Luong Hai Ky - Mira Mesa revisited:
While doing my Beef Sate Noodle Soup post, I decided to also include Luong Hai Ky. The bad thing was I couldn't for the life of me find Beef Sate Noodle soup on the menu. So while the Server hovered over me in the typical LHK manner, I asked about Beef Sate Noodle soup. Totally ignoring me, the guy pointed to a photo on the menu and said, "this, this is what you want, it is good...." It was a photo of Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho. I said, "yes, but I'm looking for Beef sate Noodle Soup". In return he replied, "no, this is good, I guarantee it is good....." It was late, I was tired, and I knew this guy was just trying to get rid of me, so I relented.
And here's the bowl of Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho:
This was okay, the noodles were cooked well, and there was a decent amount of char siu and pork in the bowl, along with shrimp. I still think the broth here is not nearly as flavorful as what was served at the now defunct Convoy location.
At seven bucks, I really didn't think it was a good value either.
Luong Hai Ky Restaurant
10606 Camino Ruiz #2
San Diego, CA 92126
More from Noble Chef:
I also visited Noble Chef Chef for the Beef Sate Noodle Soup, but when I saw another customer having it, I decided to get the Seafood Sate Noodle Soup($5.55) instead.
This was a bit different when it comes to Sate Noodle soup. There wasn't a very spicy, nor pungent flavor.......the soup was slightly thick, but had an almost curry-like flavor So, if you like Curry Noodle soup....you might enjoy this. The egg noodles were a bit overcooked, and the fishcake and various meatballs were just passable.
We also recently had the Shrimp with XO Sauce Fried Rice, and it too tasted a bit odd, I'm wondering if the place has changed hands yet again. Here's another place that just hasn't been the same since Noble Chef changed hands.
The Noble Chef
6159 Balboa Avenue
San Diego, CA 92111
A revisit to The Counter:
**** This location of The Counter has closed
The Missus wanted their Veggieburger, so I was most happy to oblige. And we headed up to Leucadia, and The Counter. This time the cheese was swiss and I had onion strings on my burger.
As much as I enjoyed the idea of putting onion strings on my burger in my previous post, I think it really detracted from the overall flavor of the burger. I think I'll go back to simple grilled onions next time. The burger was again a perfect medium, and I enjoyed it.
We also tried the Fried Dill Pickles:
The Missus thought these too salty, but I didn't think so. The pickles were nicely breaded and fried well. Personally, I'd enjoy thinner sliced pickles....... better crunch....
The Counter
1923 Calle Barcelona
Carlsbad CA 92009
One last thing....... I had the pleasure of spending a wonderful Saturday evening cooking. A few weeks back John, Peter, and Angela of Sandwich Emporium asked me if I'd like to help out with a Bentos and Sake dinner they were having as a benefit for the American Cancer Society. I was indeed flattered..... so last night, the twins, along with MrS, TammyC, and I spent an evening cooking and plating....
I was honored to be able to help put together the menu, and though my feet and back hurt like heck right now, it was a bunch of fun. It is a great cause, and it's nice to have friends who are willing to help out.
Geez, what is with people these days? Whatever happened to manners? A waiter who ignores your request doesn't deserve a tip. If the service is bad, not only do I not leave a tip, I also speak to the manager.
Posted by: Stephen | Sunday, 18 April 2010 at 10:29 PM
how I want a Counter burger and to try the fried dill chips...your bentos look delicious!
Posted by: kat | Sunday, 18 April 2010 at 11:13 PM
Wow a bento by Kirk, I'd like to try that! :)
Posted by: Dennis | Monday, 19 April 2010 at 01:47 AM
Those bentos look good. Nice pic. Glad that went well.
Posted by: ed (from Yuma) | Monday, 19 April 2010 at 06:35 AM
I am not a pickle fan but I'll eat it on occasion. However, Husband HATES pickles. His sister used to chase him around with a jar of pickles in hand when they were kids. I don't know...
I ate at the Counter in El Segundo this past weekend and had their BLT. Mmmm...bacon-y goodness. Their cheddar fries are awesome, too.
Posted by: Rosa | Monday, 19 April 2010 at 07:57 AM
Hi Stephen - LHK has a kind of bad habit when it comes to doing stuff like that.
Hi Kat - I really enjoy the burgers at the Counter.
Hi Dennis - It was no big deal, really. Folks did enjoy my chicken wings!
Hi Ed - It went pretty well.... and folks enjoyed the food, especially after a couple of rounds of sake.
Hi Rosa - LOL! Post pickle jar trauma..... I don't mind dills, but am not a fan of sweet pickles.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 19 April 2010 at 07:57 AM
Read my lips I want my d@mn bowl of sate noodles! LOL I swear...
Love the bento shot.
Posted by: bill | Monday, 19 April 2010 at 08:18 AM
Too bad. I was planning to get the sate noodle soup at that place after your last post. I probably still will. It is buried in the menu: S13 ($6.25). Sounds to me like they not only wanted to get rid of you, buit all of their excess seafood too.
Posted by: janfrederick | Monday, 19 April 2010 at 08:20 AM
Hi Bill - Unfortunately, since I was pretty busy, that's one of the only shot's I got.
Hi Jan - So it is on the menu..... I don't think I'll be going back for a while, though.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 19 April 2010 at 08:24 AM
Hi Kirk, yeah I've crossed LHK off my list after several disappointing visits. It's gotten steadily worse as time has gone on.
On a side note, I went to Yakyudori Ramen and Yakitori the other day and they commented they should be getting their liquor license in a month, which means the yakitori should start. The spicy shio ramen with extra noodles was still pretty darn good, and adding the extra noodles was well worth the $1.50.
Posted by: Jason | Monday, 19 April 2010 at 10:01 AM
so sweet of you to help with the fund raiser and, from the picture, looks like you were serving up beautiful bentos.
Posted by: Lynnea | Monday, 19 April 2010 at 06:44 PM
Hi Jason - I just don't know why they have such lousy service at LHK. As for the Yakyudori, it's good to know they've got the salt for the Shio Ramen again.
Hi Lynnea - Actually, I was flattered.... can you imagine someone actually cooking for the public...yikes!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 19 April 2010 at 09:28 PM
Kirk, great meeting you the other night at Sandwich Emporium! Have a great trip!
Posted by: Ryan | Thursday, 22 April 2010 at 09:48 PM
Thanks Ryan. I really enjoyed chatting with you.... man, those chicken wings went out like nothin'!
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 22 April 2010 at 10:06 PM