Background information on me. Born in Taipei and grew up in Northern California. Speak Chinese fluently. Been to Taiwan ~15 times in the past 10 yrs for business so I do know what hot pot place would look like in both Taiwan and California.
My family also do hot pot at home once every few months. Hot pot is a popular home meal in the winter time. Decided to Came to this place based on Yelp review.
Short conclusion:
This is not a typical Chinese hot pot place. It's a poor attempt at going somewhat upscale from what a typical hot pot place in Asian and SoCal.
Taste:
Two sauces are provided without any option. This is generally a big no-no in hot pot place. Generally customers are provided with lots of sauce options.
Meat and vegetables are fresh which is about the only good thing.
A few hot pot soup base option. We chose the original so the kids can eat.
Price:
Food price is considered quite high for a hot pot place. It was $100 for 3 adults and 2 kids. Serving size is small to medium. All 5 of us were still somewhat hungry and left to find another restaurant for snacks and drinks.
Service:
Service is rather poor. Had to find the waiter a few times to get anything. Once in a while, the waiter will come by and shut-off the electrical stove for you without checking with us while something is still cooking in the pot.
Not really sure why other reviews are so positive. I am guessing that most of them have little or no experience in a Chinese hot pot place prior to this.
So for people who are expecting a Chinese hot pot place, skip this place.