If there is one thing this area isn't lacking, it's Asian restaurants. And Italian restaurants, but that's another story.
From upscale sushi and fusion cuisine to storefront take-out joints, Asian is everywhere. What distinguishes one from another is freshness. And that's what keeps me returning to Dynasty.
Located in the Big Y shopping center, Dynasty is mainly a take-out venue. But on a recent evening, my family and I decided to eat in the small but inviting dining room. As expected, we were the only ones staying for our meal while many customers breezed in and out to pick up their orders.
Our waitress, who also was busy working the take-out counter and phone, took our orders and brought our drinks. The restaurant only served soda, which arrived in a can much to my children's delight. The adults had water. We had to ask for chopsticks, which three of the kids insisted on using. I opted for the fork.
The little foodies began with a double order of the Steamed Dumplings ($10.30 for two orders). A favorite in our house, the pork dumplings were seasoned just right and served with a soy sauce and scallion dipping sauce. We have tried just about every pork dumpling around, and my kids always declare that these are the best.
The combination dishes at Dynasty are generous. In addition to the entrée, the combo includes Pork Fried Rice, an Egg Roll and your choice of soup. The Hot and Sour Soup was incredible. Despite my sniffles and watering eyes, I couldn't stop eating the fiery concoction. My husband, lover of all things spicy, chose the Wonton Soup but developed soup envy after trying mine.
Next came the entrées, Beef with Broccoli ($8.85), Vegetable Lo Mein ($6.85), Sesame Chicken Combo ($8.20) and Chicken and Broccoli Combo ($8.10). Immediately, my husband and I realized we had ordered too much food. But we tackled the challenge knowing we would have some leftovers for lunch.
There were two common attributes in all of these dishes: the vegetables were fresh and still had some crunch, and the food was slathered in sauce. My kids love the sauces on Chinese food, not realizing that a lot of that "sauce" is oil. However, the oil bothers me less when I see them eating the bright green snow peas and broccoli.
If you are on a diet, Dynasty probably isn't for you. Even the Vegetable Lo Mein, although delicious and one of my favorites, is not without oil.
To take a family of six out to a dinner that doesn't involve the Golden Arches for under $50 (before the tip) is quite remarkable. If you don't mind sparse service and drinking soda from a can, Dynasty is a good choice.
