Last summer we introduced some of you to Jonker Street.  

That was then…Jonker Street has CLOSED.

Apparently, under what appears to under the same management from what I can tell and a new ‘take-out inspired South East Asian’ theme, Jonker Street’s re-incarnation (read: uses the same phone number, etc) is Fresh Bowl.

It’s really to bad, actually, as I quite enjoyed what Tommy Ng was dishing up over at Jonker Street.  I have yet to discover if he is still behind the wheel at Fresh Bowl, mind you.  What I have discovered in the last month or so are some comments that make me think that they haven’t really ’solved for x’ in the service equation (let x = you and me).

Over at Urbanspoon, tubbychubby had a deciselvey negative take on service, portions, and impact the next day!

Very slow service for what’s supposed to be a “fast food” place with already preppred to be scooped into bowls….Food is over priced for the quality and quantity – portions were really small.
Ordered the roti canai, it was alright … Thai green curry – utter FAIL, no flavour and watery … I can’t even go on about how disappointed this place was. The worst part is we got sick the next day from the food!!!

On the other hand, Victoria, who also agreed the portions were small, felt otherwise:

All in all, I was satisfied with our quick and tasty meal. However, keep in mind that the servings aren’t all that large for the prices … The bright decor and friendly staff were great, and it was good to see they’d put a little more life into the restaurant with all of the renovations. It definitely lives up to it’s name, and both the food and the atmosphere is fresh.

I appreciate a good debate on the merits of a new/old restaurant.  Makes me want to try it all-the-more (minus the getting sick the next day bit).

Until I’m next passing by 1128 Pacific Boulevard, and I will try and get there, I think I’ll be sticking to my tried-n-true when it comes to take-out (ish) South East Asian/Asian inspired foods, like: Noodle Box…Wok Box…Thai Away Home, to name but a few.

Seems to me that we’ve got a lot of ‘bowls’ and ‘fresh’ concepts already in Vancouver.  But what do I know?

darren