I've been retired as a civil engineer for almost 20 years, but I like to help out my daughter and son-in-law at their office. After work, they often take me out for a nice meal. Here I am in Chinatown enjoying razor clams in black bean sauce, tofu with mustard greens, steamed crab with garlic, noodles with beef, steamed fish, and salt-baked scallops and squid.

The lady chef, Mrs. Siu, is very skillful. Her scallops and squid were outstanding today. She understood that we like low salt and no MSG with our food. Our waiter, Mr. Wong, is also excellent. We have known him for almost 15 years, following him from restaurant to restaurant during his career. We are always happy to have him take care of us.

Tai Hong Lau serves very good dim sum earlier in the day too. It is not too salty or over-fried. I eat a lot, but at my age, I have to watch how things are prepared.

Tai Hong Lau, 70 Mott Street, New York, NY 10013 (212) 219-1431