Totally ticked off (ok, we were PO’d), having just endured our experience at Lucky Star. We were determined to get some Dim Sum, even if someone died (not us) in the process. Having dealt with that terrible experience we were now totally drawn into the web of total obsession. We decided to take a chance on Jasmine. We had not been to Jasmine in nearly 4 years; the main reason being the terrible service we had experienced there on two previous visits. In retrospect; "what the heck were we thinking?" I guess we were spoiling for a fight. We rolled into Jasmine at about 1145, I expected a wait, but apparently our timing was perfect. We were seated immediately, but the place was pretty much full.
We were served almost immediately, and in a minute, tea and ice water were on our table. And the roasted meat cart rolled by; so we got some roast duck:
The Missus ate a piece and told me how tasteless this was. So I ate a piece, and man, it was soooo salty! The Missus didn’t believe, and grabbed another piece; bit into it, and made the ultimate "lemon face". Apparently, sauce is poured over the duck. So the top portion is bland, but the bottom pieces were like a salt lick.
The Cheong Fun was up next:
Man the shrimp were huge in this. But the noodles were really too thick and gummy.
We also got some Chau Zhou Dumplings:
The fillings were pretty tasty with bamboo shoots, water chestnut and peanuts. Though I’m used to having these with dried shrimp in them. The wrappers were not made real well, they stuck to everything, so the dumpling just tore apart, with the fillings going everywhere except it’s designated destination.
The next cart up had Har Gow and other shrimp dumplings:
Both of these had huge shrimp in them.
But as you can see, the wrappers were a problem, the first one was rather dry, and the second was overly sticky, cracking, and the dumpling fell apart. Either they were not prepared well, or not cooked well.
But also on this cart was the seafood wrapped in cabbage. This was probably the best dish of the day. Tender and moist fish, a piece of "Krab", and Pork wrapped in a piece of Napa Cabbage, topped with Egg, and steamed in chicken broth. All items were cooked to perfection. In addition, you could distinctly taste every ingredient. Delici-yoso! About this time the "Jook" cart came by and we got some Congee with Pork and Preserved Egg, this was excellent as well! (Sorry no photo) Even though it looked too thick, it was fairly loose, with a nice rich and balanced flavor.
I was still a bit hungry, and so when the Oysters passed by we quickly got them:
These oyster were topped with Black Bean sauce, green onions, red chili, and steamed. Nice and beany, and a bit salty, not over-cooked as is the tendency with these. I was in "brine" heaven, though I enjoyed them more then the Missus. The saltiness almost reminded me of a mild caviar in it’s briny saltiness. I enjoyed the oysters.
At this point we hadn’t gotten any of our "usual suspects" except for the Cheong Fun. So, based on previous experience, would I push my luck? Well I did, and asked one of the Waiters if he could get us the Glutinous Rice wrapped in Lotus Leaf. This was met with a stoic, unemotional nod. But within a minute it was delivered to our table:
I thought this tasted pretty darn good and balanced. The Missus believed it was just average. That kind of summed up our experience, a real "mixed bag".
But best of all, I thought the service was good. The Gals pushing the carts were very friendly and helpful, and they even smiled! So did the Gal who served us the tea, and made sure that our water was always filled. The Guys are a bit Stoic, though very professional. Oh, and we finished everything, except the god awful duck. Yes, the two of us polished off almost everything with ease. The total bill came out to $43.91, if I remember, small plates are prices at $2.20, Medium – $3.20, Large – $3.60, X-Large $4.20, and of course specials are priced at 6 bucks and up.
Oh, by the way, the Missus wasn’t done. She needed "something sweet to finish up the meal." So while I waited for the bill she exited Jasmine and walked next door to the take-out Jasmine Express, and she bought a good variety of goodies:
Don’t ask me how these tasted. They made my teeth hurt just looking at them. But she seemed to enjoy them.
Jasmine Seafood Restaurant
4609 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111