Revisits: Luong Hai Ky, Noble Chef, and The Counter

Luong Hai Ky – Mira Mesa revisited:

While doing my Beef Sate Noodle Soup post, I decided to also include Luong Hai Ky. The bad thing was I couldn't for the life of me find Beef Sate Noodle soup on the menu. So while the Server hovered over me in the typical LHK manner, I asked about Beef Sate Noodle soup. Totally ignoring me, the guy pointed to a photo on the menu and said, "this, this is what you want, it is good…." It was a photo of Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho. I said, "yes, but I'm looking for Beef sate Noodle Soup". In return he replied, "no, this is good, I guarantee it is good….." It was late, I was tired, and I knew this guy was just trying to get rid of me, so I relented.

And here's the bowl of  Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho:

This was okay, the noodles were cooked well, and there was a decent amount of char siu and pork in the bowl, along with shrimp. I still think the broth here is not nearly as flavorful as what was served at the now defunct Convoy location.

At seven bucks, I really didn't think it was a good value either.

Luong Hai Ky Restaurant
10606 Camino Ruiz #2
San Diego, CA 92126

More from Noble Chef:

I also visited Noble Chef Chef for the Beef Sate Noodle Soup, but when I saw another customer having it, I decided to get the Seafood Sate Noodle Soup($5.55) instead.

This was a bit different when it comes to Sate Noodle soup. There wasn't a very spicy, nor pungent flavor…….the soup was slightly thick, but had an almost curry-like flavor So, if you like Curry Noodle soup….you might enjoy this. The egg noodles were a bit overcooked, and the fishcake and various meatballs were just passable.

We also recently had the Shrimp with XO Sauce Fried Rice, and it too tasted a bit odd, I'm wondering if the place has changed hands yet again. Here's another place that just hasn't been the same since Noble Chef changed hands.

The Noble Chef
6159 Balboa Avenue
San Diego, CA 92111

A revisit to The Counter:

**** This location of The Counter has closed

The Missus wanted their Veggieburger, so I was most happy to oblige. And we headed up to Leucadia, and The Counter. This time the cheese was swiss and I had onion strings on my burger.

As much as I enjoyed the idea of putting onion strings on my burger in my previous post, I think it really detracted from the overall flavor of the burger. I think I'll go back to simple grilled onions next time. The burger was again a perfect medium, and I enjoyed it. 

We also tried the Fried Dill Pickles:

The Missus thought these too salty, but I didn't think so. The pickles were nicely breaded and fried well. Personally, I'd enjoy thinner sliced pickles……. better crunch….

The Counter
1923 Calle Barcelona
Carlsbad CA 92009

One last thing……. I had the pleasure of spending a wonderful Saturday evening cooking. A few weeks back John, Peter, and Angela of Sandwich Emporium asked me if I'd like to help out with a Bentos and Sake dinner they were having as a benefit for the American Cancer Society. I was indeed flattered….. so last night, the twins, along with MrS, TammyC, and I spent an evening cooking and plating….

I was honored to be able to help put together the menu, and though my feet and back hurt like heck right now, it was a bunch of fun. It is a great cause, and it's nice to have friends who are willing to help out.