Spring Garden Restaurant

03/02/06

My Favorite Chinese Restaurant in Pasadena

by stevenniles at Citysearch

I was initially intrigued by Spring Garden's unusual triangular shape and pretty carved wood and the painted designs on its facade. Upon trying it, I was pleased to find its interior quite pleasant, as well. There is a beautiful Asian screen and ornate Chinese lanterns that lend an elegant, refined atmosphere. Service is efficient and thorough. What makes Spring Garden my favorite Chinese restaurant in the area, however, is the delicious food. It is not overly sweet or Americanized. The menu is extremely extensive, and offers rare selections that aren't often found elsewhere, such as the colorfully named "boar's head," a delicious special meatball, and "scrambled eggs with prawns," a long-standing favorite dish of mine, which I like best with chile and soy sauces.

Spring Garden is so wonderful, I hope they last forever. I just don't where else to look should they ever disappear.

• Pros: Great food, elegant and cute, thoughtful service
• Cons: no lunch on weekends