When you've stuffed yourself at a buffet and still see new and exciting delicacies to try but just could not (ok one more soup dumpling please) then you are in gastronomic bliss. Such was the experience at Mandarin at tonight's Gung Hay Fat Choy! festivities (Happy Chinese New Year [of the Pig]). Coupled with friends and their families from high school, this was a perfect evening of laughter, memory building, and dirty jokes (who has not added "in bed" to end their fortune cookie messages anyway? if you haven't tried it - its actually more fun to do so unless you're conservative or not care about cookies but then again, you wouldn't be reading this if you are now would you?). So I digress.
Service? How's this for World Class? We had 16 guests and had ease in reservation (thank you Joy) and we were off to our seats in 5 minutes of arrival. Water was immediately served, drink orders from Fred (our waiter) were taken and we were in 2 minutes flat handing out plates to each other as we navigated the array of yummy choices served in cold/warm island presentation - hmmm... seafood, salad, soups, dim sum, sushi (which is Japanese traditionally but whatever, it was a good opportunity to match with Saki). Drinks were served within 15 minutes from ordering and the waiter was appropriate in asking for separate or group cheques as well as providing for drink refills and clean up of used plates within minutes of enjoying the savory goodness. Hand towels were opened and handed to each guest. Nice touch.
The morello bespoked dining area was inviting and its traditional design reminiscent of their contemporaries in Hong Kong. Its square tables were utilitarian and effective for large group seatings. And their multi-ventilated accessible central buffet area reminded me of O-Nami restaurants in California.
Downside? You have 90 minutes to complete your meal (but that would be a good 4-5 servings to the experienced buffet connoisseur - start with the meats and work your way to the starches). The bustling dining area (I counted at least 30 people waiting for tables when we left) was packed. Not sure if was only due to the holiday or if its an everyday fare.
Do you think the service would have been the same if there were two people instead of 16? If you've been to this restaurant, post your experiences here as well.
Overall rating? World Class. Now I'm off to the gym, ate too much. But will definitely try the other restaurants in this chain just to see continuity and across the board service - so watch for other upcoming reviews on those as well.
