Dinners at Noble Chef

Sometimes knowing someone who can provide a good "R&R" based on inside knowledge and experience can be very helpful. I don't get to see my good friend Candice very much these days; but a few months ago, we managed to meet up. And of course much of the discussion revolved around food.....and in the conversation she mentioned that her parents really enjoy Noble Chef. Which left me a bit dumbfounded based on previous visits to the place since the new owners took over. Then Candice blessed me with the tidbit I needed to know....during dinner service the owner cooks and that is when the food at Noble Chef is at its best. Dinner only, no lunch!

Ok......so to test things out, I went and did take-out about a week later; roast duck and salt and pepper pork chops. The duck was much improved, but still just ok, the pork chops were nicely flavored, but really, I should have been thinking more clearly....salt and pepper pork chops isn't the best item for take-out.

Still, I was focused on that duck. In terms of flavor it was pretty darn good; but the skin was rubbery and it was a bit dried out. So before calling it quits, I convinced the Missus to have dinner at Noble Chef. And we've been going probably every other week when we're in town since!

So, compare the duck above to the duck when you eat in.

There is no comparison. The skin is more light and crisp; the meat more moist; the fat has been nicely rendered, just basting that good deliciousness to the meat.

After about our fourth revisit to the place; the guy working who had waited on us during our previous visits confirmed that the duck is treated differently when you eat in. He tried to explain, but really had a hard time. I'm thinking that the duck is either quickly broiled in something like a salamander; or heated in a similar manner as the skin gets nice and crisp. Right now; this is our favorite roast duck in town. But......you've got to go during dinner and eat in the restaurant.

Currently, we order duck on maybe every other visit because the Missus is enjoying two other items on the menu.

The Steamed Pork with Salted Fish; is very savory and porky. The water chestnuts add a nice crunch.

The liquid is rich and savory. Actually, the Missus just has a few bites at the restaurant and we take most of it home. For some reason; the salty edges of flavor smooth out a bit and the pork flavor becomes even more pronounced. The "juice" becomes a thick savory aspic. I'll often cube up the meat which has set overnight and use that to top various vegetable dishes.

The other dish is the Fried Tofu with Two Mushrooms. The Missus loves the texture of the silken tofu; the exterior has a slight crispness, the interior is almost like an egg custard.

The brown sauce wasn't too gloppy and is mild enough to let the flavor of the mushrooms come through a bit. This one you need to finish at the restaurant.

Some other items we've had.

We tried two Clay Pot dishes; we'll probably try them again when the weather cools down.

The Salted Fish and Tofu was a solid contender; though nowhere as deeply savory as the pork and salted fish.

The Braised Beef and Turnip was also quite good; the turnip still slightly firm, the beef very tender and full of bovine goodness.

Yes, I love watching the Missus enjoy Her dinner...…..I'm just happy to watch Her eat and I'll enjoy my Soy Sauce Noodles.

There were two dishes that we won't order again.....

The Kwai Fei Chicken seemed to have been treated almost like the duck and was quite warm when served. The skin had been browned a bit and the meat had suffered the consequences as it was tougher then I prefer.

And the sauce was really weak, not having enough ginger or scallion flavor.

I've noted the strange affinity the Missus has for Shrimp with Lobster Sauce before. The version here is too gloppy and greasy, and on the salty side.

Though the shrimp were decently cooked; the overall flavor and mouthfeel of the dish just didn't do it for us.

So, what did I learn from this "R&R"? Well, you have dinner AT Noble Chef. So simple, yet I had written the place off. So Sandy, this is why your friends like Noble Chef.

And thanks as always to my good buddy Candice!

The Noble Chef
6159 Balboa Avenue
San Diego, CA 92111

Comments

[MrZ]

Noble Chef! I miss the old Noble Chef.

[Kirk]

I do too MrZ! Hope all is well!

[MrZ]

Thanks! We're pretty good, just got back from Oahu and visiting extended family. We did the most basic thing ever and stayed at the Ala Moana Hotel so we could have walking access to the mall.

[Sandy]

Thanks for the mention! I didn't realize it has been nearly 1-1/2 years since your previous post, and I still haven't gone to Noble Chef! I do think that they have dinner instead of lunch; I must "remind" them to let me know next time they go!

[Junichi]

I had written this place off after a so-so lunch. Now I need to try dinner!

[Hangzhou Hero]

Loving R&R!

[kat]

these R & R posts are nice!

[Hom, Soo]

I love eating lunch here. http://www.hungryones.com/2019/03/noble-chef/

I'll have to visit during dinner and try the duck.

[Candice]

Glad you found some dishes that you both enjoyed!

[Kirk]

That greaat MrZ...I told the Missus if we ever hit it (really) big in the lottery that she'd let me buy a place at Park Lane!

Time does fly Sandy! Yes, please try them out at dinner, we enjoyed ourselves.

Check them out Junichi! Dinner was much better than lunch.

I'm glad you're enjoying this HH! I'll try to do more of these.

Thanks Kat!

I wasn't a big fan of lunch Soo.....dinner is much better though!

Thanks again for the recommendation Candice!

[Sandy]

Finally made it to Noble Chef with the friends, who are regulars for dinner. They ordered the roast duck and the tofu with mushrooms among other dishes. Maybe it was because I was famished, but everything was delicious.

[Kirk]

That's awesome Sandy! Glad you finally got to try dinner at Noble Chef. And thanks for letting me know what you thought!

[Derek R]

Sounds like I'm due for a dinner duck trip!

[Kirk]

Let me know what you think Derek!