Joy C.
Yelp
I've heard about this Cantonese restaurant on Long Island for a while and have been itching to try it out.
Finding the restaurant wasn't easy, as their signage was small and inconspicuous. We circled around twice before finally spotting it tucked away next to a car wash, in a black building with plenty of parking spaces.
The interior of the restaurant was brightly lit and decorated with a trendy, artsy flair. At first glance, you wouldn't guess it was a Cantonese restaurant, but given its location in Long Island and the fusion dishes on the menu, it all made sense.
We arrived during an off-peak hour, so we were seated immediately (reservations can be made on Resy). There were only two or three other tables occupied, which made for a comfortable dining environment. The servers brought out a complimentary plate of crispy wonton skins with sweet sauce (clearly catering to American tastes), which were deliciously crispy without being too greasy.
Now, on to the food:
The Xiao Long Bao ($16) were some of the best I've had in New York in recent years. The skin was thin and delicate, and the broth was rich and flavorful. Each dumpling was topped with a single goji berry, which the xiao long bao made for a perfect pairing with soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger.
The Dim Sum Platter ($16) included four types of dumplings, two pieces of each: crystal shrimp dumplings, siu mai, tricolor dumplings, and vegetable potstickers. The first two were traditional, filled with plump and juicy shrimp, while the latter two incorporated more fusion elements. All the dumplings had a nice texture and bite.
Finally, the Beijing Roast Duck ($89) was a must-try. It wasn't listed on the dine-in menu, only on the take-out menu, which made it feel like a hidden gem. The whole duck was brought and carved to the table. The meat was wrapped in thin, crepe-like pancakes and paired with the classic sweet sauce, as well as a unique cranberry sauce that the restaurant provides for American diners who like to pair it with turkey. The dish was truly outstanding.
I didn't have high expectations going in, but the food was absolutely amazing. For Cantonese dim sum that caters to American tastes, this restaurant did not disappoint. The prices were on the more premium end, but the quality of the food and the overall experience made it well worth it. I'm already looking forward to returning with more friends to try more of their dishes.