Looks like some progress going on… I have been avoiding Third Street Promenade but had to run an errand and it looks like there are some workers there. Previously there was just a coming soon sign there for months… now there is “Coming 2025” signage.
It’s such a good restaurant to take kids though. It’s always loud and packed so their shenanigans don’t get noticed quite as much. The food is good enough for the parents and kids are usually down with dumplings, noodles, ribs or something else. Service is also mighty quick.
DTF has help reached so many non-Chinese people with “authentic” Chinese food. For that I am grateful. I don’t think there is any other Chinese restaurant with that influence. It’s a beautiful thing imo. It’s accessible and approachable for many who are not familiar with Chinese food beyond Americanize takeout. Yeah it’s not quite interesting for food nerds but their restaurant makes so many people happy.
“Reservations will open on Din Tai Fung’s website on Feb. 11, followed by a soft-opening period beginning Feb. 20 and the grand opening on Feb. 28. The restaurant group is also donating 100% of profits made between Feb. 20 and March 8 (up to $50,000) to LA-area restaurants and other food businesses impacted by LA’s massive, deadly fires.”
Lunch at DTF yesterday was good. Some service issues, but to be expected during soft opening (overly zealous support staff trying to remove dishes before we were finished - happened a few times. They don’t seem to like you to take a breath from eating). As delicious as CC location.
Space is cavernous but, oddly, not a lot of tables. Lots of space between them, which is actually nice. Turnover from being seated to leaving was exactly one hour, I keep forgetting to order a dish or two at a time when I’m there. A full outdoor covered patio. I believe Eater has photos.
