Had last week off and took myself out to a few lunches including Dim Sum Garden and Amma. Both of these restaurants have moved relatively recently into new digs.
Dim Sum Garden just moved next door, but the effect is dramatic. It is very bright, and much larger. There are several levels and nooks for dining resulting in a much less cramped environment and a location much more suited to large parties. I was dining solo so I just had the soup dumplings which were as good as always and the eggplant in garlic sauce. The eggplant is marked as spicy, and since I called it spicy eggplant the waiter asked if I wanted it regular spicy or extra. I said regular but will ask for extra spicy next time because it was not. It was good though. Interestingly the dishes do not automatically come with rice. The waiter did ask and I declined because I didn’t really want/need the extra carbs. The rice is a dollar extra.
Amma moved to the other side of Broad Street also into a much larger, nicer space. It was previously very cramped, tables close together and a basic cafeteria vibe. The new space has high ceilings, rich browns with brass accents, low lighting. While I was there for a late weekday lunch I think that this space is a lot less noisy and is suitable for larger groups. It has a full bar and the bar itself is separated from the dining area by a glass wall. There are multiple tvs at the bar that can be seen but not heard by folks in the dining room. I had the Amma Special Dosa which was huge and delicious. Again, dining solo at lunch so not a lot of menu/food critique.
I’m really posting about both of these well-known and well-regarded restaurants because of the new locations. Dim Sum Garden is much better for larger groups now and the seating is not as tight and more comfortable. Amma could really be a date night restaurant with its new interior and is also better suited for groups and much more comfortable. I recommend checking out both of these new old spots if you haven’t been!
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