329244 Tue Sep 26 23:33:35 -0700 2006 0 2 Los Angeles Area 0 1904381 Last Sunday, I put together a birthday party for the Missus, the MIL, and five guests (for a total of eight) at NBC Seafood (404 S. Atlantic Blvd., Monterey Park, (626) 282-2323). I was a bit nervous about this because we scheduled it right during the peak of Sunday dim sum, and with the inevitable communications issues (my language skills being limited as they are to a sporadic ability to speak English, more or less), I feared that we'd spend a bunch of time waiting and/or have other problems that would make the event less than completely enjoyable. In fact, my worries couldn't have been more groundless. Guests arrived from 10:30 to 11 or so, and were shown to a semi-private room that we shared with one other group. (The other group was great; a very friendly and nice Chinese family that gave us haolis several tips on stuff to order.) We had the usual selection of dim sum, all fresh and wonderful, and also ordered a live king crab served two ways, and two live lobsters. As usual, the crab was spectacular (seriously, this has to be one of my all time favorite seafood dishes), steamed with garlic and ginger, and salt/pepper fried on noodles. The lobster was prepared in the "house special" fashion and was great, spicy, flavorful, and delicious. After stuffing ourselves silly with seafood and dim sum, the manager (who, according the folks sharing our room, is also the owner) brought several plates of complimentary dessert items and long stem roses for all the women in group. Service throughout the meal was impeccable, even with respect to accommodating unusual beverage requests, etc., made by some of our guests. Total cost came to $295 with tax but before tip. All-in-all, this was a great experience. Wonderful food of a sort that several folks had not previously tried, and great, attentive service made this event a huge hit. Fun and delicious; I would have no hesitation to do this again at NBC. Tue Sep 26 23:33:35 -0700 2006 10134 David Kahn