EASTERN PEARL by Shari Katz

In addition to traditional dim sum (small plates of food), on weekends the restaurant serves Northern dim sum—larger, heartier portions that reflect the way people in northern China eat because of the colder climate. Eastern Pearl is the only restaurant in this area to offer this northern version. For appetizers we sampled a variety of dumplings. All of them were tasty—the spinach one was my favorite—served with a soy-balsamic vinegar sauce. Another terrific appetizer was the sea scallops with black bean sauce, served beautifully in a shell. 

Along with the traditional favorites we’ve come to love and expect at a good Chinese restaurant, they also have some interesting Vietnamese, and Thai selections, all prepared with the freshest ingredients—quality seafood and meats in delicate, light sauces. Some stand-out selections are the spicy shrimp soup, Thai style, loaded with shrimp, baby corn, red peppers and mushrooms. Its wonderful flavor—definitely spicy—is a nice alternative to hot and sour soup. (They have that, too, and it’s quite good.)

For dinner, the chicken and mango was delicious. White meat chicken, chunks of mango, red pepper and scallions. artfully arranged into mango “shell” halves. It was as scrumptious as it was beautiful. We also tried the seafood and tofu in an earth pot. Lots of shrimp, scallops and squid with tofu and vegetables in a flavorful white sauce. I would definitely order this again. We also enjoyed the fillet of sea bass with ginger, scallions, and soy sauce, which was a particularly nice and delicate selection.

Seafood and tofu in an earth pot, with chicken and mango

Other popular dishes include the crispy beef, orange chicken, and shrimp in silken cream sauce. In addition to many varieties of fried rice, lo mein and chow fun are the Singapore noodles—thin rice noodles with shrimp and ham, seasoned with curry. Very tasty. And for dessert? The flambés—apple, banana or pineapple—are a real treat.

Catering is a large part of their business, as well. Whether an individual event or corporate account for monthly meetings, Eastern Pearl’s wonderful cuisine goes on location in the community—something worth considering for the holidays or other occasions.