Landmark Chinese Restaurant Planning Summer Return to La Jolla | Eater San Diego

"I learned that Mandarin House, a longtime La Jolla Boulevard restaurant that had been open seven days a week for 42 years—only closing on Thanksgiving—was forced to shutter last summer after a kitchen fire; owner Nelson Law, who has run the Chinese eatery for the last five years after taking it over from his father who founded it in 1977, initially intended minor repairs but, after permitting delays and other setbacks, decided to more fully refresh and remodel the well-worn building. He told Eater he hopes to reopen the restaurant for takeout and delivery by August. Law plans to retain the space's old-school 1970s vibe while upgrading redecorated booths, a new roof and flooring, and an extended bar; the menu will still feature its original recipes, including the bestselling kung pao chicken, and Mandarin House’s collection of rum-based tropical drinks served in kitschy tiki mugs will remain, though he also plans to add some new dishes." - Candice Woo