**** Mr Dumpling has closed
Recently, while on my way to 99 Ranch Market, I passed Mr Dumpling and noticed a huge banner.
What really caught my eye was the phrase "Grand Opening Feb 28". I was very interested.... what could this grand opening sign mean. It doesn't say "under new management" and the name is still Mr Dumpling. We'd only visited Mr Dumpling once before and was very disappointed in the dishes which were not prepared well, and over-priced. But now.....
I quickly got ahold of a good "FOY", and inquired. The response was, she wasn't sure, but she had heard that the Xiao Long Bao were the best in San Diego. 'Nuff said, I was there ASAP. I met my good eating buddy, and hit up Mr Dumpling.
I've always liked the interior of Mr Dumpling, warm colors and tastefully decorated gives the place much more style than other Chinese Restaurants in San Diego.
We inquired as to a possible ownership change, and was told, it was the same owner, but a different menu. The lunch menu is more Shanghai influenced, so perhaps it was a change in chef? You can order many small bites as the dumplings are served in orders of four or five, and many snack items are available.
Of course we started with the Xiao Long Bao (four - $2.99):
This could've been pretty good. The wrappers were decent, perhaps the best in San Diego. Not too thick or thin, with a decent pull. There were several problems with the XLB. First, there wasn't enough soup in the XLB. Second, there flavor was off, and I never thought I'd say this, but the soup and the meat weren't sweet or savory enough. Much like the XLB at Dumpling Inn, these tasted like regular dumpling filling. Also, there's black vinegar on the table, but you have to request sliced ginger for your XLB.
We also ordered the Special Five Variety Dumpling (5 - $3.99) and Lamb Meat Dumplings (4 - $2.99). I'm putting these two together.
As you notice these dumplings are steamed, and the wrappers are different as well. Tough, gummy, and somewhat brittle, I believe that these are "hot water wrappers" made with boiling water. It's a totally different kind of wrapper, as boiling water really develops the gluten much differently. I guess I'm not a big fan of this type of wrappers.... they remind me of cheaply made Gyoza wrappers.
The fillings were too finely minced causing a fairly dense and dry "meatball". So naturally, the celery, and the egg dumplings fared better, but were bland. The flavor of the lamb dumplings was pretty bland.
The best item of the day was probably the Leek Pie ($2.25):
My dining partner indicated that this could have been a bit more crisp on the exterior. The flavor was very homestyle, and could have used a bit more salt.
Nothing to rave about, but passable.
The "Pancake of Beef" (Niu Rou Chuan $5.99) looked really good.
The "pancake" looked almost like Jiang Bing, since it obviously had egg involved. The beef was just the right texture, a nice semi-cured tender without being mushy and falling to pieces, but it seriously lacked flavor.... any flavor. There's usually an additional flavor component, a smear of bean paste, or a hoisin like concoction. This lacked that, which meant that the pungency of the scallions took over.
I think this place tries hard, and perhaps over-reaches, as each dish fell short, or flat in one way or another. The service was friendly and adequate. Like I mentioned earlier, I like the set-up, but in my opinion, the food leaves something to be desired. I'm likely to make at least one more visit though. The hot pot menu looks promising, and the folks having hot pot looked like they were enjoying their meal. The prices are also right..... and are also 30% off right now.
I will have a challenge on my hands though.... trying to convince the Missus to give this place another shot.
Mr Dumpling
7250 Convoy Ct
San Diego, CA 92111
Wow look at that leek pie! I might have to try it despite the so-so description. But I feel ginger should come automatically with XLB..?
Posted by: Dennis | Tuesday, 16 March 2010 at 10:00 PM
leek? I thought the filling is traditionally chives?
Posted by: Hao | Tuesday, 16 March 2010 at 10:44 PM
Does it mean they no longer have the all-you-can-eat hot pot?
http://cutiangel.xanga.com/707890938/hot-hot-hot-day/
Posted by: Jess | Wednesday, 17 March 2010 at 02:03 AM
:(
Posted by: kat | Wednesday, 17 March 2010 at 04:47 AM
The place sure looks fancy unfortunately the food isn't up to par. Heck I'm a fool for dumpling especially XLB I have yet to find an XLB I haven't shovel down my throat. LOL
Posted by: bill | Wednesday, 17 March 2010 at 06:32 AM
Hi Dennis - Ginger is one of those required items for XLB as far as I'm concerned.
Hi Hao - Check out the dumplings, does this place strike you as particularly traditional.
Hi Jess - We didn't order the hot pot, so I wouldn't know. I can tell you that we were given the hot pot menu with prices for each individual item on it.
Hi Kat - Yeah......
Hi Bill - LOL..... I do love the look of the place.
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 17 March 2010 at 07:52 AM
I saw the same sign about two weeks ago and was wondering if they had changed owners or just changing things up to get more customers. I was really tempted by the 30% off and by the hot pot..but my last experience there was so disappointing that I didn't want to risk going there. So glad you did a post! So sad the dumplings still aren't up to par. I'm tempted by the hot pot though. Is 30% off all meals or are there restrictions?
Posted by: kirbie | Wednesday, 17 March 2010 at 09:56 AM
The colored dumplings look so Easter-y huh? I would order those just to look at 'em! That's so unfortunate that the XLB wasn't great. I hate those moments. It's almost so defeating.
But the leek pie and beef pancake, at least, look decent. Have you had the beef pie at Lil' Sheep Mongolian hot pot (or whatever it's called).
My cousin went to Mr. Dumpling a while back and said it was probably THE worst, slowest service EVER. How was the service that day?
Nice post!
Posted by: Faye | Wednesday, 17 March 2010 at 11:01 AM
Hi Kirbie - You know, I really didn't ask much about the hot pot, so you might want to check them out.
Hi Faye - Service was fine, though there were only three tables of customers. I haven't had the beef pie at Little Fat Sheep, I'm going to have those items when it gets too hot for hot pot.
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 17 March 2010 at 12:55 PM
(to Lady Gaga's "Poker Face") p-p-p-pot stickers
can't eat my, can't eat my
no he can't eat my Xiao Long Bao
Sadness... I never tried Mr. Dumpling but was always curious about it. But all the negative and "meh" reviews kept me away.
Posted by: Rosa | Wednesday, 17 March 2010 at 02:55 PM
LOL Rosa - You are too funny....
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 18 March 2010 at 08:33 AM
I have not been to Mr. Dumpling since the new menu but have had the all you can eat hot pot several times before and it was indeed enjoyable and the price was right at under $20 per person. I hope you try it. I would like to hear what you think. Apparently Dede's does an all you can eat hot pot for $25 a person but I have never seen anyone order it.
Posted by: PJ | Friday, 26 March 2010 at 10:25 AM
Hi PJ - Thanks for the rec. I'll try to get to that hot pot when I have a chance.
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 26 March 2010 at 02:07 PM