998 Boulevard St. Laurent
Montreal, Quebec
Metro: Place d’Armes
Bus: STM 55, 80, 129, 150, 410, 427, 430, 435, 747
Visit: July 30, 2012
http://www.lecristalchinois.com/
I have a real soft spot for Dim Sum and I take any opportunity to go out to sample what Montreal has to offer. Recently, Le Cristal Chinois opened its doors in the Swatow building in Chinatown. While the jury is still out about the success of the building itself, the Cristal Chinois sits atop and for rightful reason, it offers a luxurious take on one of the best facets of Chinese cuisine.
67 de la Gauchetiere
Montreal, Quebec
Metro: Place D’Armes
Bus: STM 14, 55, 129, 150, 410, 427, 430, 435, 747
Visit: June 27, 2011
When I think of Chinese buffets, this place, in my opinion, is the top of Montreal. I don’t claim that because it is the best, but because the rest isn’t any better. As a half-Chinese fellow myself, I’ve been brought to other Chinese buffets to act as the litmus test for decency of quality. Still, nothing comes close. The problem is that I’ve been here so much that the variety doesn’t work for me anymore.
Another note that one should consider is the servers and tipping. If you don’t tip, they will hassle you. I’m not kidding. I’ve seen them run after people for tips, not just in the restaurant, but in the street. Our server was hovering around our table until all members of our party left a tip, They didn’t care so much about the bill, but the tip was paramount.
Sui Mai
Tried: June 27, 2011
This is my go-to dish whenever I come to this buffet. I know you can get this at any Dim Sum location, but I tend to always stock up on these every time I fill a new plate.
BBQ Pork
Tried: June 27, 2011
This is usually hit or miss. BBQ pork tastes a lot better when fresh. The harder the piece is, the worse the experience. It takes a very keen eye to spot the good pieces in the tray. I try, but I’m 50-50.
Spring Rolls
Tried: June 27, 2011
There’s nothing much to say about spring rolls. I like the size of the ones offered here. Having worked in a Chinese packaging plate before, there’s smaller.
Egg Rolls
Tried: June 27, 2011
These are standard to most Americanized Chinese meals. I always make it a point to get one of these during my buffet blitz, though I’ve have much better from a take-out place near Lew central.
Vegetarian Noodles
Tried: June 27, 2011
These are the exact same noodles that are offered at the Ruby Rouge Dim Sum restaurant just a block away. I usually take this to help vary the flavor on the plate.
Sweet and Sour Pork
Tried: June 27, 2011
This dish is one of the better choices, thus why you see it half empty. The flavor of this one isn’t half bad and actually earned a second helping later on.
Beef Rice Noodles
Tried: June 27, 2011
This dish is one of my standard weekly dishes I get from my regular place. I find they do it a lot better here. You don’t have to fight the noodles due to the fact that you don’t have to overchew.
Greens
Tried: June 27, 2011
I have a soft spot for leafy greens during Chinese meals. They go well with almost anything. They also help counterbalance all the “garbage” selections I tend to make, though, not by much.
Dessert
Tried: June 27, 2011
Chinese restaurants don’t really offer dessert options, and this is why. These are very simple cakes. You can finish them in two bites and feel blah about the whole thing. If you want something dessert like after the buffet, just cross the street and go to a pastry shop, there are plenty.
Plate 1
This plate contains Sui Mai, an egg roll, a spring roll, beef rice noodles, and bbq pork.
Plate 2
This plate contains vegetarian noodles, greens, Sui Mai, sweet and sour pork, and beef rice noodles.
Plate 3
This plate contains a spring roll, sushi (yes, I know), Sui Mai, sweet and sour pork, and bbq pork.
