Dim Sum

What better way to spend the Lunar New Years than with your family? This year everyone met for dim sum at Jasmine Seafood. It was a busy morning with families packed in front of the restaurant 15 minutes before opening. Dim sum is always bustling on the weekends but especially crowded celebrating the new year, plus there would be a lion dance that morning!

Dim Sum at Jasmine Seafood in San Diego

Xiao Long Bao at Din Tai Fung at UTC Mall in San Diego

The popular Din Tai Fung (DTF) recently opened a location in the renovated Westfield UTC Mall of San Diego. Foodies have long been raving about this place but the drive to O.C. and long lines kept me away. That is, until now. A friend invited me to join a mid-week lunch during the first week and I excitedly accepted. Currently, the restaurant is in soft opening mode and only takes online yelp reservations, with most of October already booked! It will return to a first-come first-serve basis after 2 months or so.

DIM SUM during the week you say? That's not normal (except in Convoy)! But now there's a new restaurant in Hillcrest called French Concession that IS open with your choice of favorite dim sum items from noon to 10pm, any day of the week. The catch... don't expect any servers pushing carts or the typical round tables with lazy susans. Instead, this place has normal table service and a more 'chic' feel.

French Concession - outdoor view