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New Formosa Cafe "Closed Today" But Tong Sing Opens Up Around The Corner

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Intrigued by the recent posts I decided to stop by New Formosa Cafe at lunch time today rather than someplace in Alhambra or Monterey Park. Arriving around 11:30am I saw that the restaurant was not open. There were three signs in the window--a hand drawn sign that said "Closed Today," a computer printed sign saying the same thing, and a third sign asking the mailman to leave their mail at Dr. Patel's office. Trying to peek through the blinds it appeared that they were merely closed, as all the tables and chairs seemed to be in place and nothing was in disarray. This would suggest an indefinite, but not permanent closure.

Despite the fact that New Formosa Cafe was closed, the trip was not a total loss, and indeed turned out to be worthwhile. Around the corner at 305 N. Soto St. there were grand opening signs at Tong Sing Restaurant (though a restaurant with that name has been there for quite a while). Stopping by there I noticed that it wasn't a typical non-Chinese neighborhood restaurant, but had some good items including a few dim sum items (I wonder if they bought it someplace) and several fish dishes. I had the fish with corn sauce, and while not San Gabriel Valley quality, it probably ranked with what you can get in Chinatown. And to top things off I went back to Cesar Chavez Ave. and got some yummy apricot, pineapple and guava empenadas at El Pavo Bakery.

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  1. I bow down to your intrepid culinary meanderings.

    I am simply not worthy.

    Thanks for the report.

    1. Three weeks later and still closed.

      1 Reply
      1. re: Chandavkl

        Sure hope that Dr. Patel has lots of room for mail.

      2. I have been passing by the New Formosa every couple days........closed, closed, closed...........sad, sad, sad.............
        Need to eat there at least one more time before they close for good!
        Those recipes will die w/Dewey.........

        4 Replies
          1. re: rickym13

            Sources say Dewey is battling lung cancer. He is supposedly winning the fight and will re-open sometime in the next few months.

            1. re: slowrider

              are we talking about the formosa on santa monica? it's been open for a while with a new menu and new chef and i hear it's pretty great!

              1. re: tastycakes

                No this is on cesar chavez in Boyle heights