Dumpling fanaticism

In yesterday's Food section, Jonathan Levitt wrote about the website smittenkitchen.com.

Deb Perelman, who runs the website, also contributes to NPR's Kitchen Window column. I just stumbled across this week's column, titled "Beyond Potstickers: Professions of a Dumpling Lover." First sentence: "I am a dumpling fanatic." Perelman goes on to discuss the many dumplings of the world. "Fear not," she writes, "I have room in my belly for all of you."

Yes, Deb, what you said. The real question in my mind is: how could anyone not be a dumpling fanatic? They're the perfect food -- protein and vegetable together in one bite-size package, not bad for you when steamed, and tasty tasty tasty. In fact, one of my many dream restaurants is called Dumpling. It would serve all those dumplings of the world -- from pierogi to xiao long bao -- to be mixed and matched with side dishes of the world. For dessert: sweet dumplings, of course.

In a recent Food section meeting, Sheryl and I discovered our lists of dream restaurants overlap. She'd call hers Plat du Jour, I'd call mine Special, but both of our restaurants would serve one menu, no choices, till the food runs out, and then the night would be over. (She says: no cranky people welcome, no substitutions.)

I love hearing about people's dream restaurants. What are yours?