Jasmine - Never Get Dim Sum When You're Angry

Totally ticked off (ok, we were PO'd), having just endured our experience at Lucky Star. We were determined to get some Dim Sum, even if someone died (not us) in the process. Having dealt with that terrible experience we were now totally drawn into the web of total obsession. We decided to take a chance on Jasmine. We had not been to Jasmine in nearly 4 years; the main reason being the terrible service we had experienced there on two previous visits. In retrospect; "what the heck were we thinking?" I guess we were spoiling for a fight. We rolled into Jasmine at about 1145, I expected a wait, but apparently our timing was perfect. We were seated immediately, but the place was pretty much full.

We were served almost immediately, and in a minute, tea and ice water were on our table. And the roasted meat cart rolled by; so we got some roast duck:

The Missus ate a piece and told me how tasteless this was. So I ate a piece, and man, it was soooo salty! The Missus didn't believe, and grabbed another piece; bit into it, and made the ultimate "lemon face". Apparently, sauce is poured over the duck. So the top portion is bland, but the bottom pieces were like a salt lick.

The Cheong Fun was up next:

Man the shrimp were huge in this. But the noodles were really too thick and gummy.

We also got some Chau Zhou Dumplings:

The fillings were pretty tasty with bamboo shoots, water chestnut and peanuts. Though I'm used to having these with dried shrimp in them. The wrappers were not made real well, they stuck to everything, so the dumpling just tore apart, with the fillings going everywhere except it's designated destination.

The next cart up had Har Gow and other shrimp dumplings:

Both of these had huge shrimp in them.

But as you can see, the wrappers were a problem, the first one was rather dry, and the second was overly sticky, cracking, and the dumpling fell apart. Either they were not prepared well, or not cooked well.

But also on this cart was the seafood wrapped in cabbage. This was probably the best dish of the day. Tender and moist fish, a piece of "Krab", and Pork wrapped in a piece of Napa Cabbage, topped with Egg, and steamed in chicken broth. All items were cooked to perfection. In addition, you could distinctly taste every ingredient. Delici-yoso! About this time the "Jook" cart came by and we got some Congee with Pork and Preserved Egg, this was excellent as well! (Sorry no photo) Even though it looked too thick, it was fairly loose, with a nice rich and balanced flavor.

I was still a bit hungry, and so when the Oysters passed by we quickly got them:

These oyster were topped with Black Bean sauce, green onions, red chili, and steamed. Nice and beany, and a bit salty, not over-cooked as is the tendency with these. I was in "brine" heaven, though I enjoyed them more then the Missus. The saltiness almost reminded me of a mild caviar in it's briny saltiness. I enjoyed the oysters.

At this point we hadn't gotten any of our "usual suspects" except for the Cheong Fun. So, based on previous experience, would I push my luck? Well I did, and asked one of the Waiters if he could get us the Glutinous Rice wrapped in Lotus Leaf. This was met with a stoic, unemotional nod. But within a minute it was delivered to our table:

I thought this tasted pretty darn good and balanced. The Missus believed it was just average. That kind of summed up our experience, a real "mixed bag".

But best of all, I thought the service was good. The Gals pushing the carts were very friendly and helpful, and they even smiled! So did the Gal who served us the tea, and made sure that our water was always filled. The Guys are a bit Stoic, though very professional. Oh, and we finished everything, except the god awful duck. Yes, the two of us polished off almost everything with ease. The total bill came out to $43.91, if I remember, small plates are prices at $2.20, Medium - $3.20,  Large - $3.60, X-Large $4.20, and of course specials are priced at 6 bucks and up.

Oh, by the way, the Missus wasn't done. She needed "something sweet to finish up the meal." So while I waited for the bill she exited Jasmine and walked next door to the take-out Jasmine Express, and she bought a good variety of goodies:

Don't ask me how these tasted. They made my teeth hurt just looking at them. But she seemed to enjoy them.

Jasmine Seafood Restaurant
4609 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

Comments

[Kathy]

At least you finally got your dim sum! (Those oysters look mighty delicious).

[santos.]

mmmm, gummy rice wrappers. but, the oysters look fantastic, i'll have to try making those at home.

[Rachel]

Hi kirk :)

Well at least you had some good to balance out the bad. I guess the chef just can't get his skin pastry right. IMHO, the cheong fun didn't look fresh. But hopefully the big shrimp made up for it. Well at least you know where to go if you have a craving but what not to order.

MMmm that pastry with what ooks like lotus seed paste and salted yolk looked good though :)

[Jack]

Hi Kirk,
Wow, you got good service at Jasmine? That would be a first for me. Gummy cheong fun is one of my pet peeeves. It always bums me out when this happens.

[Angie]

Sounds like my typical experience at Jasmine--some good, some bad, and yes, the dumpling wrappers always stick together and fall apart. I hate that.

But at least they cared enough to serve you tea and water.

[Kirk]

Hi Kathy - The cabbage rolls, jook, and oysters were the hightlights.

Hi Santos - I love oysters. I'll be checking to see how they come out.

Hi Rachel - Can you believe after we ate all of that - "I need just a small bite of something sweet" - small bite???

Hey Jack - This was first for us as well. Smiling cart girls? I thought maybe I was in the wrong restaurant; or perhaps the Twilight Zone?

Hi Angie - The Dim Sum was maddingly inconsistent. But the service was suprisingly good!

[elmomonster]

I didn't know those cart ladies had the ability to smile! Glad to know you have achieved dim sum redemption...sorta.

[Pam]

Gummy cheong fun...eeesh. But I'm glad you had a somewhat decent experience to make up for that icky Lucky Star one. =)

[Candice]

Jasmine is a sentimental favorite for me but I agree, their quality can vary. I love their warm tofu with ginger syrup and pan fried chive and shrimp dumplings. They also sometimes have a chilled dish of sliced octopus that is super tender and tasty.

China Max has become my favorite dim sum spot though, although their menu is limited.

[Kirk]

Hi Elmo - Yes, the Dim Sum Ladies were very nice. Amazing!!!!

Hi Pam - Yes ,the Dim Sum was very uneven.

Hi Candice - The table next to us took the last Fried Chive and Shrimp dumpling - it's one of our favorites as well, but didn't want to wait around. Plus I think we had enough to eat! :o)Emerald used to make the cold marinated octopus dish as well, it was delish - reminded me of Tako-Poke.

[MEalcnetric]

lucky, you got good dim sum. At least SOMEONE is eating good dim sum that isnt half frozen

[Kirk]

Hi Mealcentric - Well it was ok Dim Sum. I guess I should be thankful it wasn't frozen, huh?

[Reid]

Hi Kirk,

The dim sum looks pretty good, too bad that for the most part, it wasn't. I've never had cabbage wrapped seafood or oysters at a dim sum place here before so those were the most interesting to me. I have to say that I'm really happy that you got good service here. I'm not going to generalize, but dim sum restaurants are not normally known for having good service.

[Kirk]

Hi Reid - We were surprised at the service as well. Like everyone took their "Happy Pills" for the day. The cabbage rolls were really good - first time I've seen them as well.

[Alex]

Those who have been to China or HK know ... if you're getting good service, it's NOT real Chinese food! ;)