Since the previous year's birthday dinner at Lu Din Gee Cafe (Duck House) - San Gabriel was just OK, I decided that I didn't want to try anything new this year. No "authentic" Peking duck; I like Cantonese roast duck with steamed buns just fine. And I especially like Lunasia Chinese Cuisine's version, especially because they give me lettuce cups. I already like Lunasia Chinese Cuisine's dim sum so really, no more dragging my family to try new places. Homey Chinese favorites in an elegant setting was what I wanted this year.
Family-style dining isn't as fun without a large family to order more dishes so cousin Q, his older brother, his older brother's wife, and 1-month-old Pablo (not that he'd be doing any eating :P) joined my brother, his wife, and me.
Oh man, look at those chubby cheeks.
Lunasia serves good, authentic Chinese food in an elegant setting. The little touches make a big difference. From folded cloth napkins to...
...a fresh towel to wipe your hands before dinner.
We ordered the Peking duck, $30.
It was carved tableside so we knew it was fresh.
Crispy duck skin. I liked that he left just a little bit of meat onto each piece of crispy skin.
The steamed buns, scallion slivers, and sauce were brought out fresh as well.
Peking duck accoutrements to make our own buns.
Add some crispy duck skin and meat into a steamed bun, some scallion slivers, drizzle some sauce, yummy Peking duck bun.
Hot and Sour Soup, $10.
Scallops and asparagus stir-fried with black pepper sauce, $13.
Spare ribs with sour palm sauce, $12. I wonder if they meant sour plum sauce? Like my Suon Kho Xi Muoi (Vietnamese Braised Pork Chops with Preserved Plums), I can't recall the exact flavors to say. It was yummy though.
Pan-fried string beans, $10.
My sister-in-law ordered this noodle dish with bok choy and mushrooms so I didn't notice it on the menu. It was OK, but not what I would have ordered if we were going for a noodle dish. I would have gone with the beef chow fun instead which is really good here.
After the waiter had carved the outside of the duck, he took the rest back into the kitchen. The meat was chopped up and brought out again for our lettuce cups.
I know, it's crazy how ridiculously excited I get over Peking duck that then also becomes lettuce cups. I love getting two dishes out of one! :)
Plus, look how how they stir-fried the duck meat with water chestnuts and pine nuts. Totally upscale lettuce cups.
Complimentary Chinese bean pudding for dessert.
You know, sometimes in trying new places, I forget the tried and true. I'm glad I decided to go with one of my favorite restaurants this year so that everyone left dinner happy and full.
Other restaurants to get roast duck:
Lu Din Gee Cafe (Duck House) - San Gabriel
Ocean Star Seafood Restaurant - Monterey Park
Lunasia Chinese Cuisine
500 W. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-308-3222
Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
*****
1 year ago today, Bo Nuong La Tia To Dai Han (Vietnamese Grilled Beef with Korean Sesame Leaves).
2 years ago today, my favorite taro mochi buns at Kiki Bakery - Alhambra.
Thanks for the review. I'd be willing to try Lunasia again based on your review. I went there for dim sum last year and thought it was awful, everything too greasy.
ReplyDeleteScrapper Al,
ReplyDeleteOh no! I'm so sad it wasn't good when you went. :( I haven't gone there for dim sum in a while, but it's almost always been good for me.