Roadtrip: JTYH Restaurant - Rosemead

One the way back home from a roadtrip earlier in the year, I finally had a chance to stop by JYTH Restaurant. I'd tried to convince the Missus to stop by before, but She declared havung the specialty of the house,  mao erduo - ("cat's ears"), too much carbs. Since this was a solo trip, I was able to stop by.

Since this is the SGV, you just knew the place was going to be in....a strip mall of course. The place was quite empty when I arrived, the woman working here was very nice and friendly.

I was only after one thing..... mao erduo (貓耳朵). Which arrived steaming hot.

Very simply prepared, which is sometimes best, the noodle, which resembles Orecchiette, or as my coworker "Lily" who is from Shanxi, where mao erduo is one of the regional specialties says, "no, Orecchiette, resembles mao erduo." This version is quite chewy, almost dense, and hardens a bit as it cools. Quite substantial, it is stir-fried with soy sauce, garlic, a bit of napa cabbage, and a touch of sesame oil. It is topped eggs scrambled with scallions and wood ear fungus. Quite filling, I could only put away half of this before calling it quits. I thought it was fine, but nothing I'd go out of my way for in the future.

I later spoke to Lily about this type of noodle and was told it should be chewy, but also smooth and clean in flavor. This seemed a bit to dense and over-worked.

One really cute thing happened as I was finishing up my meal. The front door of the restaurant opened; two old-timers in wheelchairs were pushed in by younger women and a table was set-up for them.

The women were wearing scrubs, so I'm assuming there's a senior/assisted living facility nearby. Apparently this is a fairly regular thing as the server saw me smiling and gave me a wink! The gentlemen seemed very happy to have the attention, the women were very attentive....I guess these guys are their favorites! For some reason, I found this kind of cute and charming as all four seemed to be having a great time. Other folks I mentioned this to found it creepy.... I guess it's all based on your viewpoint.

Of course, in spite of the attention of young ladies, one must still be able to focus on the business at hand, right? Which means checking out the liang cai (cold dishes). The menu is quite a collection of everything from Sichuan to Northern Chinese, the prices are quite reasonable. The main item of note here are the noodles.

JTYH Restaurant
9425 Valley Blvd
Rosemead, CA 91770

Of course I stopped to get take-out on the way home......

After all, no place even comes close with regard to these dishes in San Diego...

Thanks for reading! 

Comments

[Santos.]

Oh man, I'm sad to hear people think old people eating out is creepy. I'm gonna be that old person soon enough!

[Kirk]

As will I Santos, as will I.....

[kat]

right on for those seniors eating out!

[Kirk]

Totally Kat! It was quite charming.....

[Kirbie]

My fav dish to get here is the cat ears! Though I don't have much of a comparison point since I've never had the chance to try it anywhere else.

[Kirk]

Hi Kirbie - I thought they were fine, but a bit too dense and hard, rather than having a good "chew" to them. I really thoguht the lady working was really nice.