John "jycmba" C.'s Profile

While I continue to make my Mecca pilgrimages to Fab Hot Dogs (usually at least once a month in my quest to complete my card,) I've turned to Slaw Dogs as the next best thing.

My 1st time was their Thai slaw dog, which started it all. Not bad - the nutty cabbage slaw was not drowning in dressing. The dog was alive in there somewhere.

Next I had to try their monster TNT super dog - ok, THAT hit the spot when you're in the mood for something more than a chili dog or a burrito. This Frankenfurter was immense. I had to laugh when the server asked if I wanted anything else.

I'd say that my only beef would be that these are not cheap. It was $7 for the Thai slaw and just under $10 for the TNT. Worth a try but not for repeat business, I'm afraid.. especially in this economy!

Was I ever disappointed - after waiting several minutes, instead of big, juicy dumplings I  paid almost $4 for 4 puny dumplings that reminded of defrosted Kimbo 2 bags for $5 from 99 Ranch. Boy, I felt ripped off. Really??

If you see this food truck driving by, let it keep going & buy bag from your local Northern Chinese restaurant. Much better deal! You have a nice plate heated up within the time it takes this truck to serve, and the results will be much more satisfying.

This ain`t your daddy`s torta! Rick Bayless elevates the Mexican stepchild of sandwiches to Keller level.

When I first arrived, I wondered whether I'd find a parking spot to work while enjoying their specialty siphon brew. The staff suggested that I check the underground garage once some of the folks have cleared out (it was pretty full house when I first arrived,) then she took the time to ask what my taste preferences were. We arrived at the Celebes Kalossi; it was bit fruity for my taste but I usually avoid dark roasts because they tend to have a burnt flavor at most places. Next time I'll definitely give one of the darker roasts a try, and I'm sure that's not too far away!

Torn between giving this a 4-star for the Tony Bourdain No Reservations experience of getting a "charbroiled pork" banh mi sandwich complete with fried egg, and 3-stars for the questionnable hole-in-the-wall cleanliness and the mediocre enthusiasm of the service. But in all fairness it was 3 pm or so.

Looks like prices have gone up a bit - most sandwiches other than veggie selections cost $2.50 now. I eventually come back to this one after checking out the many sandwich shops along Valley Blvd.

2nd visit pending!

Not bad for 1st time out - had basic yo tiao (listed as "cruller" on their menu, sometimes Chinese donut on others) and hot sweet soy milk (most places like this one let you add your own sugar) along with pork shao bing (sesame-covered flat bread listed as "pork wheat cake with pickled mustard") with slices of stewed pork and the sweet, tangy mustard green. Wasn't crazy about the curry dumpling, which seemed a bit drier than I've had at other bakeries.

The waitress was polite, but English speakers may have a harder time ordering. Also, she piled all the orders on a tray and walked around confused as to which table ordered what.

Still, I'm planning to go back - just not only a weekend when it's likely to be busy and overwhelm the servers.