Fortune Restaurant (Falls Church, VA)

The first time we visited this famous landmark, we thought Bruce Lee would suddenly step from behind one of the two huge aquarium fish tanks and commence start the fisticuffs.  That’s how much Fortune truly evokes the type of opulence of those Chinese Mafia-owned restaurants from a mid-1970 kung fu movie.  The ambiance of the restaurant is set by the walls covered with lilac-pink paint that serve as the back drop for oversized red and gold Chinese symbols of Dragons and Double Happiness.  At the far end of the restaurant, band equipment and more Chinese symbols dominate the stage space, which is almost always occupied on weekends with wedding receptions and private parties.  And the food is hardly upstaged by the décor, particularly the Dim Sum selection.  Perfectly Roasted Cantonese Style Chicken, Flavorful Baby Clams Sautéed with Black Bean Sauce; Steamed Shrimp Rolls, Sweet Rice in Lotus Leaves with Assorted Meats; are the highlights of the extensive menu.

Oriental East Restaurant (Silver Spring, MD)

On weekends at around eleven am, the early birds are happily seated preparing for the feast, while late risers wait patiently in a line that can stretch most of the way around the restaurant.  Newcomers should be sure to get a number so as not to miss their turn – the early birds can only eat so much.  Once you are seated, Dim Sum carts roll through the aisles, carrying a wide variety of delicious selections: Sweet Rice with Chinese sausage, Beef Tripe in Black Bean Sauce, Steamed Lotus Seed Paste Bun and Crispy Shrimp Balls.  If you are new to Dim Sum, don’t be too shy to ask what is what.  And take some chances.  Most of the best food is of the type many Westerners don’t normally try.