Sunday, January 16, 2011

Happy Family

Happy Family does make families happy, everybody that goes to them and knows them that is. Happy Family is a very new restaurant located in what was once known as May Garden at 1400 Bristol St. Costa Mesa (telephone 714-668-9288). They serve a Buddhist, vegetarian, taiwanese fusion version of Chinese food. My dad said after going for the first time "it was almost good enough to make me vegetarian." The first time we went we avoided the fake tofu substitute meats like mock duck and mock chicken, but the second time we had to give in and we were pleasantly surprised. If you have been to Taipei, you know about Buddhist vegetarian Chinese cuisine, but if you haven't, this style of Chinese cooking is very delicious, based on Northern Chinese cuisine, with its hearty mantou or or steamed breads. Mantou are called Fried Bread on the menu is a a Northern Chinese classic and it is very good. Home style tofu was my personal favorite. My mom liked the deep fried oyster mushrooms and chicken with mushrooms. If you like Kung Pao Chicken, you'll enjoy the veggie version. The two greens we had were very good. Snow pea tops are our favorite, but they ran out the second time we were there so we had stir fried chinese romaine lettuce. It's called "A-cai" AY TSAI. if you want to order it. In other reviews that aren't as good as this one, they claim that the lotus flowers are great, but me and my parents did not like them. However, if you are a newcomer to this restaurant, they are a must try. The food is well spiced, light and balanced. According to Buddhist cuisine, garlic and onions make people quick to anger, so they are not used. You wouldn't know it though, because the dishes are so varied and savory. We ordered hot and sour soup on our first visit and tofu and glass noodle soup on our second visit. If you want to eat like the Chinese, never skip soup with your meal. You won't be disappointed by Happy Family's selection. This restaurant is also a GREAT deal. Everything is very reasonably priced. The two problems that we encountered were -- very slow service and not very special atmosphere. They are renovating the restaurant, so we hope for improvements soon. They don't serve alcohol, but my mom asked if we could bring our own, and the owners said that wouldn't be a problem. Excellent dumplings! Please give them your business. They are close to Irvine and really serve a very distinctive and authentic not to mention healthy Chinese food.

6 comments:

  1. Great Review Leo. We like the original branch in Monterey Park east of Downtown LA. You see a lot of Buddhist monks patronizing the place! Its great to know they have a new branch closer to us.

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  2. Great review!! Thanks so much for letting us know about this restaurant! We're in Tokyo right now but can't wait to check it out when we're back in California. Keep up the wonderful reviews!

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  3. Mr. Leo Eats Out,
    We agree with you when you say that "Happy Family does make families happy" but we don't know to what extent our experience of happiness while eating at the Happy Family restaurant was due to the fact that we were out dining with dear friends on a relaxed evening or that we were predisposed because of the name of the restaurant. We wondered also if perhaps the Buddhists who prepared the food were happy themselves and inexplicably their happiness spilled over onto the food ; ) Seriously, though, garlic-and-onion-loving vegetarians as we are, we concur with your review -the food is delicious. Thank you for a wonderful vege review.

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  4. Dear Leo,
    I liked your review a lot, but my favorite part was about you liking the snow pea tops. Love, James

    Funny, someone just recommended that we go to a Buddhist Temple here in Hong Kong (on Lantau Island) to eat the exquisite vegetarian food... we'll also have to try Happy Family when we get back to CA! Great blog, btw! TR

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  5. Happy Family does take out and lunch, just an FYI.

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  6. Dear Leo,

    Finally we found a decent vegetarian restaurant near the neighborhood through your recommendation. Thanks a lot.
    Our family went there last weekend and totally enjoyed the meal!

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