Life in the Lower Mainland (BC, Canada)

Although my previous experience at the new Dinesty at Metrotown was disappointing, I was willing to chalk it up to the location being new and give them another try. Mistake. Well over a week ago I made a reservation. When I tried to change it to two smaller tables but more seats in total, it was initially approved, but later they called me and told me they wanted a $100 deposit for the second table. I ask for 2 more seats and they want $100. Really? Anyway, I kept my reservation. They are of course well aware of Chinese New Year, so I was not surprised to find the restaurant of course packed for their 7pm second seating. What I wasn't expecting was the staff shortage--It took very long to just order anything. But even so, floor staff kept their cool with customers and were at least professional though clearly so overworked most basically had to ignore you unless you walked right up and talked to them, in which case they typically asked you to wait a moment. Dishes also ca...

Nice bright and open space at the newest Dinesty Dumpling House near Metrotown . They've jammed as many tables as they could into it without compromising too much on spacing. The result is you could have some substandard spaces like being right next to the server station, the entrance, or the bathroom. Still, decor is nice even if the privacy isn't quite there all the time -- tables near the walls are quite close together. The Xiao Long Bao here come in steamers of 8, and each bao is about the size of a ping pong ball. Luffa and Shrimp Xiao Long Bao ($7.95 for 8) Where's my shrimp? More importantly, where's my soup? Steamed Shrimp, Scallop & Pork Soup Dumplings ($7.95) Delicious soup. Filling tasted fatty but otherwise quite tasty. Where's my shrimp and scallop? Deep Fried Chicken Rolls with Asparagus and Ham ($9.95) Asparagus is token -- one piece slightly bigger than the eraser at the end of your pencil. Meaty portion! It's like a qua...