Fanciful Chuan's Sichuan Restaurant Opens; Banh Xeo Quan Returns This Week.

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

1) Temple City: Chuan's Sichuan restaurant opened Saturday, September 27. Chuan's is the English name of Ba Guo Bu Yi, a successful Chengdu restaurant empire. The management team, as well as furnishings, are all imported from the Sichuan province. This is the second Chuan's in United State (first being Houston) and the rustic yet modern decor as set the SGV restaurant scene abalze. There is currently a 12% discount (88% rhymes with "Ba").   5807 Rosemead Blvd

2) Rosemead: Banh Xeo Quan, LA County's only dedicated Vietnamese crepe shop, is finally re-opening after nearly half a year of sabbatical and remodeling. The interior has been refreshed, but the space is still as tiny as ever. The re-opening date is October 3 at 11AM. 8742 E Garvey Ave

3) Hacienda Heights: Bleu House, the sister restaurant to Monterey Park's Macchiato, has opened. Per restaurateur Jason Tsai, this is a full service restaurant modeled after a gastropub; instead of beer, there are boba tea and plentiful latte art. The interior, with the vintage typewriter, wood floors and brick walls, is a bit Venice meets Arts District. Bleu House is also carrying several varieties of house-roasted whole coffee beans, and expect to extend espresso service to the mornings shortly. 15840 Halliburton Rd

4) San Gabriel: Pho Ngoon has taken over Pho Island. This is a Northern style pho (pho bac) specialist , but there is also fermented shrimp paste bun noodle soup and a jackfruit yogurt dessert as well. With a Pinkberry inspired decor and an unique, concise, menu, Pho Ngoon is already a city favorite less than a month after opening. 741 E Valley Blvd San Gabriel

5) Hacienda Heights: Ni-Hao Soup Garden has opened near Puente Hills Mall. Next to Panera Bread and Chipotle is a Cantonese style individual pot restaurant that touts "healthy" and "seasonal" soups. 17501 Colima Rd Hacienda Heights, CA

6) Monterey Park: The previously reported No 1 Charcoal BBQ's opening is delayed because it is building sidewalk seating. With the new curbside dining cage, No 1 Charcoal BBQ will have the only al fresco eating experience in all of Monterey Park. In addition to the barbecue smoke, one can enjoy car smog as the Garfield Avenue is merely 20 feet away from the tables. 220 S Garfield Ave

7) Monterey Park: Yun Chuan Garden is finally getting beer. An ABC notice has been posted on the wall, but unfortunately the license is on hold-status. In the meantime, for spicy Sichuan beer-drinking food, go directly to Hot Pot Restaurant where one can drink pitchers of beer on the patio and eat insanely spicy hot pot chicken.  301 N Garfield Ave