Page 22 - Greet HWY 68 Loop Magazine September 2025

YOUNG ACHIEVERS

Mystery Diner

What stood out most was not just the excellence of the meal in Taiwan—but how equally, if
not more, impressive the U.S. branches are by comparison.

BY OUR VERY OWN GREET MYSTERY DINER

uring a recent trip to Taiwan, I had the pleasure of dining were crisp, aromatic, and satisfying. Its simplicity highlighted
Dat Din Tai Fung, the internationally recognized restaurant the fresh, nutty flavor of the green beans. Among all the dishes
that originated in Taipei and has since expanded across the I tried, these green beans stood out as the most craveable and
globe. Known for its refined take on Taiwanese cuisine, Din Tai unexpectedly impressive.
Fung is often regarded as a culinary landmark. I’ll be prioritizing The spicy shrimp and pork dumplings offered a welcome
my visit to Din Tai Fung in this article. What stood out most was contrast. Coated in a bold yet balanced chili oil, they delivered
not just the excellence of the meal in Taiwan—but how equally, heat without overwhelming the dish’s underlying delicacy. The
if not more, impressive the U.S. branches are by comparison. shrimp and pork filling was tender and flavorful, and the spice
The meal began with Din Tai Fung’s pork xiaolongbao, a dish enhanced rather than masked the freshness of the ingredients. MOSA Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Welcomes Dr. Tom Czechura
that exemplifies the restaurant’s dedication to consistency and Another standout was the braised beef noodle soup,
balance of flavor. The dumplings were delicate yet substantial, a beloved Taiwanese classic. The broth was complex and We’re proud to welcome Dr. Tom Czechura, a highly trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon, to
filled with a savory broth and tender pork that delivered a burst comforting, the beef exceptionally tender, and the noodles the Central Coast.
of richness. The ginger and garlic cut through the fatty flavor of cooked to an ideal texture. The broth had intense flavor, while
the juicy, fatty pork; creating an addictive flavor profile. still light and thin. Born in Poland and raised in Chicago, Dr. Czechura combines academic excellence, advanced
surgical training, and a patient-first approach. He graduated at the top of his class from the
What surprised me most was how one of the simplest items The pork chop fried rice was equally refined—aromatic, University of Louisville School of Dentistry and completed his residency at Vanderbilt University
on the menu—sautéed green beans with garlic—ended up light. The pork chop itself was well-seasoned, with a crisp Medical Center, where he served as chief resident. He also holds a Master of Public Health from Dartmouth.
being my favorite. Lightly blistered and perfectly seasoned, they exterior and juicy interior that paired perfectly with the subtle
richness of the rice. Dr. Czechura’s specialties include dental implants, full-arch
For dessert, I tried the chocolate xiaolongbao served with rehabilitation, bone grafting, and wisdom tooth removal.
salted cream foam. It was an inventive and indulgent finish He is committed to delivering safe, high-quality,
to the meal. The combination of warm, rich chocolate and the compassionate care.
lightly salted foam created a balanced contrast of bitterness
and creaminess. Now living on the Central Coast with his wife and three sons,
Dr. Czechura looks forward to serving our community
What became clear by the end of the meal was that Din Tai for years to come. montereysalinasoralsurgery.com
Fung’s reputation for consistency and quality is well deserved.
While dining at the original location in Taiwan held a certain 337 El Dorado St., Ste. 4-A, Monterey • 373-2967 • 770 E. Romie Ln., Ste. G, Salinas • 757-5291
appeal, the experience itself was remarkably similar to what I’ve
had in the U.S.—and in some ways, the American locations offer
an even more polished and seamless presentation. The food,
service, and attention to detail are of the same high standard,
but with an added layer of refinement and accessibility.
In short, whether you find yourself at Din Tai Fung in Taipei
or in the United States, you can expect an exceptional meal.
York School is an award-winning, private, coed college-prep school for The quality is universal, the flavors precise, and the experience
grades 8-12 located in Monterey, California, that has inspired bright, kind, consistently excellent. And above all, do not miss the green
curious and driven students since 1959. We o er an academically beans—they are, quite simply, the best thing on the menu.
challenging experiential program which develops con dent and authentic
leaders in an inclusive,
diverse community.

Come along for a culinary
journey as our Greet Mystery
Diner shares a meal and
restaurant review with our Greet
Learn more at York.org/Admission
CONNECT WITH US readers. You’ll definitely be
@yorkschool 831.372.7338 inspired to try someplace new
the next time you go out!
York.org 9501 York Road, Monterey, CA, 93940

22 September 2025 Greet HWY 68 Loop 23