With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Chinese 'Noodle Dancer' Restaurant Coming to L.A.
Photo by maskofchina.com on Flickr
()
A Chinese chain selling hot pot, the traditional communal cuisine that originated in Mongolia, has some pretty unique table side entertainment. And they'll be brining it to Arcadia early this fall.
At Hai Di Lao, noodle masters are trained for 6 months to be able to stretch and twirl around their wares like ribbon dancers. They pull foot-long wads of dough into 10 feet of slender noodles by whipping the center out like a jump rope and then twirl it around a la Will Ferrell. Then, it's folded with flare and dropped in the hot pot broth at the center of diners' tables.
The interesting dancing isn't the only unconventional element of the restaurant; at the China outposts, guests can get manicures, shoe shines or play board games while they wait for a table. Hair ties are given to long haired customers to keep their locks out of the soup, and glasses wipes are given to those who have gotten some splatter for their slurping. All the ordering is done via iPads, and there's an internet cafe inside the restaurant for those who'd rather do business than get some grooming before their meal.
Says the Wall Street Journal:
Support for LAist comes from
Owner Zhang Yong, who launched Hai Di Lao in Sichuan in 1994 and opened his first international branch in Singapore last year, hopes the touches that established his brand in China will also pave the way for his first U.S. outpost ... Hai Di Lao has the potential to do for Chinese cuisine what Benihana Inc.—famous for its hibachi-style restaurants where chefs prepare food in front of guests—did to boost Japanese food in the U.S. in the 1980s, said Shaun Rein, managing director of Shanghai-based China Market Research Group.
Din Tai Fung might not be the only ones with snaking lines on the weekends. Sounds like one heck of an interesting concept.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
Best of LAist