Month after month I am so lucky to be one of the writers that gets to do that restaurant reviews. As someone who rarely eats out, but is a complete and total “foodie,” I really look forward to tasting new cuisines.
Mandarin 88 is a local restaurant many customers refer to as a frequent hangout; a place where regulars love the food so much they order the same thing almost every time they visit the establishment. My dining experience began with a piping hot cup of tea, which is the perfect way to cleanse your pallet and begin any meal along with rice, an eggroll and tempura shrimp.
The Moo Goo Gai Pan was a very nice way to begin a multiple course meal. Fresh and flavorful, the blend of chicken, fresh cooked vegetables and Kalia (white) sauce melted to create a beautiful fusion in my mouth. The crisp snow peas add sweetness to the tenderly flavored chicken and compliment the crunchy bite of the steamed vegetables. I must admit I have been a creature of habit in all my years enjoying Asian cuisine. I tend to stick with mushroom chicken, beef broccoli or orange chicken. I am so happy to announce that I will be adding Moo Goo Gai Pan to my ever expanding pallet. It is truly one of those dishes I will crave and I am positive I will be back to Mandarin 88 for this one very soon!
Truly excited for my next dish, when Luc brought me Beef Broccoli I was delighted to devour each and ever bite. I usually try to pace myself but I could not help eating a little extra. The beef was so tender and full of umame! My favorite part of the dish — the broccoli tasted like broccoli… and the carrots tasted like carrots… and when everything came together the dish truly was complete.
Kung Pao Special blended chicken, beef and shrimp with crisp vegetables and a sauce that made my taste buds dance. Giving a nod to my friend Jaisa, this one gets a “Kung Pao high-kick” in my book! Sadly I will admit again, I have never tried Kung Pao anything, but happily can say that now this will also be on my personal menu of delights. The spice was perfect! A slow growing heat, with tons of flavor, but not so hot that your nose runs and your eyes water. A suprisingly light dish, I really enjoyed the crunch of the peanuts with the fresh vegetables. Time after time I find myself loving sauces so much that I want to dip everything in them, and I am now adding Kung Pao sauce to my list.
I must say my dining experience at Mandarin 88 was the perfect way to end my week. Right down the street from my house, I can assure you they will be a place I frequent from now on and you should too!
Mandarin 88 is located at 23360 Valencia Boulevard, Suite H in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-259-8988.