Chef China (Spring Valley) Take away

mmm-yoso!!! , the food blog, is sometimes written by Cathy and usually written by Kirk.  Today it is Cathy's turn. 

Even in the era of COVID-19, The Mister and I have kept up our habit of just driving and stopping when we see interesting signage.   This storefront, just a block East of Grecian Cafe, across from Rana's and in the same mall as Fruity Loco  (as well as kitty corner from the former Butler's, (which now has plainer signage of "Coffee Shop) has been located in this same space since at least 2006.  Seeing that it was open (for take out only) and knowing that we were hungry..we parked and walked up.  

 There's a table at the doorway and you can order and pay, (although it did seem that most people were calling in orders).  We were told it would be about 20 minutes, so we walked to Fruity Loco for a (tamarind) raspado while we waited.

   Deciding to try an appetizer, nothing in that section of the menu looked interesting, but at the "Salt and Pepper" section of the menu were Salt and Pepper Chicken wings (six for $6.50, 12 for $10.60).  What a great choice!  Easily a meal, these large, meaty, garlic spiced properly fried (and still crispy after the drive home) wings were wonderful.  The rice wasn't necessary, but used for a future meal. 
 My usual 'first time' choice at Chinese restaurants is the (Shrimp) Egg Foo Young ($10.90). There were three large patties, nicely crisped, filled with fresh bean sprouts and onion, cabbage and carrot.  Apologies for no cross section photo.  The gravy for the Egg Foo Young was unique and delicious.  The sauce had large, juicy shrimp,  celery and chunks of water chestnuts, making the whole dish filled with texture as well as flavor.   Going for texture worked out well with the Shrimp Fried Noodles ($10.10).  Packaging for take out is important and keeping the noodles crispy is necessary.  The sauce had a different flavor than the one that went with the egg foo young.  The broccoli, sugar peas and carrots were crisp and fresh (canned mushrooms and bamboo shoots, of course) and each flavor was distinguishable. 

 Plating at home with a bit of everything.  We will be returning to this longstanding local restaurant.  

Chef China 9726 Campo Road Spring Valley 91977 Closed Monday Open Tues-Sat 11-9, Sun 3-9 (619) 460-7286

Comments

[kat]

looks like a great variety of foods.

[Cathy]

Everything was really good, Kat. We usually do try more of a variety but shrimp was on our minds for some reason that day (apparently, so was crispy). We will be back (and will get the wings again).

[Som Tommy]

More S&P wings. Yummy!

[Jack]

Nice! How did the S&P wings compare to the ones at Wei Wei Express? I'm always on the look out for wings in the area.

[Cathy]

Yes, Som Tommy! The wings were a wonderful 'compromise' for us to try as an appetizer. (It was an order of six; 12 would definitely be a meal).

You know what, Jack? I haven't been to Wei Wei since early March...and need to refresh my memory; it's a blur. The Chef China wings were kind of great. .

[Soo]

You found some good Chinese food!