A "Charming" Dining Experience (if you enjoy being rushed out the door!)
Oh, where do I even begin with this delightful establishment? We chose this restaurant specifically because it’s advertised as being open until 11:30 PM. Naturally, we thought arriving at 10:30 PM would give us ample time to enjoy a leisurely meal. How foolish of us! Clearly, this restaurant operates on some secret schedule that only the staff are privy to.
The moment we sat down, the waiter began the relentless campaign to make us order immediately. Apparently, the kitchen closes at 11:00 PM (news to us!)—a fact that was barked at us repeatedly, with increasing impatience. We kindly explained that we needed a few minutes to browse the menu, but that didn’t stop him from hovering around the table like a vulture, reminding us of the “last call” with all the subtlety of a foghorn.
When we finally managed to start eating, the clock hadn’t even struck 11:00 before we were presented with the bill and asked to pay immediately. Yes, nothing says "welcome" like being told to pay up after ten whole minutes of dining. And then came the pièce de résistance: at around 11:25, we were informed that the doors would be locked at 11:30, so we needed to stop eating and pack up our meal. But here’s the kicker—they didn’t even bother to provide us with takeout boxes until we had to specifically ask for them. Clearly, they were more concerned with clearing out the restaurant than offering even the bare minimum of service.
Oh, the irony! A restaurant that stays “open” until 11:30 but does everything in its power to shove you out the door well before that time.
Here’s a thought: if your kitchen closes at 11:00 and your staff are so eager to leave by 11:30, maybe update your hours to reflect reality? Advertising your closing time as 11:30 is not only misleading, but it also sets diners up for a frustrating, rushed, and downright rude experience. Or better yet, why not just hang a sign that says, “You’re not welcome after 10:30 PM”?
To anyone considering this place for a late-night meal: save yourself the aggravation and go somewhere that actually wants your business. As for me, I’ll be telling everyone I know to steer clear of this farce of...
Read moreWhen you think about Chinese meat / lamb skewers in the Bay Area, you first think of the need to drive down to Cupertino. Living in the Peninsula, that may thus not be a viable option often. Well, fret no more. Dynasty in San Mateo delivers a quality skewer experience at a very reasonable price.
In judging the skewers, it is always about the freshness of the ingredient, the spices you use, and the balance of price, atmosphere, and beer or other types of alcohol. Dynasty gets all of this quite right.
The lamb and beef skewers are of quality and taste. The beef toungue and other exotic parts too hit above their weight. The Chinese donuts were a bit of a miss (as the bread was hard) but the Chinese white buns were so soft and sweet. Dynasty also boasted quite a bit of side dishes like noodles and soup. We tried the scallop vermicelli which was seriously of Michelin caliber. Overall, a fantastic experience worth of 5 stars.
Now some constructive criticism. First, the main spice is used too frequently, on meat, bread, and everything in between. After a while, it may start tasting similar no matter what you order. Second, barely anyone speaks English, which may be okay because you're just ordering it at the table via their website. Service is super-fast though. Third, be prepared to wait. The line will build up quickly unless you go early.
We will absolutely return to Dynasty. We're so glad we discovered...
Read moreThe experience at Dynasty BBQ Eatery was nothing short of delightful, from the savory flavors of their meticulously prepared dishes to the warm and welcoming demeanor of their staff. Whether you're indulging in their succulent BBQ offerings or exploring the variety on their menu, the food consistently impresses with its quality and taste. Celebrating a special occasion here, such as a birthday, is met with thoughtful touches, including a charming gift that truly enhances the celebratory atmosphere. This establishment stands out not just for its culinary prowess but also for its dedication to creating a genuinely friendly and memorable dining experience for...
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