la.foodblogging

The Far East Chop Suey Cafe is scheduled to open its historic doors in the coming months, under the new name Chop Suey Cafe and Lounge. The Grand Opening Date has been pushed to the first of March due to some unforeseen setbacks for the owners. Personally, I’m not sure what exactly needs to happen for a place to be refitted after a major earthquake. And after the Northridge quake back in 1994, the little Chinese Chop Suey restaurant needed a major uplift.

Like so many who remember this restaurant, my grandparents recall nostalgic memories and histories that they associate with the Far East Chop Suey Cafe. Celebrations of weddings and get togethers to say goodbye to loved ones who passed on, they remember with smiles and tears. For me - a fourth generation Japanese American, I’m interested to see how the proprietors with their partnership with the Little Tokyo Service Center blend the old with the new. With its close proximity to both JANM and MOCA’s Geffen - it will be a great place to meet for lunch, dinner or drinks!

So far, I’ve been fortunate to have a few sneak peaks of what’s to come…

First, was my taste test at the Tofu Festival. I had small plates of their smoked tofu salad and tofu chili, both unique and delicious samples.

Then, with USC Football season and my season tickets to home games, I went to pretty much all but one tailgate parties. The Chop Suey Cafe and Lounge tailgates always had some fresh and deliciously made Asian infused eats - a great way to start your morning, afternoon, and evening before cheering the Trojans to victory. (I will leave the Rose Bowl game out of this post.)

Also, I was lucky enough to attend (actually, I worked) the LTSC Fundraiser held at the restaurant back in November of last year. In full regala, it was great to see so many community members and supporters on a Tuesday evening. Tables on both floors and in between the old varnished wood dividers were covered in rich tablecloths. Trays were full of delectable dishes of old and new that night. Chop suey noodles, maze gohan, flavored meats, ahi tuna, and so much more! I forgot the actual names, but remembered being fat, full, and happy at the end of the night.

And then, just the other night, I was asked to drive by and stop at the downtown kitchen to sample some sandwiches they’re making for their lunch menu. Since I never pass up an offer for free food, I was there right after I got off of work.

There were a total of about 16 different sandwiches - from veggie, salad, chicken, pork, and beef. Who knew that after eating some portions of each one would make a girl full! My favorites of the night were a wasabi flavored chicken one, the tofu with pickled veggies one, and the cha shu with veggies. Mmm…I even gave them a couple of my favorite and more unique dishes - one involving a chicken katsu curry and another with shoyu spaghetti. YUM! We’ll see what makes the cut!

More to come…

Chop Suey Cafe & Lounge
street: 347 East 1st Street in Little Tokyo

By Kristy (see more of her posts). A native of the city, kristy loves to discover new sites, new eateries, new things to do in her online journal of finding the best of la.