Fortune House Restaurant

The other night we went out to Fortune House Restaurant to celebrate a friend's birthday.  There were about ten of us and being on a weekend, reservations were in order.  We got there right at six and our table was ready to go.  Oddly that evening there were quite a lot of kids present and the restaurant actually ran out of high chairs for the two kids that we had that evening so we had to settle on getting a booster instead.  This place boasts some of the best authentic Chinese seafood so we decided to go check it out.  It was a good thing that we made reservations because shortly afterwards there was a huge lineup at the door.  Tonight we decided to order some baked oysters, pigeon, a couple of vegetables, a fried rice, seafood and ox tail. 

Pigeon

Snow Peas with Garlic Sauce

All the food arrived rather quickly despite it being a very busy night for them.  A complimentary vegetable and meat soup was also given to us as starters.  The baked oysters were one of the first to arrive and it was very delicious.  The oysters were nicely cooked and a nice seafood sauce glistened on top of the oysters.  Highly recommend eating this dish while hot as eating lukewarm or cold will certainly decrease the taste, the value and the experience.

Fried Squid and Shrimp

Ox Tail

The shrimp arrived next and it too was good.  The shell of the shrimp was still attached to it and there was a soya sauce like dip that went with it.  Although it was a little messy separating the shell, the shrimp was definitely fresh and there was no sign of mushiness to it.

We also ordered an ox tail bowl next.  Certainly the sounds of it may discourage some to even try this dish but it really is not a bad dish at all.  If one can eat liver or kidneys, one can eat tail.  This dish came in a hot pot as it was still sizzling when served.  Again it's one of those dishes that one needs to eat while hot. It had a bit of a rubbery texture to it but the dark sauce they used made this quite a fascinating dish.  It was quite enjoyable and one should give a try regardless of what body part it came from.

Shrimp

One of my favorites of the night was the Chinese pigeon.  It was beautifully glazed and the sauce was well marinated into the bird.  The meat was juicy and tender and the meat was nicely cooked.  Certainly a must have if you do come to this restaurant as they certainly know how to prepare it properly.

Oysters

A couple of vegetables also landed on our table soon afterwards.  The usual garlic mixed snow peas was a favorite but tonight's other big dish was definitely the cuttlefish mixed with vegetables.  The cuttlefish was extremely fresh and very, very tender.  It was almost borderline crunchy but the taste was definitely there.  Mixed with some beans, celery, mushrooms and carrots this was definitely one of the must haves of the night and I would highly recommend anyone who is a seafood lover to give it a try.  

We also ordered a fried squid and shrimp dish which almost resembled "chicken McNuggets".  The batter they used however was far from it. It was not overly oily and one can certainly taste the fresh seafood inside of it.  It is a good alternative for those who do not want to have a live fish for the evening. 

Cuttle-Fish Mixed With Vegetables

Finally the fried egg and onion and pork rice was the last to arrive.  We decided not to order any white rice so this was the rice for the evening.  A little dry despite all the ingredients but pretty good rice nonetheless.

Rice with Pork, Eggs and Onion

Overall it was a satisfactory evening. Service was pretty good as they made sure all our tea and refreshments were always full.  Plenty of free parking outside however I would strongly recommend making reservations on a weekend evening.  Price wise it was about twenty dollars per person so it was quite reasonable.  As well on a side note, their dim sum in the morning and afternoon I heard was pretty good as well.  Overall I give it a 4 out of 5.

Fortune House Restaurant 
2598 Birchmount Road
Scarborough Ontario

416-292-1260