Yang Chow: 3777 E. Colorado Blvd.

When you go new places exploring for chow, sometimes your IN, but most of the time your OUT. That's why I usually go to places for lunch - to check out the food and vibe and its cheaper. Today I tried out Yang Chow for lunch. It's located in the East Pasadena area right accross the street from the interesting looking Frank and Dean's joint. (That place was closed for lunch, unfortunately. Will need to give that place a go sometime.)

The interior looks okay. But the only Chinese people in there was the staff. Not a good sign. Just as at Fu Shing last month, I ordered the Kung Pao chicken lunch special as a comparison. Bad move. You can see the freebie pickled cabbage above - too sweet for me. The egg drop soup was cornstarchy, thick and slimy. Not appealing. Had to put a lot of pepper in it but after a few spoonfuls I stopped. Couldn't put it down.

The Kung Pao was actually sweet tasting and very saucy! No good! Only green onions and peanuts and a few tiny bits of peppers. Give me Fu Shing anyday. And the rice was dry and old! Yuck. I won't be back here. Yang Chow - You're OUT!

On my way out, I was thinking I need some coffee to get the taste out of my mouth. I was surprised to see a Zagat Rated sign on the door. Maybe they have some good dishes? A hidden menu? I don't know. Not worth my time to look into - there's more chow out there to explore.

Yang Chow Restaurant
3777 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena CA 91107 (626) 432-6868
www.yangchow.com