In the corner of a tiny strip of shops on Las Tunas in San Gabriel district, almost overshadowed by a popular seafood restaurant and another equally popular Vietnamese restaurant lies a gem of a Japanese noodle place. It is small, unassuming and clean. We were introduced to the place by a Japanese couple and have ate here on several occasions. A glass cabinet near the door displays several dishes in fully colored plastic models, like those you find in many Japanese restaurants. The menu is simple but extensive enough for a good eat. The spread ranges from ramen, or noodles in soup to rice bowls, sushi and appetizers. The ramen comes in many choices of soup base from the basic shoyu (soy sauce) to thick savory broth from hours of stewing pork bones or broth seasoned with miso (fermented soy bean.) A Japanese waiter brought us warm mugs of Japanese tea while we try to decide on the soup base or choose to have the noodles stir-fried (yakisoba) or as cold noodles (like a noodle salad with lots of vegetables and a sauce, great in the summer.)

In preparing meals, we always say to ourselves “ if there are any leftovers, they can be used the next day.” I, for one, have said that many times! Just how do leftovers work? Well, this works if we have a plan for the leftovers. sandwiches? Burritos? In being a smart shopper, we look first of all for the basics of a main dish. If it is chicken, one chicken may make 4 servings, consisting of 2 sets of thighs and drumsticks, 2 breasts, plus the extra pieces for making a broth for other uses, such as a soup or sauce base.

Paul’s Kitchen, a well-known and loved local restaurant in the West San Gabriel Valley, has closed its doors after 33 years of business. The Cantonese Style restaurant was one of the first Chinese restaurants in Monterey Park where it was located at 1950 So. Atlantic Blvd.

The restaurant was owned by the Yee Family. Tom Yee, who managed the restaurant, was a familiar face who welcomed customers to the location. Paul’s Kitchen was originally located in in central Los Angeles and was a favorite for business people during the day, and families in the evening.