Ginny Kolmar: Happy Dragon

The Happy Dragon is indeed happy to be represented at this wonderful restaurant. The head chef, Kit Hong, is originally from Canton Province in China. He and his sister Sandy once lived in a house previously owned by Sun Yat Sen.

Hong also once presided as a chef at the Lisboa Hotel & Casino Restaurant in Macao. Nine years ago he opened his first restaurant in Hong Kong. He has lived in San Francisco more than 10 years, however, cooking at various well-known Chinese restaurants.

Hong and his sister opened the first Happy Dragon in Belmont several years ago and it remains among the most popular in that community. Open only four months, the newest Happy Dragon Restaurant is a lovely place to enjoy Mandarin or Cantonese food for Mother's Day or any day. No MSG is used in the food preparation and all dishes are low sodium.

We found it to have the best dim sum - even better than award-winning, better-known establishments. BBQ Pork Buns, $1.50 for three small ones, are little pillows of dough that seem to float in the mouth - then suddenly the taste of the pork comes bursting through, delighting the palate. These may be the best pork buns in the City.

Another "must" are Steamed Lotus Buns, $1.60 for three. We were happily amazed at the taste of the Shanghai Pot Stickers, $2 for four. These are larger than the regular size and they were, happily, greaseless. We also enjoyed four Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, $2.40. Along with a delicious order of Soy Sauce with Garlic Chow Mien, $3.80, we had an order of steamed rice and some delicious tea.

We walked out, or should I say waddled out, supremely satisfied.

During a second trip to the Happy Dragon after a double feature at the Balboa Theater, only half-a-block west, we ordered the mildly hot General Tso's Chicken, $5.95. For those who like it a little hotter, the hot sauce on the table works nicely in this dish. My Tomato Beef Chow Mien, Cantonese style, was perfection, with all the delicate tastes intact. The beef was tender and the noodles were cooked just right. These two dishes, along with an order of Won Ton Soup, $3.95, served us perfectly on a cold, rainy Richmond District evening.

During a third trip to the restaurant for lunch, hostess Jennie made me feel most welcome. This is rare when a woman lunches alone. This time I really took the time to look around. The restaurant is probably the cleanest I've ever seen, with its pale green walls with mirrors on one side and scroll paintings on the other, along with the specials of the day, written in Chinese.

There are lovely sparkling chandeliers overhead, formica tables with pink tablecloths and black padded chairs seating approximately 40 diners. On the back wall there are fish swimming in an aquarium. Somehow all this color works to delight the eye! Real flowers grace the tables, with pots of hanging ivy.

The menu suggests specials for every taste: lunch or dinner specials and dim sum specials (small, medium or large). There are family dinners for $8 or $9 per person, as well as a huge a la carte menu. Portions are very large, so if you have children in your party, let them eat off your plates or just order some paper wrapped chicken for them, six for $4.95. Food to go is also available, with free delivery ($15 minimum) between 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Everything about the Happy Dragon is just about perfect. As the front of the menu says, "Scrumptious Dim Sum, Mandarin & Cantonese Cuisine." It's true, and we'll be back over and over again, with or without a double feature at the Balboa.

HAPPY DRAGON CHINESE RESTAURANT
3608-3610 Balboa St.
Telephone: 221-9188; Fax: 221-9129
Reservations only for large parties;Visa and M/C only with $10 minimum; beer/wine; wheelchair accessible
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Atmosphere: ***
Service: ***
Food: **** 1/2
Price: *
Overall: ****