Elaine C.
Yelp
A close to midnight road trip stop!
Overall interesting and very promising! Good chill vibes (old school game arcade-like). There's a photo booth in the back! Clear which items are the mainstays and which they are testing the grounds with. So execution isn't there for everything but solid enough to warrant visiting again. Open kitchen. Order and pay at the bar. Food and drinks are brought to you. Bar, indoor tables, and outdoor seating. The cherry on top of the ample seating? They have their own parking lot!
Seasoned Fries ($6):
Plate of Fries, Lemon Shiso Aioli
Fried good so solid. Can skip though.
Koji Popcorn Chicken ($11):
Koji Brined Thigh, Chili, Lemon, Fried Herbs, Lemon Shiso Aioli
Solid but the weakest of all the dishes ordered. Fried well but the batter was on the crunchier, tougher side. Meat was also slightly tough. Can skip.
Off The Waldorf Salad ($12):
Shredded Napa Cabbage, Miso Vinaigrette, Honey Crisp Apple, Pickled Red Grape Asian Pear, Cilantro, Crispy Shallot, Chili Oil, Black Sesame
Not what we expected as it looked like coleslaw. Pickled red grapes tasted five spicey. Not bad but expected more of an explosion in flavor and texture from the combo of ingredients. Can skip unless utilizing as a palate cleanser.
Our Fried Bologna Sandwich ($15):
House-Made Vietnamese Sausage, American Cheese, Grilled Onions, Jalapeño Relish, Shaved Cabbage, Mayo, Mustard, French Bread
Better than expected but quite heavy and mushy all around (French bread was really light and soft too). Benefitted from adding some Waldorf salad for much needed texture and refreshment. Can be improved. I imagine it's great paired with drinks.
Dan Dan Noodles ($16):
Malfadini, Dan Dan Sauce, Pork Ragu, Crushed Peanut, Scallion
Among the favorites. Dan Dan sauce tasted more like shacha sauce with a hint of peanut butter. Texture of the pasta was fantastic. Get again and maybe try Cobra Sunday Gravy next time.
Mama Chien's Dumplings ($12):
Choice of Pork or Sweet Potato Filling, Mama Chien's Dumpling Sauce, Cilantro
The favorite. The in-house made dumping skin, slippery and qq and the sauce!
Venom-Free (non-alcoholic) drinks:
Pool Float ($7):
Mango Cordial, Lime, Serrano, Cilantro
Fantastic. Delicious and refreshing! Like a green salsa. Must get!
Little Hug ($7):
Hibiscus, Guajillo, Cinnamon, Rose, Bergamot
Not bad. Taste the cinnamon on the first sip but gone thereafter. Simpler than expected and mainly more like a cranberry juice. Can skip.
Wen Shan Bao Zhong ($14):
Sparkling Oolong Tea Wine Alternative
Good! Tasted like a true sparkling oolong with apple cider vinegar vs Tea Dealers lackluster one. What I'd look for in a sparkling oolong. Would get again.