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.
1) San Gabriel: Benten Ramen in the Takadanobaba neighborhood of Shinjuku (next to Waseda University), is opening its first US branch after more than 20 years in Tokyo. Benten will replace the loved, but oft-empty Tonchan Ramen and is slated to grand open tomorrow, July 4. Benten Ramen is apparently one of the top 10 tsukemen (dipping noodle) joints in Tokyo, and is known to offer up to 2.2 pounds (one kilogram) of noodles as an option. With the current heat wave, this new dipping option, also available spicy, will launch just in time to serve sweltering carbwhores. 821 W. Las Tunas Dr.
2) Monterey Park: Open Door served its last dinner on June 30 after four and half years of French-Japanese izakaya service. Management tells us they're in the midst of a concept retool, and the rumor mill says it may be a fry shack to be called "Tokyo Fried Chicken." This should roughly translate to a smorgasbord of fusiony karaage, and even the remotest possibility of karaage with waffles should get everyone excited. A relaunch is slated for July 31. 122 S. Atlantic Blvd.
3) Monterey Park: Niko Niko won't stop opening more branches. The chained discount sushi slinger opened its umpteenth branch last month in the same strip mall as the busy, new, Chipotle. 2000 S. Atlantic Blvd.
4) Walnut: Chinese burrito is now an actual thing. Chinese Burritos & Noodle House, clearly a 101 Noodle Express knock-off, opened last month near Mt. Sac. College. 1247 N. Grand Ave.
Loading comments...