Din Tai Fung Officially Opens in Irvine Spectrum
From left: Albert Yang, William Go, Irvine Councilmember James Mai, Mayor Larry Agran, Frank Yang, Joanne Yang and Aaron Yang participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony at Din Tai Fung’s Irvine Spectrum location on March 2.
Photo credit: Linda Liu, The Vine
The long awaited Din Tai Fung restaurant at Irvine Spectrum has finally made its official opening. On the morning of March 2, the ribbon cutting ceremony was performed by the Yang family, Irvine Mayor Larry Agran, Vice Mayor James Mai, Councilmember William Go, and Din Tai Fung staff members.
“You should be incredibly proud. Din Tai Fung is a remarkable restaurant with world-class cuisine, and we’re thrilled to welcome you to Irvine,” Agran said during the opening speech.
Din Tai Fung started off as a small shop in Taiwan in 1958. With years of refinement and dedication, the Irvine Spectrum shop is already the third in Orange County and one of the largest and most comprehensive of the Din Tai Fung locations, coming in only second to the New York location.
Despite the multitude of restaurants, Albert Yang, one of the Co-CEOs of Din Tai Fung, proudly said, “what remains the same will be a commitment to authenticity, excellence, and hospitality.”
Under the joyful spirit of the opening, Yang also announced another cause for celebration. Previously, the staff members of Din Tai Fung voted on a nonprofit organization to donate to. It was officially declared during the opening ceremony that the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, headquartered in Irvine, would be receiving the $20,000 donation as a gift from Din Tai Fung. Danielle Fragalla, CEO of the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, shared a personal story of her first experience dining at this amazing restaurant.
“Din Tai Fung gives back in many ways—by bringing jobs to the community, by creating a gathering place for families, and now by supporting children and families here locally who have been impacted by pediatric cancer,” Fragalla said.
The excitement in the air was palpable as diners like Yumi Lee lined up to enter the restaurant after the ceremony. Lee is an avid fan who has eaten at several Din Tai Fung locations, including the original location in Taiwan. She shared some of her favorite dishes, and recommended the fried rice dishes, sticky rice dishes, and Tofu Puff and Glass Noodle Soup.
For Irvinites, Din Tai Fung can be more than just a restaurant, but a place to enjoy bonding with close ones, enjoy authentic Asian cuisine, and create a memorable experience.
