Joy

Joy is a joyous expression of modern Taiwanese cuisine - in a homey, light atmosphere, in Highland Park, California.

Joy, the sister restaurant to Pine and Crane, has brought me so much happiness through their distinct take on Taiwanese cuisine over the years. I’d been there with my friends, Johann and Matt, a few times. This time, I’d relaxed at Block Party for a bit before joining  Johann once again, at Joy.

Standing in line to order, I surveyed my choices. Immediately, I narrowed my desires down to the “Joy Combo”. This consisted of a COLD APPETIZER, CUP OF SOUP, SCALLION BREAD SANDWICH and a SHAKEN ICED TEA.

For each selection, I ordered the WOODEAR MUSHROOMS, SHRIMP WONTON SOUP, PORK BELLY SCALLION BREAD SANDWICH and a SHAKEN GREEN ICED TEA.

After we both ordered, we waited until a table was available for us to be seated. At Joy, you order and then wait for a table to open up for you and your party to sit. it wasn’t long before we were guided to a seat and our purchased items appeared.

Per usual, everything was absolutely delicious. When you dine in, the flavor filled condiments, like soy sauce, vinegar, hot sauce and the like, are at your table.

The Joy Combo was the very happiest of happy meals.

During previous visits, I’ve enjoyed the DAN DAN NOODLES (Sesame peanut sauce, cucumbers, cilantro) and the FORBIDDEN RICE PUDDING (coconut milk, sweet potato/taro balls) and the SESAME SCALLION BREAD.

I’ve always left Joy with a happy belly and a warm heart.

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