Elegant Chinese Restaurant
Located in San Gabriel, Array 36 is a restaurant that offers refined and high-quality Chinese cuisine made with carefully selected ingredients by skilled chefs. We visited during dinner time, but we heard that it’s so popular during lunch that people often line up for the lunch specials, so I thought I would like to stop by during the day next time. Overall, the atmosphere is luxurious and elegant, making it a great space for family gatherings or important dining occasions.
The menu was truly diverse, featuring everything from signature dishes to soups, hot pots, seafood, and noodles. We decided to choose a few dishes that looked particularly appetizing. The dishes we ordered included Sizzling Black Cod Clay Pot, Fish Slices with Pickled Mustard Green in Golden Sour Soup, Array 36 Signature Braised Pork, King Crab Meat Avocado Salad, and Deep Fry Whole Fish in Sweet Sour Sauce.
The Sizzling Black Cod Clay Pot captured our attention the moment it was served at the table. The performance of pouring alcohol over the clay pot and igniting it created a gentle heat and aroma, naturally heightening our anticipation. Once the flames subsided, the black cod inside the clay pot was perfectly cooked, maintaining a moist texture, and the seasoning was just right, allowing the fish’s rich flavor to shine through. Thanks to the clay pot’s heat retention, the temperature and flavor balance were well maintained until the last bite. The Fish Slices with Pickled Mustard Green in Golden Sour Soup was a refreshing dish with a deep broth flavor. I was slightly worried about whether the combination would suit my taste since it was my first time trying it, but the acidity was not as strong as I expected, making it easy to enjoy. The tangy flavor of the pickled mustard greens blended seamlessly into the broth, keeping it light and clean, while a subtle ginger aroma added depth to the soup. The combination with the tender fish was also delightful, and overall, it was a soup that played a role in refining the meal without being overwhelming.
The Array 36 Signature Braised Pork was the most comforting dish we enjoyed. The glossy braised pork was tender and delivered a rich flavor, with the seasoning balanced perfectly without being too sweet or salty. It paired well with rice, making it a dish that naturally drew our hands back to the table. The King Crab Meat Avocado Salad made an elegant impression from the plating. The combination of fresh king crab meat and avocado blended beautifully, and it was light overall, providing a refreshing contrast among the main dishes. The natural flavors of the ingredients were well preserved, resulting in a light yet high-quality dish. The Deep Fry Whole Fish in Sweet Sour Sauce was a large fish served whole, capturing attention the moment it was placed on the table. The staff poured the sweet and sour sauce over it at the time of serving, making it feel like a performance as the sauce spread over the fish. The outside was crispy while the inside remained moist, and the sauce was not overpowering, allowing the fish’s natural flavor to shine. It was great for sharing among several people, and both the plating and taste were highly satisfying.
Array36
Overall, Array 36 was a space where the touch of skilled chefs was felt through the dishes, the neat plating, and the elegant atmosphere. The wide variety of menu options seemed well-suited for family gatherings or important dining occasions, and it was impressive to note that it was so popular that people lined up to enjoy the popular lunch specials. If you want to experience Chinese dining in San Gabriel, I would recommend a meal at Array 36.
