I wanted to go to the WIn Garden Vegetarian Restaurant to try out the vegetarian dishes offered there BUT. I had a bit of a time there.
I went to the 5th floor of the Zhongshan Hotel, saw the sign "Win Garden" and turned down the hall. A lovely young lady greeted me and I asked her if this was the vegetarian restaurant. She said "no no no" and took me to the Indian Restaurant around the corner.
I told the Indian gentleman I was trying to go to the vegetarian restaurant, Win Garden and he told the girl (in chinese I assume). She then took me right back where I first met her and she then offered me a table.
I asked to see a menu first and then I got a bit confused. All the dishes had the word "Veggie" first, then some meat word, like "Veggie Beef Tripe", "Veggie Chicken Foot" and when I asked about the apparent contradiction, the sweet young lady started to take my order. She could not understand my confusion and everything I pointed about and asked about, she thought I wanted that item also.
So I left with the goal of asking here at Dalian Xpat website for the "skinny", the "low-down" as it were. Are all dishes there vegetarian or even better, vegan?
Is this Win Garden Restaurant like the one next to the Bhuddist Temple where all dishes have meat analogues and meat names? A little clarity on this issue will make me more at ease when I next attempt to eat there. I appreciate any help for others out there in the XPat community and thank you in advance.
I have liked Tin Whistle since I got to Dalian and still find it to be "my bar". It is not as busy as it used to be, but things change.
The owner really tries to make it better and the new pool table is a good step in that direction. She had tried bringing singers to entertain the patrons on week-ends, but the upstairs neighbors would complain it was too loud. They live above a bar and find it noisy! Go figure!
The staff is very friendly and they have a nice selection of food to keep you satisfied, I love the "chips" and the veggie dumplings are always good and filling.
When I first came to Dalian, I went to F2 bar a few times. The band was good (though the "lead" girl singer was a bit wacky) but the service was slow to the point of non-existent.
The next band they've got was good most of the time, but when they were "off" it was bad, and the service has slightly improved from before. I got the impression that once you were a "regular" you would get attention and service, but if you drop in occasionally (as I would do) forget it.
The good news NOW is when I walk in, the staff recognizes me and brings me a beer, the bad news is the new band is horrible. I love music and have a very forgiving nature when I know a young band is trying to entertain us. The new band at F2 sounds like some contestants from American Idol, the early tryouts I mean.
Roel
