Touch the Heart

I found my self asking what to do for lunch, something everyone around the world asks everyday. I had a standing lunch offer from one of my tweeps (a friend on twitter), so I dropped a DM (direct message) and we were off to lunch. We found our selves at one of our favorite haunts. Dynasty Restaurant in Modesto, a place in my mind that is leading Modesto in the right direction. Before they started serving Dim Sum a Cantonese style brunch, the closest place to find it was the Bay area or Stockton. 

Dim Sum translated to "Touch the Heart", is a meal that encourages conversation among friends and family. Everything is served in small portions typically three to four items per steamer basket. In a traditional Dim Sum restaurant items come around on a cart and you pick out what you want, and in the end you are charged by the plate, prices usually run from $2.50 to $3.95 each. Most items are usually made with rice noodles and may include anything from meat, seafood, vegetables, and fruit. 

First Impression: When you arrive there is plenty of parking you may have to park a little ways out but it's worth it. During the lunch hour there is usually a good line. The word is getting out and this place, and is really beginning to catch on. When you get a table you will notice this is a clean establishment. You will be offered two menu's, one is the regular menu full of Chinese American and Traditional Chinese food, the other is the Dim Sum menu, a full color card filled with photos of each item. Find something that looks good to you and mark it on the carbon paper ordering card, when you think you have everything you can eat marked down, your server will come by and take the bottom copy. Now sit back and enjoy the precession of great food. 

What I Ordered:  Now remember this is by the plate so I will give a break down

$2.50 Plates: 

Siu Mai - Shrimp & Pork Dumplings

Steamed Chickens Feet with Black bean sauce

Steamed Beef Tripe with Ginger and Shallots

$2.95 Plates:

Har-Gao - Prawn Dumpings

Baked Custard Buns

$3.50 Plates:

Pan Fried Chinese Chives & Meat Dumplings

$3.95 Plates:

Dry Beancurd with Prawn & Combination

Now reading over this list it is a little more risky than the average person might order but I'm not the average bear. I love the things that make most people squirm. If you can get past mental blocks, this in my opinion is where most people have trouble with new foods. You will begin to discover a whole new world of food. If I had to order for a first timer and they like pork and shrimp I would order more like this.

Siu Mai - Pork and shrimp dumplings

Baou - Steamed BBQ Pork Bun

Har-Gao -  Prawn Dumpling

Pan Fried Pot Stickers

Rice Noodle Roll with Prawns

This would be a basic order, somewhere to start for the average person, now from here its up to your stomach. 

Price: Two People Both left full. These are plate prices and the number of plates.

$2.50 X 3 = $7.50

$2.95 X 2 = $5.90

$3.50 X 1 = $3.50

$3.95 X 1 = $3.95

1 Ice Tea $2.50

Total with Tax: $25.30

Tip $6.00

Out the Door $31.30

Would I Recommend this Place: Yes to someone that has alway loved to eat pot stickers, this is the ultimate Dumping heaven. Maybe you are not into dumplings and just want great Chinese food this is the place. While you are there if he comes by, take a second and talk with Robert the owner. He is usually walking around making sure everyone is having a great dining experience. To the single guys out there if you want to show a girl a good time and take her somewhere for lunch that will make you look cultured. This is a great place a taste of Cantonese style lunch that will give you an opportunity to talk and get to know her. They also do catering and phone orders.

Where: 3500 Coffee Rd. Modesto, Ca 95355 Suite #1

Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11:00am - 9:30pm

     Saturday - Sunday 10:00am - 9:30pm

     Closed Monday

     Dim Sum Served everyday before 3:00pm

Contact: (209)521-8808

www.Dynastygarden.net