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| - After experiencing Crown Princess for the first time, I have to say that I am having a tough time reviewing it. So let me break it down into the good, the bad, the ugly:
The good:
The food is great, particularly its dim sum offerings. Though it does serve the regular dim sum favourites -- steam dumplings, curried squid, turnip cake etc. -- the quality of the food is better than most of the places I have been to in downtown Toronto.
The bad:
Yet the service, particularly when it is busy is atrocious! Granted we came on New Year's Day. But we had a reservation and still waited 1 hour to be seated (some without reservations with the same number of people were seated quicker!). Even worse, they sat us at a table that didn't have enough seating for our party. Perhaps they should give up on reservations if they can't honour them. Or better yet, go by the number system that they use at other dim sum restaurants so when a number is called patrons have somewhat of an idea how long they are going to wait.
The ugly:
Now everyone mentions the decor as being top notch, but it reminded me of Harrods...extravagance to the point of gaudiness! Yes, they have chandeliers, marble accents, bathroom doors painted in a gilded gold finish, and what looks like velvet draping on the walls... but is this fine dining decor...uh no. More like a Fendi knockoff wanting to be a Fendi purse!
So is Crown Princess "fine dining"? Perhaps if it works on its service, and tone down the decor it might get there. But for me, fine dining is not just good food, and fancy decor but good service as well. Hope they keep trying.
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