I love to eat: Five Star Seafood Restaurant (formerly known as New Capital Seafood Restaurant) [Alhambra, CA]

At first this restaurant was Sam Woo Seafood Restaurant which is completely different from the Sam Woo BBQ franchises. Until, about 2004-2005, the restaurant was taken over with a new ownership and it was then called "New Capital Seafood Restaurant" Since there is another restaurant also called Capital, I think it was the reason for it to change names almost a year ago to "Five Star Seafood Restaurant", but with the same owner.

This is a wonderful restaurant that can be found on Valley Blvd. and Del Mar Ave. in Alhambra, California. They are the best for their dim sum and dinner aspect. They also have many rooms for banquets. The restaurant is situated or somewhat in the center of a big plaza. In this plaza there are other small restaurants, shops, and one big market which is called 99 ranch market. I will definitely have to do a review on the market sometime soon. To park, there is parking outside, and also underground. The underground parking is two floors down which is P1 and P2. Entrance to the restaurant is through underground parking elevators or through the focus shopping center elevators. The sign of the restaurant is definitely not hard to miss or see. As like most restaurants you have to wait in line and tell the hostess how many people are in your party and you will be seated when there is a table suited for your party. It's always best to go there early for dim sum or dinner, because it gets super busy and on Fridays-Sundays, there's always banquets and wedding receptions that it gets crowded. Always arrive early and have someone from your party to get there up fast to get a table!!!

Now for dim sum, for the greenhorn who has never been should make sure to do the following things: Raise your hand and always speak up your voice. If all fails, walk to the dim sum cart ladies and ask for what they have and select a dish. Beware, those metal dishes are HOT!!!! Hot tea, is the best beverage for either dim sum or dinner, only because it's beneficial in many ways. Let's get onto the foods, the food will always be hot. But when you see the bus-boy's carrying trays of food and shouting out the name of the dish while they walk all along the room, make sure you check out what it is and try it out! Those are a rare commodity, because those are dishes you won't find in the carts. Now it's just wait for carts to approach you so you can find out what each dim sum cart lady has to offer. These are chinese ladies that push a cart with a wide selection of steamed foods for your choosing. Bon- Apetit!!!

When it comes to dinner, it's a whole new story. The menu is catered to Chinese people which is great, because you can finally taste AUTHENTIC CHINESE FOOD. None of that panda express crap! Sorry I have to say it is, because Chinese Fast Food in the valley is catered to those who don't know what REAL Chinese food is. That's why make friends with Chinese people or take a risk and try something different. My favorite dishes to order is steamed tofu with seafood on top, steamed tofu with soy sauce and dried scallops, Roast duck, Sliced chicken with jelly fish, Oysters sautéed with sauce and green onions, and winter-melon soup. If you are new to the dinner scene, order the tofu dishes. It won't disappoint and order a soup such as fish maw soup. Order some Kung Pao Shrimp and/or Beef with Chinese Broccoli. A side note *if you order more than 4-5 dishes, you can get a free 2-lb lobster, crab, or shrimp for free! Ask them though to make sure!! Sometimes they will let u know , too!! if not, ask!!!

Besides the incredible Chinese food served here!! The views of the San Gabriel Valley from the windows are breathtaking. There are many windows in this restaurant that give a nice vibe!!! So, if you are down to get some dim sum or dinner, come on by!!!