Hip Hot To Serve Sichuan Spicy Crab Pots, BBQ Power Dishes Squid Skewers

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

1) Monterey Park: The bulk of SGV denizens aren't moving to Rancho Cucamonga and the proliferation of hot pot restaurants all over West San Gabriel Valley pretty much sums up why. Thanks to the Sichuanese, hot potting is a booming trend in China right now, and when a trend is hot in China, SGV is on it. Hip Hot will bring Sichuan's other favorite dish, spicy crab pot, to SGV, and the brand is apparently tied to an established Chengdu restaurant. The 2550-square feet restaurant replaces Fortune Dumplings and beer/wine license has been applied. The same plaza already has Dong Du Hot Pot. 500 N Atlantic Blvd #149

2) Rosemead: Boiling Seafood Wok will be replacing Xin Bao, a middling Cantonese restaurant. This looks to be a Boiling Point knock-off in name, with a focus on Hunan style fish in stone pots (think: giant Korean dolsot pots used in bibimbap and soontubu). 7940 Garvey Ave

3) Rosemead: BBQ Power has taken over Angel Thai House. The weeks-old restaurant serves Chinese style kebabs, with various seafood on sticks in addition to the typical lamb and chicken. 8450 E Valley Blvd Ste 116

4) Monterey Park: Kung Fu Soy, the second Chinese dessert shop in Monterey Park in as many months, is taking over an old lingerie shop. Based on signage, the focus of the shop will be silken tofu (flower). It is unclear if Kung Fu Soy is related to Kung Fu Tea House. 141 N Atlantic Blvd