Food Circle (Demolished)
Fairplex Pomona, CA
Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo

Ever enjoy Chinese takeout straight from the carton? The Chinese Food concession at Pomona Fairplex gave that familiar container a considerably larger job. The oversized pail advertised the food below, making this a meal stop that could catch attention before anyone smelled the cooking.

The stand belonged to the old Food Circle, a fairground dining area dating to 1939. Alongside other distinctive concessions, it helped make choosing lunch part of the entertainment. With a takeout carton this large, finding the Chinese food probably wasn’t much of a challenge.

An unverified tale describes a wok clanging and the aroma of fried rice drifting across the former concession area on quiet nights. Really? Perhaps the fairground kitchen was still filling one last order.

UPDATE: The historic Food Circle was demolished in December 2009 and replaced with temporary structures. The giant takeout-pail concession disappeared with the old dining area. 10-26

Hong Kong Inn (Gone)
Ventura , CA
Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo

After dark, the sign at Hong Kong Inn in Ventura supplied a bright invitation along Thompson Boulevard. The restaurant combined Chinese food with a cocktail-lounge atmosphere, giving customers more than one reason to linger after dinner.

Established in 1964, Hong Kong Inn moved to this location in 1973. Its history included Polynesian entertainment and generous tropical drinks, adding a little island-style diversion to a coastal restaurant visit. The glowing sign helped introduce the place before customers reached the door.

The original owners retired in 2012, but new operators reopened the restaurant in 2014 and restored the sign. For a while, this familiar Ventura landmark received another turn.

An unverified story describes the lettering briefly glowing after the lights had been switched off, then fading into the coastal fog. Think this is true? Perhaps the marquee wasn’t quite ready to call it a night.

UPDATE: Hong Kong Inn closed again in 2020. The property now houses Vaquero y Mar, a Mexican restaurant and live-music venue. The existing sign was adapted with a new upper panel for the replacement business. 10-26

Golden Dragon Restaurant
San Bernardino, CA
Photo courtesy David Carrasco

Here is a photo of the Golden Dragon Restaurant located in San Bernardino, CA. A long time favorite for Chinese food, notice the oriental themed entrance to this fine restaurant. Many thanks to David Carrasco for info.

Golden Dragon carries that appeal, with the exterior offering an introduction to the food inside. For roadside enthusiasts, looking over the building can become part of the visit. Fortunately, an appetite provides a good reason to finish the inspection and head through the door.

An unverified tale describes a humming sign frame and the scent of steamed rice drifting across the empty sidewalk late at night. True story? That would be an unusual way to advertise after closing.

UPDATE: Golden Dragon remains open at 1042 West Highland Avenue in San Bernardino, serving Chinese food for dine-in and takeout. 10-26