CHI DYNASTY which has been a fixture on Hillhurst Avenue in Los Feliz is relocating after 20 years. They’ll just be moving down the street to 1813 Hillhurst. Apparently, the monthly lease became prohibitive so they’ve had to move the restaurant. Their phone number, 323 667-3388, will remain the same. Check with them for updated information but as of now, they will be taking over their new digs come November 1. As some of you know, I believe Chi Dynasty to be one of the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Very few restaurants surpass their delectable Lemon Chicken or their Sizzling Rice Soup. Try the combo of Sizzling Steak and Scallops (sometimes we substitute the scallops for shrimp) which is a delight. For dessert, well the Plum (with real pieces of plum) or Green Tea Ice Cream is the best and they won’t reveal where they get it – but I’ve never had green tea like this. And let’s not forget their kickass Mai Tai! So show your support in the new location, you won’t regret it!
October 30, 2007
27 Comments »
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI
a postscript to Chi Dynasty – apparently some of the former employees are planning to open a new Chinese Restaurant in its place – it will be interesting to see if they steal the original recipes since Chi is really one of a kind – their food is quite unique – no fillers, no msg – pure good Chinese food.
Comment by rebelrona — October 30, 2007 @ 12:52 am |
Scandal on Hillhurst!
Comment by richard — November 27, 2007 @ 8:02 pm |
The restaurant is called The Palace. It is opened for business. The menu looks different with some items in different name. Orange chicken, now called Tangerine Chicken, tasted better. Sesame Chicken, now called Sweet and Pungent Chicken (no more black sesame seed), is much better than before. If you are regular, you will still see familiar face there. The interior design looks very good.
You may heard of the previous owner’s story about why they move. If you still interesting, you need to heard the other side. Very interesting!
Comment by John Smith — December 23, 2007 @ 1:54 am |
John
Please elaborate – tell us the other side of the story as I’ve only heard from the owner on this – What is the other side?
Comment by rebelrona — December 23, 2007 @ 11:33 am |
We’re looking for a Chinese place for Christmas tomorrow after movie at Arclight…without MSG. We’ll have to check these out.
Comment by E.D. — December 25, 2007 @ 9:37 pm |
E.D.
Did you get some Chinese on Xmas – Which one did you go to – please share your comments!
Also what movie did you go see at the Archlight?
Comment by rebelrona — December 27, 2007 @ 1:12 pm |
After too many impatient Google minutes, we gave up on
the search for Chinese in Hollywood…no MSG…open on
Christmas…and went to the tried-and-true
…Chinatown. The winner…based on raves from our
traditional Christmas Day’s partners-in-crime was Full
House Seafood Restaurant 963 N Hill St, Los Angeles -
(213) 617-8382. Actually, I had lost much of my
appetite whilst half-watching the Cinerama-sized
throat-slicing of Sweeney Todd, but regained it as
soon as the door was opened at Full House. Tip: call
ahead for reservation. By 5:30 the house was indeed
full. Our friends were the pros, running through the
10+ pages of the menu: war wonton, exquisitely served
by our plaid vested waiter, one hand behind his back
and each bowl the perfect serving for each in our
party of seven. Scallops, squab on lettuce leaves,
field greens and garlic, Chinese brocolli, fried chicken,
a noodle dish and another couple more! And as we
requested, no MSG. On a Lazy Susan so when you wanted
something, you just spun it around and there it was!
Full of flavor. With all of these dishes, the tastes
were distinctive and delicious. How does it compare to
New York City Christmas Chinese. I’d say the score is
even. Moderately priced. Enough for left-overs for two
families. I finished the field greens just before I
wrote this. A limited wine and beer list.
Comment by E.D. — December 29, 2007 @ 3:03 pm |
Wanted to let everyone know that I tried to contact John Smith to get him to elaborate and tell us the other side of the story -his email was bogus – which is a shame – I would have liked to have had both sides of the story on Chi Dynasty and the new place The Palace.
Comment by rebelrona — December 29, 2007 @ 7:14 pm |
The Fact is Rebelrona there is no story only facts…..
FACT-The Landlord at the old location and some long time employees in the front of the house conspired and succeded in taking advantage and stealing the earnings of my fathers 21 years of hard earned work,while he was going through a divorce w/ my mother.
FACT-My father had a month to month lease for 21 years w/ the landlord in which she was able to use to her advatage in the end only because so called friends of the family the long time employees conspired and teamed up w/ her.
FACT- The employees knew that my father didnt have the money to build or buy a new restraunt.
FACT-My father had to take out all kinds of loans to build a brand new restaurant on a property not owned by him.
FACT-My father after knowing there evil intentions didn’t fire them. Which (he should of) but instead let them stay for their financial and family’s sake.
FACT-Most of Chi Dynasties employees have been w/ us for more than 10 yrs some for 20. If my father was such a bad person do you think they would have stuck around and have so much trust in them?
FACT-That was the problem: my father is to nice of a human being surprisingly unlike others.
FACT-They even wanted to name it “The New Dynasty Restaurant” until we had our lawyers put a stop to that.
FACT-The interior of the Palace is a replica of how it was designed before by my mother. They really didn’t change anything, they kept the same wall colors, changed the carpet but the same color, and the door is still the same! Which was worked on by my mother. They even placed a robe similar to ours in the same location.
FACT-The menu is also a replica of what we had before w/ minor changes.
FACT-They are obviously trying to fool the guests my father has worked so hard to sustain.
FACT-Would it make sense to leave a location after 21 years of success and have to pour a heavy amount of borrowed money into building a new restraunt in the property that my father doesn’t own?
FACT-Would it make sense to close before the month of December, our busiest month?
FACT-The posting by John Smith was bogus a bad grammerd attempt to market their evil intentions.
FACT-My fathers hard earned work has been stolen from him…..
I can only hope that everyone can decipher the truth for themselves,, and plead to stop evil doers by not supporting they’re actions.
FACT-We will also be delivering.
FACT-We will be open in another 2 weeks better than ever at our new location 1813 hillhurst ave inside of the Los Feliz Plaza. Just south of franklin in between russel and melbourne.
FACT-The Chi Family thanks all of our Guests and cant wait to serve the best of service and food once again.
Please see our website for directions. http://www.CHIDYNASTY.com
Comment by Jonathan Chi Jr — January 2, 2008 @ 5:13 pm |
I’m also very intrest to hear the so called “other side of the story” about relocation of Chi Dynasty.
I just want all of you to think about couple of the facts, I’m sure all of you can form your own opinion.
Fact 1- The landlord is openning up a new Chinese restaurant with 2 of long time Chi Dynasty employee as partner. Would you as landlord want your tenant of 21 years who have been pay the rent and all the cost of mantainnig the property out? Or there are other motive?
Fact 2- The relocation of Chi Dynasty cost almost $500,000.00.,which our family have to borrow most of them, also restaurant have to shut down for months,would you have done this if you have the choice to stay.
I’m glad that we were able to relocate to 1813 Hillhuet Ave,and stay in the naborhood,we are commiit to continue to serve the cummunity and all of our long
time faithful customers the quality Chinese food with attentive service that Chi Dynasty have come to known.
Chi’s family appreciate all of your past support,and we are counting your future patronage of our new location,which is going to be all new and enegitic
with open kitchen. We also going to start home delivery.
We are looking forward to see all of you soon. Please call the same phone # 323-667-3388 for the latest update. Also if anybody know Mr. John Smith I would like to meet him personnaly,to find out what misinformation he have.
Thank you and wish all of of you have happy holiday.
Comment by Jonathan Chi — January 2, 2008 @ 7:32 pm |
Its a shame what happened at Chi Dynasty’s old location. “The Palace” will always be sub-par and IS an attempted emulation of what was originally created. Of course the food is going to be relatively the same, what else do they know? Chi Dynasty isn’t going anywhere, there are too many devoted patrons for them to go anywhere else! I’m going to their new location!
Comment by Jay — January 2, 2008 @ 8:57 pm |
Yes Jay, I agree – I can not wait for them to open – I assured the owner I would put this up on my blog and when the restaurant reopens I will put a new review of the restaurant – assuring everyone that Chi Dynasty is indeed back and better than ever.
Comment by rebelrona — January 3, 2008 @ 1:01 am |
Jonathan
I told your father that I would write about the new location on my blog – I know he felt very betrayed. And it is not surprising that “John Smith” had a bogus email address – in fairness, I gave him an opportunity to state his “side” but since he had a bogus email address – so be it – that just shows all who come to my blog that it was a shill and not for real.
You are the real deal and I’m so pleased you found your way here to write your factual comments for all to see – Rest assured I will do a complete review of the new Chi Dynasty as soon as you open – so please email me – We had no place to eat on Xmas Day!! I miss your Lemon Chicken, Honey ribs, Sizzling Rice Soup, Kickass Mai Tai’s, and of course the Plum and Green Tea Ice Cream plus so many other wonderful, quality items.
When are you scheduled to open?
Comment by rebelrona — January 3, 2008 @ 1:07 am |
Just realized both father and son wrote on the blog. I appreciate you clarifying everything for my readers. I look forward to coming in and writing about your new location. Please keep me abreast!
I’m sure your customers will want to know and you will not lose any patrons. When Mr. Chi told me about what was going on – I was shocked and dismayed. If you look at the introductory page of this blog, you will see my picture and recognize me as a regular customer for at least 15 years. I look forward to more great meals at Chi Dynasty!
Comment by rebelrona — January 3, 2008 @ 1:18 am |
This is all very funny.
Unlike you rebelrona, I think that Chi Dynasty’s food wasn’t very good. Add to that, I found it overpriced, and I always sort of wondered what kept the place afloat. Tradition, memories, convenience it seemed.
Now I wonder what they suppose they’ll do. These businesses are in too close a proximity of each other, and now it seems that neither will succeed.
I am pretty sure that Chi Jr. is wrong to think that customers will have the loyalty to their restaurant, he would like. But to the extent that some will, Chi Dynasty will lost that chunk of business that made them profitable.
This whole situation is like a big prisoner’s dilemma. I worry that both are going to lose out.
Comment by thedude — January 7, 2008 @ 6:53 pm |
Thanks thedude for your comments. I welcome all opinions. Sorry you never felt the food was very good at Chi Dynasty – I know plenty of people who do including myself. They never served any filler in their dishes which most Chinese restaurants do and I always found their food to be pure. As far as expensive, yes you may be right, they were on the pricier side but I’ve found that a lot of Chinese restaurants in Los Angeles have become pricier where once Chinese food used to be inexpensive. Not sure what that’s about. Different strokes for different folks. Most people seem to flock to Twin Dragon on Pico and I feel their food has gone downhill for years now.
I too fear that both will lose out – and that area is in need of good Chinese Food – there does not seem to be a lot of choices in that area if you notice? But I’d love to hear where you prefer to go What’s your favorite Chinese restaurant both in the area as well as in Los Angeles?
Comment by rebelrona — January 7, 2008 @ 7:09 pm |
Dear thedude,
I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t like our food maybe you can give us some suggestions on how we can better your experience. As for prices we are actually similar if not lower compared to other chinese restraunts similar to ours. Unfortunatly, yes we are going to lose some business and some of our long time guests, but we have been pushed into a situation where we will have to adapt and overcome.
Yes both have lost, and the biggest lost have been some longtime friendships. Only time will tell what will be the outcome……Happy New Year
Comment by Jonathan Chi Jr — January 15, 2008 @ 11:10 am |
I wanted to go to the New Chi Dynasty tonight, but when I called I was told that they were awaiting inspection and they weren’t open yet. We’ll try the Palace as a comparison, but we’ll remain loyal to the new Chi Dynasty and we will go there when inspection is over and the restaurant is open.
Comment by Richard Hurwitz — February 11, 2008 @ 4:25 pm |
Richard, I’ve been travelling – in fact, I have a lot to write when I have a chance about Virginia’s wine country, a coastal trip up north, and Sedona. But I’ve just had so little time –
But to your comments – that you tried The Palace – what was your experience like there?
I’m still waiting to hear when Chi Dynasty reopens – has it yet?
Comment by rebelrona — March 12, 2008 @ 6:39 pm |
My family will be honored to conintue to eat at the New Chi Dynasty! It should be opening this weekend!!
I know and believe in Jonathon and his vision to continue opening his doors to allow “family” in for dinner. We have been going there for 10 years and will go where “Chi” goes! So exctied to see the new place!!!
Congratulations!
The Robinson family!
Comment by Amy — March 14, 2008 @ 12:13 pm |
Well I am happy to inform all that we have officially reopened….Its a pity that our niegboring bar owner has tried to stop us from having our liquor license,but we will retain our full bar status in a couple weeks or so…Everyone can feel free to bring in your own liquor and we will cork your drinks at no extra charge…..Also remeber that we also deliver…Bon Apitite
Comment by Jonathan Chi Jr — March 25, 2008 @ 5:51 pm |
Unfortunately, we didn’t record what he said. Now he can say whatever he wants.
Here is a simple question for all audience. If you are the landlord, who would you rather lease to, someone who has been paying rent for 20 years or someone whom you know only for a few month.
Comment by Dennis — April 23, 2008 @ 2:58 pm |
I have yet to find Chinese cuisine in L.A. that approaches that found at Chi Dynasty. The quality is beyond what I’ve experienced anywhere else in town. The service is excellent as well.
I think the behavior of the landlord/former employees of the original location is abhorrent. They will get what they deserve in the end because their restaurant serves cheap, low-end, strip mall garbage “food.” Overly soy sauced and poorly executed. We went there only once for lunch during the period of time that Chi Dynasty was setting up the new restaurant. We only needed one treatment to decide never to return to the Palace. After hearing the inside story I wouldn’t go back there if the food was good.
Comment by George — May 3, 2008 @ 6:06 pm |
I have no bones to pick in the above conflict. I’ve lived in the neighborhood for over a decade. Having been warned away from Chi Dynasty when I first got here I never tried it until about a month ago. And I wish I’d gone much sooner.
This isn’t “authentic” Chinese like you might get in the San Gabriel Valley, but it’s certainly a solid neighborhood joint. I don’t mind paying a little more than I would for some of those God-awful MSG-loaded buffets, or for the kind of Chinese they have at the bottom of the menu at the Thai places. Good Chinese delivery is a rare find nowadays, I’ve found them to be very reliable.
Again I have no bone to pick, but I was struck by Dennis’s comment:
“If you are the landlord, who would you rather lease to, someone who has been paying rent for 20 years or someone whom you know only for a few month.”
Well, from the other comments upthread, if the landlord saw an opportunity to a. kick out an old tenant, b. increase his rent, and c. buy himself into the operation, yeah, he’d might well prefer to tear up the lease. I’m not saying that’s what happened, but I’ve seen it happen before.
Comment by Jeff M. — August 9, 2008 @ 3:58 pm |
I remember my parents taking me to Chi Dynasty ever since I was little. I always loved going there. The food was great and the waiters were friendly. Being the frequent customers as we were, I don’t ever remember seeing the owner or meeting him. I do remember Tony though, he made every meal memorable. Whether it was him speaking in Armenian or Russian, I loved having him there. He is great and that’s why I am now a loyal Palace customer. I just don’t see why the owners of Chi Dynasty feel like they have been victimized and betrayed by their long time employees. There had to be a reason why more than half of the employees, including the chef, stayed behind when they relocated.
I live in the Sherman Oaks area and still manage to dine at the Palace twice a week. Chi Dynasty definitely lost their “right hand men”
Comment by Anna — May 19, 2009 @ 5:46 pm |
Hi Anna
I have to say that most of the employees are still at the Chi Dynasty. I dined there recently and saw all the old familiar faces and ate the same terrific food and those out of the world mai tai’s. I don’t think half the employees went to The Palace because I can count a half a dozen employees at the Chi that were at the other location. Whatever the split was, a few of the employees from Chi Dynasty started their own restaurant in the same location, forcing the owners of Chi Dynasty to move. Those are the facts. Chi is now down the street (just below Franklin) on Hillhurst. Personally, I wish everyone well. It’s a shame that this had to happen because I too remember going to Chi Dynasty at least once a week with my mom and everyone was so nice, plus the food was wonderful.
Comment by rebelrona — May 20, 2009 @ 4:46 am |
Hello,
New here. Thanks
Mary Aloe
Proud Mary Entertainment
Comment by Proud Mary Entertainment — September 6, 2009 @ 1:45 pm |