Hoy Ka Reopens as Thai Noodle King, Ice Que Stops Shaving August 1, More From SGV

And now, a semi-regular update from San Gabriel Valley's vibrant restaurant scene:

1) Monterey Park: The SGV branch of the popular Hoy Ka noodle shop has succumbed to lease disagreements. The popular Thai restaurant weathered a split in the original partners, but the operator ran into trouble when landlord refused to maintain the building. The original founder, the fabulously coiffed auntie, who is also a Thai singer, reopened the Hoy Ka concept as Thai Noodle King in Bellflower. Thai Noodle King fills the old Cancoon Thai space. 230 N Garfield Ave

2) Alhambra: John Park's Ice Que announced its closure via Facebook after only six month. The last day of operations is Saturday, August 1. SGVers can still head to San Marino for Park's sweets at Quenelle. 401 W. Main St

3) San Gabriel: Blackball, the massive Taiwanese shaved ice / grass jelly chain, officially opened on July 19th and the lines have not quit yet. With monsoon-like weather that keeps annoying Angelenos, expect Blackball's cooling grass jelly drinks to attract massive throngs out the door on the weekends. 250 W Valley Blvd., Ste A

4) Rosemead: Jiou Ding Hot Pot is down for a huge remodel after only six months of operations. ABC shows no transfer of license, but the restaurant may be sold. 2101 San Gabriel Blvd

5) San Gabriel: Memory Restaurant replaces Chong Qing Restaurant. The previous Sichuan restaurant could not survive the first year despite giving discounts and free appetizers for for every Yelp review. The new Memory features roasted fish pots. 227 W Valley Blvd Ste 128-C