dim sum during week?

[smalldumpling]

My 81 year old mother-in-law is in town and has never had dim sum. She is from Ohio and is used to midwestern cooking. So as a fun new experience, I am looking for an excellent dim sum place that is open on Wednesdays that I could take her to. Hopefully with carts. I have seen good reviews of Elite but it seems that they don't have the carts. Any suggestions?

Thank you very much!

[selfportrait93]

If you decide to go to Capital Seafood for Dim Sum. Ask the staff if you can still get a free roast chicken for a minimum $25 check. They'll send you to their togo store next door to pick one up. What a deal, huh?

[Chandavkl]

Ocean Star in Monterey Park is the largest and most bustling of the dim sum places in town, so that will add an additional dimension for someone from the midwest who has never had dim sum. Sort of a taste of what it might feel like to be in Hong Kong. Dim sum is good not great and extremely reasonable (actually laughably so on weekdays).

[ipsedixit]

Ditto Ocean Star for all the reasons mentioned by Chandavkl, although isn't it now called Miriwa?

[Chandavkl]

It's only Miriwa in Chinese. Signage still says Ocean Star.

[smalldumpling]

Wow, thank you for your suggestions, I really appreciate the input! I will look at all of them, although it sounds like Ocean Star might be a good option. I myself have never been to Elite and hope to go there soon on another trip.

[smalldumpling]

uh oh, there is Ocean STar Seafood on Chandler and Ocean Star Restaurant on North Atlantic, both in Monterey Park. Which one has the dim sum?

[taiwanesesmalleats]

The one on Atlantic. It's other cross street is Garvey.

[Chandavkl]

The Ocean Star on Chandler closed down in 2001. It's now a Japanese restaurant.

[ipsedixit]

Can I tag along?

What I would pay to see an 81-year old lady from the Midwest exposed for the first time to dim sum ... what with all the carts and the shouting and the pig's foot that and intestines this and pork's blood over there and ... What fun!

[raytamsgv]

Make the experience complete: do a full-scale fight for the check.

[J.L.]

Ditto: I wanna see an octagon-style, all out match for the check.

[ipsedixit]

"Ditto: I wanna see an octagon-style, all out match for the check."

______________________________________________________________

Put that thing on pay-per-view and it'll crush UFC in the ratings department.

[smalldumpling]

well, yes it might be pretty funny! she is actually an energetic lady, athletic (was a pioneering golf pro in the sport of woman's golf sixtysome years ago) and in general, a very good sport, so I think she would really enjoy the experience....but I won't order the chicken feet or pig's foot!

[martyR]

I did that last year with a couple from the midwest. The wife had never been to LA and I took her and her kids to 888. It was great seeing the expressions, sometimes of fear, on her face. She kept saying "where am I?".

[selfportrait93]

Had lunch today at Ocean Star and the place was packed around 12:30. However, did not have to wait to be seated. I noticed lots of items which I have not seen in previous visits here or at NBC. I stuck to my regular/traditional dim sum orders. They have a special " lobster and noodle dish" for $12.

[raytamsgv]

Try 888 in Rosemead or Empress Harbour in Monterey Park if you want the dim sum cart experience. Although I like Elite's dim sum better, I think she might have more fun with the carts. I'd recommend going a little later (e.g. 11 or so) so that they'll have more dishes available.

[mrshankly]

As much as the carts add to the dim sum experience, I'd take her to Elite regardless because the food is exceptional. I think the quality and taste of the food will quickly overshadow the lack of carts and the traditional dim sum presentation.

[J.L.]

Frankly, Mr. Shankly, this position I've held...

That the first dim sum experience SHOULD involve carts, just for the unique feel of the experience - clamor, crowds, carts and all. The food is still quite good. Once she becomes more accustomed to dim sum, then take her to the Elites of the world.