Dim Sum in Chinatown

30 March 2018Vivian F, Hope ‘18

An announcement was spread across Hope House, generating a wave of excitement and contentment. An outing was kindly organized by Brentwood’s Mandarin teacher, Ms Sun, to Chinatown; students were thrilled to relish the culture and the taste of Chinese dim sum. When March 4th rolled around, Hope House students struggled to restrain their hunger and craving for smoked salmon Eggs Benedict offered at the Brentwood cafeteria; they were saving their appetite for the big meal in Chinatown. This was not an ordinary Sunday: the weather was extraordinary, with gracious sunshine and and absence of a howling wind. Mother Nature co-operated to set a jubilant tone for this outing. Under the blessing of this weather, girls dressed up in their casual, yet stylish attire: jean jackets, leather boots, and felt leather bags. Ms Sun, our queen, looks astonishingly refreshing with a touch of coral blush on her rosy cheeks. We girls could not contain our excitement, and sprinted to the Dim Sum restaurant Dom Mee, decorated with dragon statues and gold pillars, as if they were entering the Tang Dynasty in the 700s. This restaurant has over 80 years of history, establishing a tradition of dining passed on through generations. The vibrant atmosphere in Dom Mee adds another layer of spice to the food and culture offered. Dim Sum, translated as “to touch the heart” is a traditional Cantonese style brunch consisting of an array of appetizers and tea. These snacks are presented on trolleys by waitresses circulating throughout the dining area. Hope House Girls were seated at a large, round table. First of all, they had a sip of the Chinese tea warmly served in fine Chinas. The aroma of Oolong and its bitter, yet refreshing taste is truly a delight to the heart. When the first trolley came around the tables, Hope girls could no longer retain their elegance; they rushed towards the food cart, and selected a few steamed dishes for the table. The most memorable moment was when Elisa GS was unable to lift up a piece of dumplings using chopsticks provided, and she mocked herself: “I am not that cultured after all.” Over the course of the brunch, we have tried shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork buns, soy sauce fried rice, egg tart, fried squid, steamed ribs, and many other delicious dishes. “I love all of them, and the fried squid tastes like heaven” said Lucila GF. One of the most traditional dishes is the steamed BBQ pork bun. The sweet, and savory tasting pulled pork glazed in BBQ sauce is covered inside the soft, slightly sweetened white buns, and this combination is truly a bliss to our taste buds. At this point, all the girls were carrying food babies and girls spent the next three hours walking around downtown Victoria. Before the bus departure, we Hope girls had the privilege to try Chinese bubble tea at the local shop called the Dragon Ally. Bubble teas are essentially milk teas with special flavours, and one of the most commonly ordered drinks is the chocolate bubble tea. The sweet and bitter cacao, with smooth and creamy milk tea melts into one’s heart and soul. It is a day very well spent and we had thoroughly experienced a typical Chinese Dim Sum brunch. A special thank you to Ms Sun who organized this amazing outing. Vivian F, Hope ‘18

Where Students Choose To Be