I haven't done one of these in a while. I recently had a pretty good bowl of soup, and thought "hmmmm, maybe it's time to give away some coffee".
So here we go, I'll post a few photos. Email me the name of the restaurant, and I'll Email the first 7 correct answers a free cup of Peet's. Now that it's getting a bit cooler, doesn't a cup of Peet's sound good?
Okay.....the name of this Chinese Fast Food Restaurant is:
As much as I hate the name...it's Fortune Cookie Express, hidden behind other businesses on Balboa avenue. And most of the usual Fast-Food suspects are in view from Chop Suey to Beef Broccoli.
It's one of the last places on Earth that I'd be eating....but the Chow Ma Mein was recommended by the Twins at Sandwich Emporium. Turns out that you won't find it on the regular menu....but if you check out the photos on the side wall you'll see the a photos of "Chowmamein".
Looks pretty spicy, huh?
The Chow Ma Mein, seems to use all those Chinese Fast-food components...the thin cut stir fry refugee veggies, fast food chow mein noodles, the sliced beef, etc....
Though I enjoy the fried garlic, and the 5 pieces of shrimp, the Chow Ma Mein is a bit on the oily side, but for $3.99, who's going to really complain. The Chow Ma Mein is nice and spicy, though lacking in much other flavor, and will fill you up.......
BTW, there was one correct guess! Kudos to Kimmie!
Fortune Cookie Express
5931 Balboa Ave.
San Diego, CA 92111
Umm, I'll take a bowl ;-)
Posted by: nhbilly | Thursday, 16 November 2006 at 08:05 AM
Ba Ren?
Posted by: Mark | Thursday, 16 November 2006 at 03:16 PM
Hi Billy - At $3.99 a bowl you can have more than one.
Hi Mark - 9 emailed guesses, all Ba Ren! But nope, not Ba Ren, it would be too easy.
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 16 November 2006 at 03:42 PM
I have no idea but that looks SO good! For $3.99?! You have no idea how ripped off I feel after just purchasing a $5 avocado sandwich! gesh. send me a bowl, please. :)
Posted by: Kathy | Thursday, 16 November 2006 at 05:37 PM
I'm feeling left out but for the hell of it and beside I don't know SD that well. LOL
I know you want it email but I doubt I guess it right ;-)
here is my guess - Jamillah Garden's
Posted by: nhbilly | Thursday, 16 November 2006 at 06:30 PM
Hi Kathy - It's not bad for $3.99 - but if you check out the ingredients, there's a very common thread.
Hi Billy - Nope but at least you're in the right neighborhood, of sorts.
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 16 November 2006 at 08:06 PM
hmmm
how about Shanghai city?
BTW Hi!!!!! ;)
I have been reading everyday btw
Posted by: clare eats | Thursday, 16 November 2006 at 09:35 PM
dede?
Posted by: selina | Thursday, 16 November 2006 at 10:07 PM
Hi Clare - How're you doin', I've missed you! But sorry, nope - good guess though.
Hi Selina - Sorry...not Dede's.
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 16 November 2006 at 10:29 PM
i thought i knew every chinese restraurant in the kearny mesa area
guess not
haha
Posted by: clayfu | Friday, 17 November 2006 at 01:42 AM
If you have been there, you know those gumball/prize machines. Not many places have them.
Posted by: cathy | Friday, 17 November 2006 at 03:56 PM
hehehe... Kirk you are a tad on the wild side! Ya know, I'm sure I recognize the interior of that place but I don't have the energy to chase it down. Regardless, there isn't a Peet's in sight so free coffee wouldn't do me a speck of good. On the other hand, while I can't get decent Asian food for love nor money here abouts, MY espresso beans are custom roasted and blended JUST for me! ::smiles haughtily:: You and Missus really have to plan a visit! But when you do, you gotta bring some sticky rice, an assortment of dumplings, and several bahn mi!
Posted by: Jo | Friday, 17 November 2006 at 06:50 PM
Hi Clayfu - But I guess you don't know every Chinese Fast-Food restaurant in the area....nor did I!
Hi Cathy - No fair providing such good hints! LOL!
Hi Jo - Moi, wild????
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 17 November 2006 at 09:08 PM
OUI! Vu et wild! ;o)
Posted by: Jo | Saturday, 18 November 2006 at 05:59 AM
or would it be "vu c'est"?
Posted by: Jo | Saturday, 18 November 2006 at 06:00 AM
Kirk,
You crazy sonnuva gun. What a fun idea. Obviously not a perfect idea, since *I* couldn't play, but I had fun tracking this post.
- Chubbypanda
Posted by: Chubbypanda | Saturday, 18 November 2006 at 03:32 PM
Hi CP - I used to do this every coupla weeks...and realized I hadn't done it in a while. Lot's of good guesses, but only 1 hit the jackpot.
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 18 November 2006 at 04:13 PM
Oh my god. I used to get greasy steam table takeout from that joint at least once a week when I lived in Clairemont Mesa. But it's been several months since I last set foot in there, so I completely blocked it out. I never bothered to look for off-menu items, and when I went on my health regimen and moved away from that neighborhood I never bothered to go back to that joint at all. And with all the better-but-still-cheap places I've discovered in recent months, chances are I still won't go back. But it's nice to know, if I ever get stuck going there again, that at least they offer something a little more attractive than their steam-table slop.
Posted by: mizducky | Saturday, 18 November 2006 at 07:13 PM
Hi Mizducky - Yeah, a cheap and interesting soup...not bad at all.
Posted by: Kirk | Sunday, 19 November 2006 at 07:35 PM