[Alta Dana] [Desserts] Bulgarini Gelato

Bulgarini Gelato

749 E Altadena Dr
Altadena, CA 91001
(626) 791-6174

You can tell they use very high quality ingredients. It's a bit of driving for me (Since I live in OC)..However its worth the drive.

The staffs were very nice, they let us sampled most of the flavors so I know what I really want (seriously, their flavors are more unique than your typical strawberry chocolate vanilla).

I picked pistachio, yellow peach and goat milk. They were very delicious. However my favorite is the yellow peach. They have tiny chunks of peaches in there and the slight tangy flavor with the nature sweetness of peach is the highlight of the gelato. Pistachio is much better than other gelato's pistachio. Seriously not many stores in LA can come close to their pistachio gelato.

They also offers espresso, made to order. I was surprised that their gelato charged by flavors , not by scoops. So, some costs more , some are less. Its still worth it. Their scoop is alot smaller than other store's Gelato but I can total tolerate since Quality is over Quantity to me :)

They have Gelato truck at Yamashiro Restaurant every Thursday. Check their website for latest offerings.

[Gardena] [Japanese Cuisine] Umemura Restaurant - 手工自製拉麵店

Umemura Restaurant

1724 W Redondo Beach Blvd
Gardena, CA 90247

(310) 217-0970

- I like it when my ramen broth is HOT

- I like it when my ramen soup is thick but not porky in taste

- I like it when they make their own ramen noodle

- I like the fast and friendly service

- I like it when the price:quality ratio is good.

- Big Portion too! Enough for a guy

- Their miso ramen is really good. Full of white miso flavor in my mouth and NOT GREASY.

Enough being said. I feel this place is a good place to have lunch at. Ample parking , many options to choose from, consistent in quality.

I agree that there isn't much that really stand out from the other ramen joints nearby, but the food is still above average.

I also ordered their fried rice and their Gyoza. Their gyoza is pretty good too and fried rice...makes me hungry when I am writing this.

minus one star for chashu pork slice in their ramen. Its not juicy / tender enough.

[Monterey Park] [Chinese Cuisine] Dean Sin World 姊妹點心世界

Dean Sin World

306 N Garfield Ave #2
Monterey Park, CA 91754

(626) 571-0636

For More Pictures of this restaurant, please refer to http://travelsmart8.blogspot.com/2010/08/monterey-park-chinese-cuisine-dean-sin.html

This place is definitely a hole in a wall type of business. Cheap price, decent service (if you can speak Chinese fluently) and the food are fresh and good. Their Xiao Long Bao is a must have. Their meat is actually better quality meat and they are the main distributor to many restaurants that serve XLB nearby, but other places charges you more money for stuff thats coming out of the same kitchen.

Their postickers are good too. Nice, juicy filling and crispy exterior. I am not a pot sticker lover myself but this place wins me over.

Complimentary peanuts with seaweeds for dine in customers.

I noticed many customers come in to inquire about their Buns (steamed vegetable buns) but they were sold out when we were there. I guess it is a must try next time when I am here?

Cash Only, and you know why ;)

[Alhambra] [Chinese Cuisine] Luscious Dumpling - 潤豐元餃子店

Luscious Dumplings

704 W Las Tunas Dr
San Gabriel, CA 91776

(626) 282-8695

Inexpensive quality Chinese meal. Specialized in dumplings and noodles.

This is one of the few places where foreigners can order with confidence since the staffs there are all second (or third) generation Chinese. So they will explain your inquiries. However, as others mention, their menu is simple (and short) and the foods do run out fast. Their famous Steamed Soup dumplings were gone when I arrived. They suggest to come before 5:30pm on weekdays, perhaps even earlier on weekends.

They have combo where you can select any noodles, plus choice of dumplings. My favorite is the pork, shrimp and chive dumplings. Its very fresh and juicy. Thats how I like my dumplings to be make. Their pan friend dumplings are great too, its very very juicy which beats other restaurants hands down.

Everything is good here, but it lacks of an wow factor. I wish they have a dish that can make me said "WOW , its mind blowing good!!! " However, for the price and the quality that they presented, I still recommend this place.

Cash Only, just like most Chinese shops in the area (and you know whats up ;).