Anonymous wrote:

However, I know you don't want hole in the wall, but for the best food I love A&J - locations in Annandale and Rockville. Really good stuff.

I've only been to A&J in Rockville, and also in the SF Bay area (yes it is a national chain apparently), and neither one of them was a hole in the wall. Note that it is not Hong Kong style dim sum, but Taiwanese served at A&J.

I second the rec for New Fortune in Gaithersburg. It's a huge place typically filled with large Chinese families We go often. Yum.

I'm finding that Gaithersburg has lots of great ethnic food - we trek up there fairly often to eat.

Anonymous wrote:New place in 7 Corners called Hong Kong Pearl. By Guitar Center, across from Eden. More authentic than Comet Ping Pong, for sure, but more fun dishes than the run of the mill dim sum.

Agree with this recommendation and so do my Chinese friends. Good selection and decent atmosphere.

However, I know you don't want hole in the wall, but for the best food I love A&J - locations in Annandale and Rockville. Really good stuff.

We live just a few minutes from Oriental East so usually just get carry out and eat at home. Eating in is too long a wait if you have kids in tow.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A little fancy and trying too hard, but Ping Pong Dim Sum (Dupont and Chinatown) is fun and yummy. They also have great cocktails. Definitely not grimy or dumpy.

I live walking distance if you are looking for Dim Sum - this is not it. This is what rich, white, yuppies think Dim Sum should be.

It's pretty bland.

The drinks however are good.

Yes, I think the poster made that clear in the original post. Thanks for reiterating though. It's a chain, it's out of London, and it's a fun night out. And the food is good. Maybe not "authentic," but not bad at all.