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Monday, June 27, 2011
Another day, another restaurant is opening in Rowland Heights. After seeing the massive amounts of advertisements in the Chinese newspaper, I was forced to accompany my Mom to try Tasty Station. They just opened on Wednesday and they were packed. I guess all that advertising did work because there were tons of people waiting there to try something new. They were packed and the interior reminded me of Yogurtland. Their menu covers are hot pink and the interior was white with bits of neon green. We were led to their small room away from everyone. At first I wondered if anyone would actually come in to serve us or take orders. Eventually they kept coming in to check on us, but I think it was because they needed the space and really just wanted to kick us out – Asian style.
I understand that they are super busy because they just opened and everyone is coming to try a new place, but for me to wait 25-30 minutes for my food to come out is RIDICULOUS! Most Chinese/Cantonese restaurants can prepare the food in less than 5 minutes and be out in a flash. I will give them a sort of pass for being new but the wait time is way too long and I will have to dock them. The food for other tables as well as my own kept getting one dish and then 5-15 minutes you would get the next dish. You better be prepared to share or someone in your party will be sitting there watching you eat while they wait for their dish to come out.
Lucky for them and for us is that the food was not bad. Still, I am docking points for wasting a good part of my Saturday night. I ordered the House Special Soy-Sauced Prawns and they were definitely the best of the night and the only redeeming factor. The price was a little high for my comfort in this area, $13.50, but at least the portions were decent. I really enjoyed that the prawns were half de-shelled and super flavorful. Salty goodness on the outside, but I wished there was just a little bit more sauce or flavor on the prawns themselves. The flavor is reminiscent to the ones you’d see on house special lobsters or crabs. They lightly batter the outside shell and sautéed the full flavor in. Nonetheless, I can see why this is one of their specialties and I would definitely order this again.
Another go to dish for me is the French Style Filet Mignon. They did use very tender chunks of meat laid upon a bed of vegetables. There was a decent amount of meat on top, but it can be very deceptive how much you really get. I wished they had raw white onions below instead of cooked ones. The onion loses its pungency when it is cooked so long and I think it was more steamed than sautéed. As for the flavor, I thought it was more on the sweet side and there wasn’t much oomph emanating from the beef. They probably should have heated the oil higher and throw the onions, garlic, black pepper, and chili peppers in to infuse the strong flavor. For $11.95, I could live without this dish. I’d recommend just ordering two of the House Special Soy-Sauced Prawns instead.
All in all the food was not bad and at least with those prices you get free steamed rice. They got another bonus point for giving away a new pair of chopsticks to each customer in celebration of their Grand Opening. I liked the chopsticks and will definitely use it, but I do hope they get their act together so that customers won’t die of starvation while waiting. Since the prices are a bit higher than what I would expect in Rowland Heights, I am a little hesitant about coming back but I did enjoy the prawns. Maybe the next time I am in the area for lunch, I will hit them up. The prices seem much more reasonable for lunch, under $10.
Tasty Station
19035 Colima Rd
Rowland Heights, CA 91748
(626) 810-3600
Friday, April 15, 2011
We take nothing for granted and are super grateful for this lovely gift bestowed upon us. Kat’s 9 Lives will be leaving for Europe immediately! I’ve booked my flight and thought about packing my bags (which reminds me that I should start). In less than a week I will be leaving for a 3 week adventure all over Europe! Stay tuned for all the sights and stories from my travels. I have even acquired a digital SLR to spice up the photos! Soon I will be mapping out my foodie journey.
Of course I would love for all my readers to comment or e-mail me suggestions on where the best eats are. My current itinerary will be: starting out in Milan, to Venice, to Florence, to Pisa, to Rome, to the Vatican, to Barcelona, to Roses, to Paris, and back to the good ole United States! Sounds crazy?? Well you have NO IDEA. I am going to be packing it in! Whatever is famous there, I will be there. Whatever is tasty, I will be there. Will I be deathly poor after this trip? You better believe it! Will it be worth it? HECK YAH! There’s really no time to breathe or second guess on this tight trip. I’ll just have to keep going like the Energizer Bunny! If you think there is something I must see, somewhere I must go, or somewhere I must try just let me know.
Time is short. I am almost outta here, but don’t worry I will be checking in and trying my best to keep everyone updated! For the most part I will only be using an iPad, so I will most likely upload to my Facebook Fan Page if you would like to check for the most current updates and any awesome pics I take!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Third Annual Toyota Farm to Table Tour Visits South Pasadena Farmers Market
0 comments Posted by Kat at 10:55 PM
Date :
Thursday, April 14
from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m
Location :
Historic South Pasadena by the Metro Gold Line at Mission Station
913 Meridian Ave., South Pasadena, CA 91030
Website :
www.farmtotabletour.com
Ticket Price :
FREE!
Description :
Now in its third year, the Toyota Farm to Table tour brings together notable local chefs and farmers to showcase the connection between farmers, chefs, farmers’ markets and the communities they serve. Throughout the event, celebrated local chefs will prepare thousands of complimentary bite-sized tastings that highlight fresh, local ingredients while providing guests a great opportunity to learn more about the market, the specialty farmers, the chefs, and ways to eat and shop locally. In addition, market visitors will also have the opportunity to experience Toyota’s newest hybrid vehicles.
“We are thrilled that the South Pasadena Farmers Market was selected by the Toyota Farm to Table Tour,” said Greta Dunlap, Market Manager. “This event ties in with part of our mission to support local growers which helps preserve open space, cut down on fuel costs and supports a clean environment.”
The South Pasadena Farmers market will also introduce their new logo on totes which will be for sale at this event. “Market patrons are encouraged to shop using greener practices by bringing their own containers and reusable bags to the market each week,” said Dunlap.
Some of Southern California’s top chefs participating in this year’s event at the South Pasadena Farmers Market include:
Susan Feniger – Susan Feniger’s STREET
Paul Rosenbluh – Firefly Bistro
Bill Disselhorst – Fiore Market Café
Jennifer Kreft and Derrick Shields – Nicole’s Gourmet Foods
Sally Cook – Heirloom Bakery & Cafe
Tim Guiltinan – The Raymond Restaurant
Erica Lins – Mike & Anne’s Restaurant and Bar
Luis Alfonso Ortega Banuelos – Shiro Restaurant
Kyu Yi – Gus’s Barbecue
A complete list of participating chefs will be released closer to the event date at www.farmtotabletour.com. (Chefs subject to change)
"The quality of the product I use when cooking is evident in the final dishes I serve. The fresher the ingredient the better the end result will be,” said Paul Rosenbluh, Chef at Firefly Bistro. “I think the Toyota Farm to Table Tour is a wonderful event that will help everyone see the value of farmers markets and fresh produce for the whole community."
First look at the newest addition to the Prius family – The Prius v
The Farm to Table Tour will also give market visitors a fresh look at Toyota’s extensive line of fuel-efficient, hybrid vehicles, including the newest addition to the Prius family —the Prius v— which will go on sale later this year. Attendees looking for a vehicle that complements their lifestyle will be able to preview the all-new Prius v as well as test drive the 2011 Prius, Camry Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid, which are currently on sale at dealerships. Those who take part in a test drive will take home a signature John Boos cutting board as a memento of the experience.
“For the third year in a row, the Toyota Farm to Table Tour is helping us connect with local communities while drawing attention to the importance of farmers’ markets and eating locally,” said Keith Dahl, Toyota National Manager of Engagement Marketing. “This tour lets us celebrate our customers’ passion for environmental stewardship and showcase our fuel-efficient, hybrid vehicles. Whether it’s young families looking to increase cargo space, or city drivers interested in the latest plug-in technology, there is a Prius for everyone and the Farm to Table Tour is giving farmers’ market shoppers the first chance to see our newest technology in action.”
In addition to the free tastings and test drives, visitors who participate in the day’s activities will also have the opportunity to select complimentary potted culinary herbs from the Toyota Mobile Garden. A specialist will be on hand to individually pot the plants and answer general questions about gardening. All herb plants are sourced from local vendors at the market.
In support of all of the benefits that farmers’ markets offer their communities, the Toyota Farm to Table Tour will also make a financial donation to the each participating market. In addition, throughout the tour, eco-friendly materials will be used and carbon credits through TerraPass will be purchased to offset the impact of the tour’s carbon footprint.
