called Lao Tao" opened up with a huge fanfare for all those craving for a higher tasting than the standard popcorn chicken that you get in a Boba Tea Cafes.

All those above places I have mentioned will be on my future post (if I don't take another sabbatical), but they all didn't take the challenge of a place I am going to write about, which have stood out to take it a whole new level.

Kato is situated in a plaza with no signage indicating this place does exist. If you called in to make reservation for their weekend tasting menu, the person on the phone will indicate you might get lost and proceed to give you the stop by stop instructions on how to get to this restaurant. It does occur to me in that they might have experienced high volume of people who had gotten lost finding the place.

Guava shaved ice with buttermilk pudding (swipe the right arrow button to see the Trout)

One thing I learned about this Taiwanese inspired dishes that is trained in Japanese cooking method, was that there are no boundaries to the imagination of some the dishes I was so accustomed to. Taiwanese food has never looked so fancy!

Seafood Congee with uni and Dungeness crab

I came by a few times trying out their tasting menu which was reasonably priced at $55. It depends on the week's California farm to table ingredients the restaurant was able to acquired. Menu items can range from seafood fare to a few poultry dishes and ends with a dessert inspired by a mix of Sino-Japanese sweets.

Fried chicken sandwich

The few times I went, I was able to get the regular menu scheduled Smoked Hamachi dish and the corn porridge dish. When you think the homeyness and the street food versions, you couldn't imagine how these food would look if they were able to find ways to dress it up and make it more appealing.

Beef flavored noodle soup with pork belly with soy egg

After the desserts, you can also put in one of the "supplements" they are offering in addition to the tasting menu. Most of the time, I imagined it was the fried chicken burger, but I lucked out on one occasion to get the beef noodle soup which turns out to be a fantastic treat. The chicken burger has many variations, so be on the look out for that as well.

My overall impression of the dining experience was that they use a clean minimalist look for the dining experience with an interesting music selection. The early part of last year and this year also expose to me in that they haven't gotten their liquor license yet, but they were anxious in getting the restaurant in full mode that they will serve certain Taiwanese soda beverages and restaurant made teas for your refreshments.

I come out with a good sense that there are ways to modernize Taiwanese dishes and this place does a wonderful upscale dining without sacrificing the origins of their dishes.

Now if only we can get more fine dining in Taiwanese fares instead of more boba tea shops cafe style food......

Kato

11925 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025

Back to the Routine @ Taipei Golden Pork Chop Rice and Noodle (Rowland Heights)

Oh wow! I just realized on how much time have passed since my last post.

My new job pretty much have taken top priority and so many reviews are also in the back log. I just don't have the motor or the inspiration to write new post. Writing a new review seemed daunting at these busy times, but I think I was just satisfied by eating out and let the review peculate itself until I get the inspiration.

How did I decide to choose this pork chop place to be my next review? Well, truth to be told, my visit to Urasawa because a quagmire because I wanted to brush up on some of those dishes and my review of several other places was just too difficult to write in a few paragraph. In essence, this little place is my way of easing back to write more reviews.

My boy Kung Food Panda had mentioned a few times to me that this Taipei Golden Pork Chop was disappointing, but my co-workers loved this place. No need to ask because I know who I would trust for opinions on where to dine.

This cafe shared the space with a supposed Izakaya that was operating only at night while the pork chop operation occurs for only a few hours during daytime for lunch. I remembered a place called Brochette (the name on the side for the Izakaya) took a long time to finish decorating the interior a few years back. I was very surprised to see how minimal the decor was inside even after the long remodeling. Seriously, nothing inside of this place would ever suggest to me that an Izakaya was in effect.

When I dined here the first few times, the TV stationed next to the entrance door would be airing some Taiwanese broadcast shows for its Taiwanese diners. The food would come out in a lighting speed of only a few minutes as I witness the kitchen (through the glass) that they only have two items prepared for lunch.

The sad part about this place was that there was only two main dishes: Pork Chop or Chicken Leg. Both can be served either with steamed rice or in the noodle soup. In reality, the noodle soup is very bland and the meat's flavor would disintegrated in the soup. You can understand why I would skipped the noodle in favor of having the meat coupled with steamed rice instead.

For $6.50, the pork chop rice served with their own relish, stir vegetables, and soy sauce boiled egg always comes out in five minutes or less. It came out so fast from the kitchen, we often ordered to go for our office nearby. Very popular with my co-workers because it was fast with no fuss, but quite often I am unsatisfied after the meal.

1. Pork Chop Rice - $6.50

My impression of the lightly breaded pork chop was that I enjoyed the meat, but I am not that thrilled with the portions of the pork chop that was served nor was I happy about the minced meat that comes with the rice. For $6.50, I would have gone else to fill up my stomach, but for a quick pinch, I guess this place would have to do.

For a better pork chop and a better value, I would suggest going to Shu May for their larger portion with cheaper price. If you have to ask...yes, I can order an extra set of pork chops without the rice for $4.20. This would make an expensive meal if I decide to make an added purchase for one dish.

The menu is still a work in progress as they only 17 items, but with only four main courses so far. I would ventured a guess that they have a small staff and would only prepare a certain amount of dishes in three and a half hours of operation (the restaurant opened from 11am-2:30pm from Monday to Saturday). I think if they continue to draw a crowd like I have seen recently, they would have no problems in introducing new items to their menu.

One of the dish I would recommend was their cold tofu with preserved eggs. For most part, many of these small appetizers or cold dishes are passable in their version of Taiwanese food. It was very standard in terms of what was being offered, but you definitely can get better Taiwanese food in SGV.

Tofu with Preserved Egg - $3.70

That report is a bummer for me to consider coming back here regularly for lunch. Too bad I cannot sway any one from ordering from here or Red Ant because those two are tiring place to get lunch. The new hot spot for lunch in Rowland Heights?....Maxim Cafe.

Don't ask me why on that answer for lunch question in Rowland Heights. As in for me, I can't wait to go back out for dinner or lunch on the westside or SGV! Stay tuned because those reviews will come out very shortly.

Taipei Golden Pork Chop Noodle and Rice
1380 Fullerton Rd.
Suite 106
Rowland Heights, CA 91748
(626) 810-5570

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Breakfast @ Noodle House (Arcadia) - CLOSED

I had an epitome one time in the early wee morning of the hours trying to figure out on what’s the meaning of life. I don’t think I formulated an idea or concept to that.

So I started searching for a place that opens at wee hour of the morning so I can get my mind out of that.

I came across the Noodle House because of the fact that it’s the most eastern restaurant listed on Jonathan Gold’s 2007 version of Essential 99. It’s one of the only few selected Taiwanese places listed in his pitiful list. But I gotta handed to him on at least getting the right places out on the list. Especially this place.

Located in the dead area of Arcadia where it has more auto-body shops in the intersection than any street corners you will ever come across to. It’s right next door to a Fantastic Sam’s. Totally obscure in a forsaken abysmal part of the town.

There is no decor for this place unless you are into those sticky tables and dry plastered walls. Probably about 12 tables with a few booth seats. However, I noticed that a few group of people didn’t like the small tables, so they bunched up two tables together for a group of 5 people. Very inconsiderate of that group if the place was packed, but who is going to argue with those old Taiwanese.

Opened at 7am in the morning to 7pm at night on all 7 days of the week, it was one of the very few that I can find for a good Taiwanese breakfast. Yi Mei Deli comes to my mind out of this, but I want to try something new for a change.

After looking at the simplistic lamented menu, I noticed the breakfast prices was uber cheap! Talking about everything that runs about a dollar something to the most expensive breakfast item of beef roll for $4.50. I was thinking about ordering three items, but it rang up to only $3.50. I felt like a cheapo so I substituted a steam veggie & pork bun for that beef roll.

Boy am I glad I did that.

First I ordered a hot steamed Soy milk and a Yo-tel (Chinese donut, but the translation is called “a stick of butter”) for $3 total. Plus I ordered a beef roll on top of that.

The beef roll, Chinese Donut, and Hot Soy Milk

The Yo-tel was probably the closest I’m going to get to Taiwan. It’s freshly made every day and it’s very different from other places that made them. The Yo-tel was soft, not flaky or crunchy. You can actually bend the donut and not break apart that easily.

The beef roll has some spicy kick to it. It’s like a Chinese version of enchiladas where they stacked the beef with fried onion cake. It’s my favorite version of breakfast burrito.It’s soft and chewy. You don’t really need to add any spices or sauce with that.

They also do serve lunch and dinner where a lot of noodle and rice items are on display with very low prices ranging in the $4 mark to around $6.

The service is very friendly. Everyone love to converse with lao ban liang (boss lady). She is a delight to talk to and treat her customers with very wonderful greeting.

Here’s a great about coming here in the breakfast time. A lot of Asian places don’t exactly accept tips on the table. One of the cool thing Rachel Ray will like in her budget dining is that this is one of the place in the morning that she can fit it in for her segment.

I already felt cheap enough, but spending only $7.50 for a yummy and very satisfying breakfast is a great way to kick off the day. Also a great way to keep me going on the right track!

Definitely will make my way to come here more often if I ever have an anxiety in early morning hours. ....not that I ever really had it. Ha!

Oh yes…cash only place.

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Edit 11/29/08: I got some news to report. According to some sources I got, the place had either Changed owners or have closed down. Either way, if there is a new ownership, then this place is not going to be the same anymore. It's so sad because I came here last year right after the places made it on to Jonathan Gold's Essential 99 List in LA Weekly. I guess it got so popular it can't kept the same cheap price while trying to rotate people in and out.

It's sad news for me that it will change hands or just simply will close. This was my favorite breakfast place.

Noodle House (Closed)
46 W. Las Tunas Dr
Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 821-2088

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