the lobby of this restaurant is impressive to me, with a huge crystal chandelier & a 3-D, artsy glass wall that is one of a kind. the dining hall is secluded behind, providing privacy and atmosphere. the hall itself has western architectural designs that present elegance and convenience, such as wood paneling & circular walkway.
if you missed the dimsum carts from the old days, you will see them here. each cart carries signs at the front to name the dimsum being served. you can also order at anytime using the paper forms on the table.
叉燒包 BBQ pork bun, A: the bun itself is soft & tender, the BBQ pork is thinly sliced & mixed w/ tasty sauce. it is served hot from the steamer to the table. this is both traditional and refined dimsum. the best that i have tasted for a long while.
煎虾米腸粉 pan-fried rice rolls w/ dried shrimps, A: this is hard to find nowadays in dimsum restaurants, since most people like those filled w/ fresh shrimp or pork inside. the rice roll is as good as i remember in the old days -- soft & melts in the mouth. instead of using XO sauce, it is pan-fried simple, to be eaten with dipping sauce (hoisin or mustard sauce). thank you for keeping the tradition!
蒜汁魚雲 fish cheeks w/ garlic sauce, A+: i was surprised to see this dish, which is as nostalgic as the ferries that used to take vehicles across the harbor! there are at least 6 pieces of fish cheeks, neatly cut to expose the delicate soft cheek meat, eye ball & lips. don't say gross, because this is cantonese delicacy at its best! the garlic sauce is blended w/ a mild chili taste. not recommended for anyone who has not learned how to debone the meat using one's tongue alone!
沙翁 deep-fried round "donut", A+: again this is nostalgic item that is well made. the outside is crispy like a regular donut, while the inside is warm tender "bread" texture. not oily at all.
the other dimsum that we tasted are average and decent in flavors: 蝦餃 shrimp dumplings, 豉汁鳳爪 chicken feet w/ black bean sauce, 小蛋撻 mini-egg tarts.
unfortunately we ordered the tea Tieguanyin 鐵觀音, which had a decent taste in the first few rounds, but went acidic afterwards.
overall service is above average. we were there between 12:15 and 1 pm, when the staff was most busy. but with some hand-waving, putting the empty dishes aside, or placing the teapot lid ajar, the staff came quickly. the noise level is less than normal. seating is comfy, w/ enough space separating each table.