Hometown Taste 乡味源 (Previously Hunan Restaurant) — Restaurant in San Diego

I hate posting negative reviews, but hopefully Hometown Taste can take this feedback seriously and make improvements for the future. Although we were unable to eat it, their food does look good.

We visited Hometown Taste on Christmas Day looking forward to some Chinese food after our favorite spot closed due to the owner retiring. It was clearly busy with dine in and to go orders. We were able to place our order after 15 minutes. Our family of 4, with 2 young kids, were patient and came prepared with activity books to stay entertained. After 20 minutes we noticed others receiving food that arrived at the same time. I asked the person bustling around and they quickly told me it’s busy and our food is coming. After another 10 minutes without food I asked more firmly and they went to go check. They came back 5 minutes later saying they lost our order because it’s busy and said we’ll have to place another order if we want food. After spending about 1 hour in the restaurant on Christmas Day with no food, we walked out with our 4yo crying in disappointment because she was hungry.

During our wait people were showing up that had reservations and they were unable to seat them because the restaurant was full. All the while they were pumping out large amounts of to go orders.

I’m not in the restaurant business, but it appeared they were unable to manage their capacity appropriately on a busy day. It seemed they were taking on too much business and the disorganization of their approach to service did not help.

To be fair, it was Christmas Day and extremely busy, but losing an order and not realizing for an extended period of time is unforgivable. I will never go back. Hopefully they can learn from this review and improve their approach to capacity planning...

I checked out Hometown Taste in Rancho Bernardo and was somewhat impressed. The restaurant is bright, clean and thoughtfully adorned with subdued Chinese décor, lanterns and whatnot. I found the service to be most pleasant and nice. Parking was surprisingly easy considering they share a lot with Jack in the Box and Carl’s Jr. Wine glasses were clean and generously filled. Egg Drop Soup to start was tasty. Prices here are quite reasonable all things considered! I will be back for sure. I appreciate the option of fried rice with my lunch special dishes and was most delighted to see no extra charge for that. I asked about ordering a Fried Wonton Appetizer and the server stated that the lunch special comes with a spring roll. That’s nice, but it’s not what I asked.

I ordered Kung Pao Chicken and it was decent, although not the best you’ll find in about a 5 mile radius from here. I think the most off-putting thing for me was it not being spicy. The menu calls out “spicy” however when I got the itemized receipt at the end, it was marked “mild”. I didn’t know I had a choice! I wish they would have asked. I know at Thai restaurants they have their arbitrary numerical scales of spice they’re always quizzing me on when I order. Sometimes it’s 1-10, or 0-5, I can never keep track. I’ve never been asked about spice levels at a Chinese establishment. Either the dish is spicy or it’s not. Anyway, the Kung Pao itself was good in that it did not contain any extra unnecessary fillers like water chestnuts, mushrooms, etc. However the wok sear was not as pronounced as I like. The mouthfeel was just a little too...

First time visit, last night. A bit of a wait, as they were very busy, but rightly so. This place served what I'd consider to be, the Absolute Best Chinese Food, in San Diego. The Best I've ever had. The food was piping hot, fresh and very, delicious. I ordered the Shrimp Fried Rice, and the Shrimp with Broccoli. Both plates were phenomenal. My Shrimp was cooked to a perfect temperature and tenderness. It was like butter, and simply melted in my mouth. My plates were served with both Chopsticks, and large spoons, giving comfort and options with either. My Server was quick to acknowledge me and kindly catered to each of her Customer's with dignity and respect. The vibe was both lively, and family friendly. Clearly a great place to take your's, on any given night, exception of Monday's, when they are closed. Prime Dinner Hour, 6:00 p.m., and after a long day at the office, I was in need of Quality Self Care, and happy to say, I found it here. Perhaps you too, will find your way to my new, "Go To" for Chinese Food. In business for 45 year's, and going strong. Which is quite a legacy that speaks for itself. How many businesses that you frequent, share this known fact ? Not many, I'm betting. Thank you, and enjoy. I certainly did, and will return again soon. Tomorrow...