All the more reason you should be looking at places in Chinatown instead. Even at the inflated prices of the DC area you could probably feed the entire family and have buckets of leftovers for about 40bucks.
Granted I’m talking about nearly 30 years ago, but when we used to go to Chinatown in NYC, 12 of us could drink copious quantities of Chinese beer and stuff ourselves full for several hours for $120 including a very generous tip. Even in 1980, dining in Manhattan was NOT cheap, unless you knew where to go.
i think it would be inferior. i am interested in what we think TASTES GOOD, irrespective of price and authenticity. i have eaten in chinatown lotsa times and i just don’t think it’s all that.
I also don't like to eat at potluck type of deals because I don't trust that most people are clean - I know I am, and know I wash my hands a lot while preparing a meal - can't trust other weirdos though... ;^)