Happy Turkey-Day All. Since we already did our Chinese Roast Turkey. We decided not to do another Turkey for this Thanksgiving, though the thought did cross my mind. So instead we did "brunch" at Pearl.
And an excellent brunch it was. Of course we started with some Dim Sum:
The shrimp and chive dumplings were the same as the last visit, not fried enough and a bit greasy, and lacking enough chive, but the Taro Gok was also just as good as the last visit as well. Perfectly fried, salty masago on the top, and with a nice sweet scallop in each one.
The Haw Gow, though on the small side, were filled with plump shrimp, and very tasty. The shrimp siu mai, were better then expected, and again though on the small side, were very nice.
But the reason we decided to make the drive to Rancho Bernardo was this:
Currently, Pearl is running a special. Peking Duck for $18, quite a bargain! The duck was prepared well; each slice consisted of a skin and a bit of subcutaneous fat and meat. A dozen "buns", hoisin sauce, and slices of cucumber were provided. Overall pretty good, not oily, slightly rich, and the duck went well with the Pu-Erh tea we ordered.
Of course this was the typical "two dish" preparation and it came with the minced duck meat in lettuce cups:
The nice rich savory duck meat with diced water chestnuts, and other items, made this delici-
yoso!!! What a bargain for Eighteen Bucks! The service at Pearl was again superb, our Host(ess), Jennifer made sure that our water was always filled, and even "comped" our tea, telling me Happy Thanksgiving. So I guess our last experience here was not just a one time thing. Our bill came to $34.
We had a very nice Thanksgiving meal, but it was missing one standard Dim Sum dish. One of the Missus's favorite. So on the way home, we decided to make it for ourself! Can you guess what it is?
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Sticky rice in Lotus Leaf? I know that is one of your standards... but the Missus fav? Not sure. You were also missing cheong fun... Regardless, looks like your meal was outta sight!
Our turkey came out great. I brined in salt, raw sugar, star anise, cinnamon sticks, thai chilis, shaoxing wine, & soy sauce. I put the spices in the bottom of the roaster along with some water... WOW!
Posted by: Jo | Thursday, 24 November 2005 at 10:43 PM
Hi Kirk,
How funny is that. I joined a couple of friends for dim sum today too! I was going to guess glutinous rice in mochi leaf, but Jo beat me to the punch.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
*sigh* No Thanksgiving post for me. My DSL connection at home hasn't been working all day. =(
Posted by: Reid | Thursday, 24 November 2005 at 11:52 PM
Mochi leaf?
Posted by: Jo | Friday, 25 November 2005 at 11:02 AM
Hi Jo - I guess you know us pretty well! I'm going to have to leave harder clues! Sounds like a great bird. I'll be needing some photo's! LOL! ;O)
Hi Reid - I hate when these connections go on the fritz, we've become so dependant on them, it feels like we've been violated! Like I commented to Jo - you Guys jusy know us to well!
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 25 November 2005 at 02:23 PM
That's funny--we went to Pearl for Dim Sum today. It was my first visit there. You are right about lightning fast service. We had barely taken our seats before we had food and water on the table!
Were they out of lotus leaves this week? Because all they brought was some sticky rice in overturned glass bowls.
Posted by: Angie | Friday, 25 November 2005 at 10:13 PM
::laughs and rolls eyes:: OH yea, it was a tough call there Kirk! Actually, I remember the sticky rice because its a fav of mine. I like it stuffed with tiny slivers of dried shitake, roasted pork, and lup cheong. ::sighs::
Posted by: Jo | Saturday, 26 November 2005 at 11:45 PM
Yay for good deals, especially those involving food! I remember (I also cheated by reading all the other comments...) sticky rice! Ahh, wonderful stuff, dim sum sticky rice really makes for a savory, hearty meal.
Posted by: Kathy | Sunday, 27 November 2005 at 01:04 AM
HEY! Speaking of which, I've heard of but never had "sweet" or "desert" sticky rice. How bout the rest of you?
Posted by: Jo | Sunday, 27 November 2005 at 05:33 PM
Hi Angie - We saw the lotus leaf dish on the day we went. Glutinous Rice Bowl is also a pretty standard dish, I've seen it at Emerald and Jasmine. BTW, you can ask any of the Hosts if you see something you want, and they'll try to get them for you.
Hi Jo - So how do these rate? BTW, most Thai Restaurants will have sticky rice with mango for dessert.
Hi Kathy - These came out better then I thought they would.
Posted by: Kirk | Sunday, 27 November 2005 at 08:21 PM
::tilt:: I missed something... How do the sweet one's rate? I have no idea, I've only heard of them. I was hoping someone else could expound on them. I don't care much for mango or papaya, but peach and almond maybe?
Posted by: Jo | Sunday, 27 November 2005 at 11:53 PM
Jo - Thai sticky rice with mango is ok - they also serve it with coconut ice cream - it's not amoung my favorite things, but many people like it. Never seen it with peach, though.
Posted by: KIrk | Monday, 28 November 2005 at 07:25 AM
I've never heard of such a thing either. But then, you know me in that department! I'm actually thinking dried apricots, peaches, and just a few bits of cherry for color, then a sprinkle of almond toffee. Must be wrapped and steamed in lotus leave like a savory sticky rice. hmmm... coconut ice cream...
Posted by: Jo | Monday, 28 November 2005 at 02:48 PM
Hi Jo,
I meant lotus leaf. I got Milly-fingers for a day! =P
Posted by: Reid | Thursday, 01 December 2005 at 12:12 AM
Hi Jo - Sorry, missed your comment. Next time you have Thai Food - esp. since you can now tolerate a bit more spicy, go sample some, and let your imagination go.....
Hi Reid - We all have Milly-fingers once in a while! LOL!
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 01 December 2005 at 09:30 AM