Thanks to Sam’s a few weeks ago, my mom and Tom Douglas last weekend, and a healthy does of dim sum this weekend, I’m fairly certain that my stomach has expanded two-fold. That being said, I don’t know why I was surprised to see that I’d gained 4 pounds. Although, I’ve also read that training for a long distance race can, ironically, pack on the pounds. Ah well, it was worth every indulgent bite!

Sunday, Shrek and I met up with a few friends for dim sum at Koi Garden in Dublin. This is where the local Hong Kongers that I know go for an authentic taste of home. No wonder it was phenomenal! Seriously. Fucking. Phenomenal. Though the wait was a bit long for our table of 6 (we waited about 30 minutes from the time we got there at 11), the service and food were so worth it! Way better than Peony which was, aside from Costco dumplings, Shrek’s first dim sum experience. No wonder he wasn’t wild about it after our first venture. Now? He’s hooked!

To note: Koi Garden has carts that come around so you can see what’s what as well as table service. They also have a full bar and from what I hear, an equally delicious dinner service. Bonus? Unlike Peony in Oakland’s Chinatown, Koi Garden servers speak English. The food is flavorful, fresh, and as you can see from the photos… ABUNDANT! Wish I could tell you exactly what’s what in the photos below, but to be honest I leave the ordering to my table companions. I did, however, snap a copy of the receipt to use as a cheat sheet if I ever find myself wondering what to order. The six of us stuffed ourselves silly, still had leftovers, and forked over only $16 pp including tip . …A steal considering Hong Kong is $1000+ flight and this food (Shanghai dumplings aside) was as good as I remember Hong Kong being!

In the same plaza there is a delightful little bakery called Kee Wah. Oh, wow. I wish I they had a scratch and sniff option so I could share the sweet aroma of bread that seduced me when I stepped inside. They have a ton of delicious baked goods to go including my personal faves: coconut cream, pork, and hot dog buns which I ate religiously in Hong Kong each day for breakfast. They are about $1.25 each here and I couldn’t help but pick up a few even though I was already in a food stupor.

Like a hot dog wrapped in a King’s Hawaiian Sweet Roll — but better Yummm!

Just discovered after a little searching online that the bakery has another location a little closer to home in Milpitas. May have to make a special trip over there sooner than later seeing that we polished off the leftovers and extra buns I picked up later that afternoon.