"The menu at 1618 on East Riverside pulls from Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, Singaporean, and Southeast Asian influences, which means you get to decide just how classic (or inventive) you want to go with your weekend dim sum brunch. Start with some obligatory xiao long bao, har gow, and siu mai, then throw in some sugar cane shrimp and grilled lemongrass duck skewers to add a little variety. There’s a liveliness to the dining room that makes the meal feel exciting. Maybe it’s the half-pineapples filled with fried rice dotting the tables, maybe it’s the brunch-friendly cocktails and mimosas, or maybe it’s the flaming cheesecake dessert that arrives still fully engulfed in flames." - nicolai mccrary