Lumi Empanada and Dumpling Kitchen

Food:
3/5
Vibe:
4/5
Service:
4/5
Value:
3/5
Overall:
3/5

I don't know if there is some Vietnam-Brazil connection. I mean, clearly the first half of the last century saw the creation of a massive Japanese population in Brazil, but Vietnam? Seems strained, kind of like when someone says "have a blessed afternoon" - I get it, but people could just come out and say "JESUS ROCKS" and it wouldn't be all mealy mouthed.

Anyway since we'll be in Dallas for a couple of weeks, I thought it was only right to seek out some lame-o Asian fusion in Uptown. It took about 1.9 seconds to locate a likely suspect. I hoped for disappointment.

This Lumi place is right next to HL+S and I'll admit we were this close to just getting some fried oysters.

I think the building used to be a crack house or hair place or maybe a tooth floss storage facility but now it's been nicely renovated in to the sort of hardwood and drywall space that echos like a house party where people forgot to turn the stereo on. Of course, there is a large, stupid big screen TV in the little bar area. Maybe Dallas bartenders are incapable of banter so putting on the Food Network is a reasonable substitute.

We decide to have a seat outside and spot a little doggie water bowl - cute! If this turns out ok, we'll bring the Tosa next time!

Your drink options are reasonable and it's nice to see cocktails getting under the $10 range again in this neighbo(u)rhood. She's pleasantly surprised with the lychee mojito. I think the Dallas tap is adequate with hints of shopping cart bouquet.

We go for three 'share plates' because it's so much more fun to pick off each others plates than actually have a meal. HATE THIS TREND HATE. I mean if you're having regular unprotected I mean totally safe sexual relations with someone, ok sharing some nachos isn't a big deal. Otherwise I don't want to pay for food and have other people's hangnails touching my snacks. I'm also wary of communal dips and herpes.

We have the summer rolls or whatever they call a rice paper roll here. It's not bad although the pork is not totally awesome. They also stuffed what appears to be a fried wonton skin in to the middle. Kind of a cop out, but it's not all bad. Standard hoisin with Sriracha dip.

Since it's decadence week we also go for an order of the Sriracha chicken wings. These are served at about 9000 degrees, so when the deep frier stuff comes oozing out of them be prepared for minor burn injuries. I am told that the lining of the mouth heals quickly, though.

We also have some duck dumplings, pan fried style. They are gyoza not momo or bao style, so I'm kind of disappointed. These lumps are on the greasy side inside and outside and for dipping you get a too sweet single service sauce.

Partway through our meal I looked down and noticed some interesting parts of the hedge around the patio so I pulled off a couple of leaves and gave them a chomp. My suspicions confirmed! Basil - growing right next to my table! How convenient! I proceeded to help myself to this delicious garnish that I always enjoy with my faux Asian snacks. Presumably it wasn't sprayed with too much mosquito killer because I haven't developed any new death like symptoms yet.

Well, that's basically it. This joint is pretty typical Dallas summer fusion stuff - tenuously tied together cultures described by overpowering flavors better passed over for the drinks.

That being said, you get to watch the fake and bakers trying to get their Ferraris out of first gear on McKinney, the restaurant seems to be dog friendly, you can eat some of the hedge and the host only has one leg. That's absurd enough that I'd go back for a drink.

DC Anonymous

3 months, 3 weeks ago
Link to this comment | Suggest removal

Staff
Verified User
Anonymous

Food:
5/5
Vibe:
3/5
Service:
3/5
Value:
3/5
Overall:
4/5

The spring rolls are delicious and refreshing. Even though they are listed as appetizers, they are a satisfying size. A great meal for a hot day.

I also enjoyed the boiled duck and leek dumplings. The Chinese five-spice sauce was much more interesting than other plum sauces I have had. The spiciness is not so much hot and peppery as savory and tasty. The portion is not so big on these, so if you are a big eater, you should order a couple of things.