The Bright Pearl - Dim Sum
Yesterday we had our hearts set on a Dim Sum feast after visiting the ROM. Paul insisted that we go to a dim sum restaurant where they wheel the food around the restaurant on a cart (as compared to the restaurants where you actually place an order). It makes for a fun experience. You signal to the server that you are interested in somethng on the cart. She places it on your table and marks off your bill. often you don't have a clue what you're getting . . . this becomes the adventure!
I suggested that we go the Bright Pearl, a Toronto chinatown landmark. Alongside Kensington Market, this majestic eatery contains its own fish tank. Filled with live lobster, Vancouver crab, and bass, it reflects the fresh seafood offered here. The dim sum is another all-day staple, although early morning and mid-afternoon happy hours offer freshly steamed shrimp or pork, beef balls or ribs, steamed BBQ pork chicken or sticky rice and spring rolls.
After being seated in the expansive dining room, we listened to the chatter of happy customers and the clicking of china and chopsticks. Once our cups were filled with soothing jasmine tea the fun began. Luckily there was a visual dim sum pamphlet at our table, which helped us identify some of the selections.
This is what we enjoyed:
Beef balls with bean curd skin, shrimp balls, and scallion pancake
BBQ Pork buns (my favourite)
Spicy shrimp
Steamed shrimp dumplings
BBQ pork
Fried shrimp balls
Shrimp spring rolls
Steamed pork buns
Fried shrimp dumplings
crispy chicken wings
Lemon chicken
When the time came to leave we paid the bill ($ 73) and rolled ourselves out to the car. We were stuffed but happy!
OMW, this is so not fair to post all these wonderful photos, descriptions, etc. and me with not a dim sum place in sight. It's like all the bloggers posting beach and warm sunny days photos...enough to just make one quit trying to keep up the happy dispostion of "Soon spring will come," altogether.
Seriously, it looks like you had a great time with wonderful food...thanks for letting me live vicariously.
Posted by:Kayte | January 29, 2008 at 04:05 PM
So there was Paul you and who else? That can be the only explanation for 13 different dishes; not that I was counting of course :)
Posted by:David H | January 29, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Looks great - nice and Yummy!!
Posted by:Rose | January 29, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Dave - Edith was there. She eats a lot! LOL
Kayte - I am always reminded of how great the food scene is here in the Toronto area. I take it for granted!
Posted by:Jerry | January 29, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Man, that looks amazing. When I finally get to Toronto we're going there! The baked pork buns are my favorite too.
Posted by:Kim | January 29, 2008 at 08:29 PM
Rose - we thought of you when we were there. I'm not sure that you would have enjoyed it because we didn't know what we were eating half of the time! LOL There was a lot of seafood (although you could order off of the menu).
Kim - there is a Chinese bakery about 2 blocks from my office which makes incredible pork buns (I am about 3 blocks from Chinatown here).
Posted by:Jerry | January 30, 2008 at 08:19 AM