I was going thru my "Big List" page recently and came across an interesting post from back in 2018, where I was asked if I'd hit 5,000 posts yet….well, I wasn't even close at that point! But, I ended up going back to places that were among the first I posted open from back in May of 2005 and did revisits. Well, I quickly checked my current post status and it was now over 5,000….go figure! And those three places from post #3951 were still open…well, one had reopened after a fire with a change of ownership, but I thought it would be fun to just do a couple of revisits and it was easy because two of the places are in my 'hood. And it just so happens that this is post #5571…so here goes.
Post #1 May 26, 2005; China Max:
Of course China Max isn't quite the same place I had enjoyed with the late, great, Ed from Yuma. There was the fire in April of 2020, which shut down China Max. The rebuilding took almost 5 years! At which time the original owners decided to retire and CM was sold to the owners of Taste of Hong Kong. I visited during the soft reopening back in March and was really disappointed as it seems China Max wanted to be DTF "light"…..the meal was a disappointment….they no longer really did Cantonese fare. But heck, it was time for me to check in, right? And thinking about doing this post gave me a reason to return.
Based on what I'd read about the AYCE dim sum and fluffed up posts on "influencer land", I expected the place to be rather busy when I arrived at opening on a Wednesday. But it was empty; I was the first customer of the day it seems.
While my previous meal had been mediocre; I found the young folks working to be really nice and kind. And on this visit it was no different; really nice folks working.
On this visit, I was not going to order any second rate XLB….I was actually going to try the $8.95 Har Gow and the $8.95 Shu Mai, no matter how much my wallet screamed for mercy.
Of course, one of the items that Ed and I enjoyed at the original iteration of China Max was the Peking Duck. The only Peking Duck item on the menu was something called "Peking Duck Tacos"…..well, going against my better judgement, I ordered that as well.
First to arrive were the Peking Duck "Tacos", which were basically duck already places in the dan bing…..
This was pretty bad. The dan bing was rubbery…speaking of rubbery, the skin of the duck was not crisp, the fat hadn't been rendered from the duck properly and it had way too much sauce. This is what happens when you can't "do your own thing" with Peking Duck.
Next to arrive were the har gow.
I quickly noticed something about these almost $3 a piece shumai…..do you see it? Well, the wrappers were really too thick, but all of them had "puka pants"….suffering from severe leakage. Decent shrimp – savory – sesame flavors, but because of the holes in the wrapper, the filling was too hard and dry.
Last up; the Shu Mai. I could tell just by looking at it, that in terms of texture it wasn't going to be my cup of tea.
First off, look how these lack uniformity, second, how haphazardly the wrappers are placed. Third, the filling was hard and dry. It was also overly salty. The shape was like someone rolled a meatball and just threw wrappers over it.
To say I was disappointed is an understatement. I was hoping that my visit in March was just a fluke….but, after spending almost $30 (w/o tip) on this…..well, I think I'm done with China Max. Quite sad, because CM was the subject of my first post on this blog over 20 years ago.
China Max
4698 Convoy Street #C101
San Diego, CA 92111
Post #3 May 28, 2005 Sandwich Emporium:
Yes, Sandwich Emporium was my third post way back when. Even though it's just a few blocks from home, I haven't been visiting as much as I used to. As indicated in my last post on SE last year, it seems like things have changed in terms of how SE constructed their sandwiches. Well, I needed to take my car for a wash after a recent road trip and decided to head on over to SE.
I walked on in and placed my order.
And placed an order for my "usual"; the Spicy Julio ($13.50)….I know after my last visit I said it was time to start ordering something different, but old habits die hard……
Anyway, here's my sandwich.
It was, unfortunately, a mayo heavy mess, with less pickled jalapenos than it used to have. Kind of a soggy mess, with just a smear of avocado and for some strange reason, the tomatoes were MIA.
As a point of reference; here's what it used to look like when I did post #3951.
You know, I haven't seen the Twins who own the place since before Covid. At one point in time, SE had expanded to locations in Rancho Penasquitos, Escondido, and Mira Mesa. All of which have closed. I'm wondering if they've lost interest in the place or what as there seems to be a lack of QC here. Kind of a bummer.
Sandwich Emporium
3054 1/2 Clairemont Drive
San Diego, CA
And finally……
Post #5 May 30, 2005 Bay Park Fish Company:
The reason I actually started this post was the sign on Bay Park Fish.
Yes, just like our little blog, Bay Park Fish is celebrating 20 years!
Anyway, since they have a nice little patio, I decided to take JJ for a light lunch.
As I've mentioned in previous posts, the only thing I order from BPF is the Smoked Fish Stack, which is now $16. Now, the last time I visited BPF was during Covid, so I didn't know what to expect.
To my immense satisfaction, the smoked fish was quite good. And I wasn't able to finish it.
This seemed a bit larger than I recalled. Smoky-savory-oceany flavors without being too fishy. I took the remainder home for the Missus to sample. She was a bit hesitant to try it, but once She sampled it….well, it was gone in the blink of an eye. I wish there was something else on the menu we enjoy as we'd visit more often……well, perhaps we'll be back soon with JJ to try and find another menu item we enjoy.
Bay Park Fish Company
4121 Ashton St
San Diego, CA 92110
Well, at least one of the three "oldies" delivered…..
And now I'm wondering….for folks who have been long time residents of San Diego……if you've recently visited an "old time" favorite, how was it?
Hope everyone has a great week!
That’s too bad about China Max, we keep talking about how we should try this newer iteration but 9 dollar dim sum is just ridiculous.
It would be one thing if the dim sum were superb Jason…..but at least on my visits, it’s been mediocre. Great to hear from you and hope all is well!
At one point, China Max was my favorite for dim sum, but that was well before the fire. Looks like I’m not missing anything at the Clairemont location; I used to go to the Mira Mesa one every so often.
Tofu House on Mira Mesa used to be on my rotation, especially since the parking was better than the Convoy location. But my last visit at the end of 2024 wasn’t as good as it used to be (granted, it had been awhile since I dined there). Now I hear that Mike’s Red Tacos is going into that space.
Yes, it’s kinda sad to see what China Max has become Sandy! Bummer about Tofu House.
Thanks for the update on China Max. Sad news. Anita and I had a lovely Xmas dinner there a few years before the fire and were hoping to return when they finally (!) rebuilt.
It’s sad to see what’s happened with China Max Kenneth!
Funny story about BPF and sorry if I’ve already told it here. My gf and I went there about a decade ago and had a shrimp cocktail starter. It came out and my gf grabbed a big shrimp, pulled it through the sauce and took a big bite.
Within a millisecond, she spit that big bite across the table and it hit me. She was contorting in taste pain. I immediately asked if the shrimp was bad, and she responded ‘some fucking idiot put cilantro in the sauce’. She has all bad alleles for cilantro and it tastes like vomit for her.
We never went back unfortunately.
Oh my goodness Dereck! Lol! No, I don’t think you’ve told that one before! Yikes!
bummer
I know dim sum in SD isn’t great but wow that looks terrible! Hope you get some more enjoyable meals soon. Thanks as always for saving your readers from eating at some of these places.
Dim sum prices in this city are highway robbery! The quality does not match the pricing at any place I try and it’s sad.
Cannot wait to make it to Bay Park Fish Co! It’s down the road, and I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never been but I’m now inspired.
Nine bucks for siu mai, prices are out of control. Bay Park Fish makes some decent fish tacos, but never had the smoked fish. Need to try that next time
Yes, China Max was very disappointing Kat!
Thanks RD! I’m hoping to get some good meals in soon!
The only thing we’ve found that we really like at Bay Park Fish is the smoked fish Stephanie. So, if you do find something you enjoy there please let me know!
I think the Mariscos truck down the street makes better fish tacos ST!
Our family had some memorable meals at China Max over the years before the fire. The reviews I hear about them since the re-opening have not been encouraging.
Yes, we had so many wonderful meals at China Max Junichi! So sad to see what has become of the place…..
Congratulations on 20 years! A big mahalo for your dedication to this blog and highlighting local businesses!
The concept of puka pants dim sum cracked me up. I looked at your previous post of China Max and they seem to have that issue with the XLB, too, not sure what’s going on there. Also bummed that they’re not able to deliver, especially since the community had awaited their return for many years.
Thanks for the kind words Mar! It’s sad to see what has happened to one of favorite restaurants.
I loved the fried chicken at Soi on 30th. https://www.hungryones.com/2025/06/soi-30th/
I’ll have to try the pork belly.
The pork belly, when it’s done right is really good Soo!