China Star (Vernon, NJ)

I just recently returned from a trip to Montreal, followed by a swing down to Florida, and I know what everyone is thinking "Uh why is this review not international or the very least a Florida Chinese place?" Well, I was way to busy enjoying the snow and then the sun, to even think about any reviews. However, when I was down in Florida, I met some awesome Hawkeyes, who had no clue what a dumpling was, let alone a blog devoted to ranking them existed. After some talk describing these little bites of heaven, once I returned back to NJ, I had to get some.

I have never been to China Star, and it's located pretty close to where I work, so I had to give them ago. The sauce was finally back to my standards after a few lackluster Chinese places. This sauce is one of the better sauces in the area, and believe me I've had almost all of them. But, thats where the positives end. Unfortunately, these dumplings just lacked all flavor which was a major disappointment. I was really looking forward to a nice bite, they looked great, sauce was good, but the dumpling didn't shine. There are much better places in northern NJ. 

Middle of the road dumpling

3 out of 5

Eric 

I'd like to shoutout our new Iowa friends from Fort Myers, this blog is dedicated to you. 

Hopefully, Iowa has some good dumplings. I'm coming for them. 

If there's two things, I know about the midwest is that 1) they have a shit ton of corn and 2) if no one has even heard of a dumpling it could potentially be a dumpling Nirvana out there. Stay tuned to find out.

Wok & Roll (New Bedford, MA)

People only go to New Beige for a few things. Work, The New Bedford Whaling Museum, or transient use of the highway as a means to leave New Beige. Through an utter miracle of circumstance, I found myself at the Wok and Roll by Sid Wainer and Son, a growing distribution company in the area, and I thought I had found myself a little dumpling gem.

For those of you who know us, E and I value only the most delicious dumplings. Those made with love, heart, passion. We value the dumpling maker that looks at each and every dumpling and says, "You, my sweet dumpling, are a piece of art." And what ensues is a delicious roller coaster of taste bud orgasms, explosions of the senses due to dumpling ecstasy.

Let's focus, now, on the microcosm that is Wok and Roll. There is not much to say for the interior décor. Plastic tables, chairs, etc. Sitting in the Wok and Roll is not an experience. And, dare I say it, neither are the dumplings. I was impressed with their delivery - if you are looking for a quick fried dumpling, this is the place to go. Stop in and pick up somw noodles and some sweet pork. However, due to its haste, the dumplings were not as crispy brown as I appreciate. The dough to pork ratio was appropriate, and the soy sauce was delicious and savory, with many accoutrements to add taste. I will say, in addition, that the Wok and Roll is one of the more appealing destinations in New Beige.

If you're ever in the area, stop on by and pick up some quick dumplings here with a rating of 3 out of 5 stars. Don't get the crab rangoon. You will regret it.

Until next time.

Tyuck!

Blue Moon Cafe (Maui, HI)

Blue Moon Cafe is set back on a small street away from the main tourist strip of Kihei. It's menu touts mostly American food with hints of asian fusion, though you know by looking at its owners - a nice older brother and sister - that they can cook up some mean authentic dishes. While Maui is glamorous in all of it's devices, it's a bit of a stretch to get dumplings here. You'll be running through back alleys looking for them, and on this particular dumpling run I had to special order them. There were no dumplings on the menu, but I knew if I worked it right I could get my fix. After a few inquisitions it was clear the owner of rhe establishment could make a mean wonton soup. I came out of the conversation thinking I would get the wonton soup without the soup - i.e. dumplings, but I was wrong.

It came out as a soup anyway, but my, my, it was delicious. Normally I like to keep consistency to my order with pan fried pork dumplings because as any true dumpling adventurer knows this is the best food in the world. But over the next few days you'll see my orders change, as Korean mandu often feature a wide variety of choices. Here, the wonton soup came out steaming. It was delicious, and I put it upon myself to take out the dumplings individually and try them.

The dumplings were steam cooked, so they lacked the usual crisp that I so love. Coupled with the broth of the soup, however, the dumplings were great. They were savory and sweet for pork dumplings. Not too much herbs mixed in, which is what I generally strive for, but they still had an earthy taste and hints of love obviously went into the cooking.

As the dumplings came in a soup, there was no soy sauce to dip which was sorely missed, however, they were still juicy enough that one didn't require a sauce for them. Overall, I appreciated the gesture. They were terrifically nice people at Blue Moon Cafe and the meal came out quick, however, these aren't quite the dumplings I'm looking for. Alas, they did not impress me terribly. But, if you are a dumpling lover they are worth eating, and I suggest you swing by on your beautiful Maui vacation in your nice rental car. Or, if you're me, you'll swing by with all of your possessions in your 2005 dodge neon that smells like mold and miller lite.

These dumplings get a 3 out of 5 stars. Don't forget to follow me on instagram @tyucktyuck

Holler! Next, we go to Seoul, South Korea, on the greatest transcontinental dumpling adventure the world has ever known.

Eastern Garden (Sussex, NJ)

When you're at work and the day is dragging on there are very few things that can salvage it, one of those things is obviously dumplings. So I decided to try the dumplings from Eastern Garden. I have to say I was a little disappointed in the fact there where only 6, I have grown very accustomed to the usual 8 dumplings.

Now time to get at it. These dumpling were pretty good, aside from the fact they weren't hot because i spent longer then normal looking for the place as the only directions I was given, was that the place is next to a pizzeria. Turns out there are several other Chinese places in a 5 mile radius also next to a pizzeria.

These dumplings were good. All the usual things I say about dumplings holds true. Filling check, Dough check, but the sauce. The sauce was a bit different all sweeter than the traditional dark soy sauces of other places. To say the least this sauce ramped up the score on these dumplings. If it weren't for the fact they only give you 6, and it's way out of the way in the middle of nowhere NJ. So far Northern NJ is looking like a Mecca for dumplings, just saying.

4 out of 5

Eric