Holiday dishes at Chinese hot spot

Honey Garlic Ribs ($15.95)

With Christmas just around the corner, Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant offers new menu items perfect for sharing while you’re celebrating with friends and family. Sylvia Ho, owner of the restaurant, welcomes customers to try out three new dishes — in the few weeks since they’ve hit the tables, the dishes have already been an instant hit with customers.

It’s no surprise, since most lovers of sweets would welcome the new Caramelized Egg Custards ($4.65). One order comes with two custard tarts — creamy with a bit of caramelized crunch.

Caramelized Egg Custards ($4.65 for two)

“The difference between the regular egg custards and the caramelized egg custards are that the new one’s bigger and sweeter, and, of course, has that caramelized top,” says Ho. She says that its origins hail from Macau in China, which was once a colony of Portugal. She recently visited Macau and chose to bring the caramelized egg custards to Jade Dynasty’s menu.

For a hearty entree, try Honey Garlic Ribs ($15.95). One order can feed up to four people, but sharing might be a challenge. “When the ribs arrive, you can just smell the fragrance of the dark vinegar and garlic, along with the sweet honey glaze,” says Ho.

Sauteed Crab in Chef’s Special Black Bean Sauce (market price)

She also recommends Sauteed Crab in Chef’s Special Black Bean Sauce (market price), a decadent seafood dish that’s elevated by the savory sauce. “Traditionally, black bean sauce tends to overwhelm the flavor and freshness of the dish; in this case, the freshness of the crab. Our sauce is subtler and not too heavy, and so addictive that many people actually order a side of rice and put the sauce on top,” says Ho.

The eatery also throws a Christmas Day buffet ($32.95 adults, $28.95 seniors 65 and over, $18.95 children 4-9), so consider taking your festivities there instead of cooking at home.