Cajun Symphony, Daikokuya, Fortune No1, Lao Bian, More!

Welcome to Meanwhile, In SGV a regular feature in which TC, our fearless leader in all things San Gabriel Valley, brings word of restaurant openings, closings, and other unsung, curious neighborhood goings on.

Grid View

1) San Gabriel: Cajun Symphony replaced the Captain Crab a couple of weeks ago. This is a complete ownership change, but the basic premise of "Louisiana Cajun Seafood" boil remains. 250 W Valley Blvd #J; 626-293-8338

2) Arcadia: Daikokuya's new President Square Food Court location has hit road blocks. The mid-May deadline came and went. While everyone's still praying for a May date, we're calling it a June opening. Surely Pasadenians are all eagerly awaiting, so check Facebook for the latest updates. 1220 S Golden W Ave

3) Monterey Park: Per the owner of neighboring Har Lam Kee, Fortune No1 is a new Fuzhou-style restaurant with an extensive deli case (possibly featuring low lost steam table point-and-pick items). The Chinese name states this is a congee house, but since it is abutting another congee house, no one actually knows what the menu will feature. The napkin holders are still unstuffed, but look for it to open doors shortly, especially after the aggressive build-out. 138 E Garvey Ave #A

4) San Gabriel: Want to try Dongbei-style panfried buns and stir fried mung bean noodles at Lao Bian? Welp, it's too late. Per current staff, the restaurant was just sold (but wait... it never even got out of soft opening!) and will be featuring a completely revamped Szechuan menu upon an early June grand launch. This one almost died faster than Good One. 800 W. Las Tunas Dr., #300

5) Monterey Park: Construction at Sweet Blanket, after last August's fire, seems complete. No menu or interior signage has been posted, so no one knows if the same excellent Fuzhou-style fish balls and desserts are to be expected. 305 W. Garvey Ave

6) Monterey Park: Saporous Grill replaced Happy Happy (not kidding) late April. This is a restaurant replicating the popular Bacalli/J R Cafe/Sunday Bistro concept. In less than 30 days beer prices dropped as much as 35% which means it's on instant shutter watch. Of note, this is the only Hong Kong-style cafe offering beer to go with that crispy salt and pepper squid, ie, "calamari." 639 W Garvey Ave; 626-576-9088
— TC