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2011-03-13
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As I have mentioned in my previous restaurant review, Dan Ryan's is the restaurant that our family goes to whenever we cant think of a better place to go. My dad said he wanted to eat the signature muffin here (see how we are going to a place for its muffin),and so we went without making any advanced bookings.We arrived at around one forty five and were a little shocked to see so many empty tables at the place. I remember that years back then when the economy was better, this place used to be so
As I have mentioned in my previous restaurant review, Dan Ryan's is the restaurant that our family goes to whenever we cant think of a better place to go. My dad said he wanted to eat the signature muffin here (see how we are going to a place for its muffin),and so we went without making any advanced bookings.We arrived at around one forty five and were a little shocked to see so many empty tables at the place. I remember that years back then when the economy was better, this place used to be so packed during weekend lunchtimes, and we had to either make advanced bookings or wait until our names were called. Gone were the days of economic prosperity - and as a matter of fact Dan Ryan's is quite an accurate 'thermometer' of the economic situation in Hong Kong. During the bad times of SARS we went here for lunch and the place was completely empty. I remember going here for a Xmas dinner before SARS took place and it was once again full with celebrating families although it charged not low for a xmas dinner package. So I have to confess that the present scene with few customers in the restaurant is a bit frightening indeed...
Still, people got to eat no matter how bad the economy is,right? We looked at the breakfast menu (which is quite different from the all day menu, quite a number of dishes are missing and replaced by the all-day breakfast section,including the risotto), and settled with some familiar and tasty dishes that we always order: a normal portion of Caesar Salad at $108, a cup Chili at $38, a Lasagna at $158 and a burger from the 'signature hamburger selection' - the Hummus Fungus Burger(Beef burger with mixed mushroom and Swiss cheese) which came with a cup soup of the day at $148, which was Onion Soup.
First came the much anticipated Bread Basket: the content of the complimentary selection of bread has changed quite a lot over the years, but the signature muffin was, is, and hopefully will always be there. No wonder why - the muffin is truly magical! It's not exactly of a chocolate flavour despite its brownish color; with chewy chopped walnuts, flaxseeds and a fluffy texture, which is not too wet nor too dry, neither too spongy nor too hard, the consistency of the high quality is actually scary! But oh my, it tastes so good that it is capable of comforting one's soul, and I am not even exaggerating. This is basically the only muffin that i will happily eat in bites after bites without feeling guilty at all in town. The other buns in the bread basket are also excellent - there were three types and all of them are equally fresh and tasty. There was this plain white 'piggy bun' which has a crunchy crust and a soft texture - my ma's favourite. Next there was a darkish bun which might be cocoa in flavour.
Last there was the wholewheat bun which was really nice - the outside was crunchy and the interior was not too wet. It went extremely well with the pipped soft butter which is another complimentary magic at Dan Ryan's - it was so good that we actually asked for two more of the buns!
After stuffing ourselves with the yummy bread and muffins the Caesar salad arrived. The veggies were nicely tossed and the dressing was of the appropriate flavour and consistency. The tomato wedges were fleshy and fresh - yummy!
Chili is another must-have for our family meals at Dan Ryan's. A hearty side cooked with kidney beans, tomato sauce, hot sauce and tuna flakes, it tasted best when eaten with crackers. It also tastes well when eaten with any red pasta or hamburger patties too! The onion soupis clear in colour-the carmelized onion flakes were sweet as hell and we could not help but usrp the thing within minutes! The cracker did not go well with the soup however - some oyster crackers would be better.
The Lasagna is what my dad calls the 'best in town'. Cooked with a thick and rich tomato sauce and formaggi sauce, the Lasagna is a truly comforting dish. Homey and hearty, spoonfuls of this pasta comforts your unsettled soul and calms your mind.
The garlic bread which came with it did not taste as good as they were in the past however - a little too chewy and soggy for me.
The Hummus Fungusis basically the classic burger with mixed mushrooms and swiss cheese.
It didnt taste much difference however, as the swiss cheese tasted more or less the same as plain cheddar. The mixed mushrooms were pretty tasteless as well. As for the charcoal-grilled beef patty, I can see why it is controversial whether what you get at Dan Ryan's can be classified as 'tasty' or not as, to be flank, this patty is rather bland and dry when compared to what's served at Burgeroom. But this has the distinct aroma from the charcoal grill, and the texture of a rough yet 'tough' beef - very American indeed. The cabbages, tomatoes and onion were fresh, and I especially loved the coleslaw and fries which came with the burger - the first being sour and refreshing, and the latter being thick, fat and juicy-authentically potato-ish! All in all, Dan Ryan's is a place we will return again and again for simple yet hearty meals. You probably wont get much pleasant surprises here with the constantly similar menu, but you will never be disappointed by what's served at your table.
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