8310 Valley Blvd
San Gabriel, CA

Tiff and I were driving aimlessly around San Gabriel in search of dinner when we happened across China Bistro. Its parking lot was packed with cars and so we reasoned there was valid explanation for its popularity. We were promptly seated inside; the outside patio was full of smokers. Immediately, Tiff wanted to switch seats with me because the side she had selected was less than pristine. There was residue of the previous meal still apparent on the table. I happily agreed since my tolerance for filth is much higher than hers.

The menus were sticky with the handling of thousands of grubby hands belonging to the generally grubby patrons. As I looked down, I noticed that my fork was adorned with food particles from an earlier meal and I asked for a new one. The replacement was similarly filthy. The third was devoid of organic matter but spots of what could have been either detergent water or a nasty mix of fluid derived from decomposing food stained the utensil.

If we had not already ordered, we would have left. The food was unpalatable. The restaurant and its customers were similar in many ways — apparently clean facades for what was ultimately unsanitary and unrefined. I found the food and milieu thoroughly disgusting.