Dining Out Sustainably: Get Sum Dim Sum

One of my challenges when visiting a new restaurant is trying to narrow down my choices. I love Tapas and Dim Sum because you can order several small things and sharing is an understood part of the deal; no awkward sideways glances from your dining partner when you want to try a bit of their dishes. In our family, you can get stabbed with a fork trying to sneak something off of someone else's plate.

I was excited when I heard that Foo Swasdee, owner of Satay and a longtime promoter of sustainable food, was opening a Dim Sum restaurant. Get Sum Dim Sum is located at 4400 N. Lamar in the spot formerly occupied by Panda Express. (I was delighted to see a sub par chain restaurant replaced by a locally owned restaurant.)

When you walk in the door, you are greeted by an employee who explains the format. Don't skip this step on your first trip. You're going to need the help picking your meal as it might be the toughest thing you do that day.

You can either order one of their combo meals including 3 different choices of their top 10 dumplings, sho mai, baos and specials or you can order a la carte from a longer list of treats. My friend Sandy and I decided to go with the combo meals rather than navigate the a la carte menu on our first visit. Between the two of us, we had 3 different types of dumplings, the pork bun, the Thursday braised pork and tofu special, fried rice and a sesame ball. And, it was all delicious.

The dumplings arrive in small stacked steamer baskets and were perfectly cooked. I particularly enjoyed the shrimp dumplings. The pork in the bao has a scrumptious sauce with a hint of cinnamon and stands up well to the surrounding fluffy dough.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed the braised pork and tofu. I was initially hesitant to order it because I'm not a huge tofu fan as it can sometimes have a slimy texture. Not this tofu; it was firm and tasty. I had a hard time sharing it, but I did manage to spoon over a few bites for Sandy.

The only negative thing about Get Sum Dim Sum is that it is way to close to my house. I'm looking forward to my next visit and have already picked out at least two dishes that I can't wait to try. Thank goodness it's walking distance so that I can work off my meal on the way there and back.