Message: | Went downtown last night for my first non-dim sum meal at EP. We planned on going to Alegria, but the line outside drove us to Chinatown -- where we figured we'd eat at Full House. Only to find a line outside there as well. (What's happening? Too many people logging onto chowhound??) So we went across the street instead. As it turned out, the huge Empress Pavilion was almost empty...
Anyway -- dinner was a total treat. Worth paying a couple dollars more than we would have at FH. The standout dish was a beef filet with black pepper and mushroom off their "gourmet" menu -- which I ordered somewhat reluctantly as it sounded pedestrian relative to other choices. But the beef was equisitely tender, like a much more expensive filet mignon. Likewise, the sauce had a surprisingly rich, French quality. Firm mushrooms. A hint of spice. So good that I couldn't wait to report it here... :) Other dishes included a light and delicious steamed telapia -- which we made the mistake of ordering in the smaller size...
I haven't eaten at any of the better San Gabriel/Mont Park places in a while, but it seemed to me that EP compared... On that score, I know others on this board have a more comprehensive view...
Chow. Rafi |