Shanghai Elan Restaurant
Was planning to eat at Pittsburgh Cafe in Crystal Mall due to lack of options in Burnaby. Ended up that they had closed down and found this restaurant in its place, so we went in anyways (hungry toddler in tow).
First impression: The restaurant looked smaller than I last remembered. Though it was nice and clean, it was probably a mistake to add that private dining area. Decor was a little overboard with Chinese pride. They literally had a framed picture of Yao Ming and another Olympic athlete in the dining area. I guess the clientele had a lot to do with it.
Service was exceptional. Waitress was friendly and provided us with every extra thing we needed. High chair, water, extra napkins etc., everything came with a smile.
Food we ordered:
小笼汤包 (Xiao Long Bao) - Though the skin was a little thicker than I'd like, it was passable.
上海粗炒 (Shanghai fried noodle) - Edible. Though I've had better even at non-Shanghai restaurants
嫩鸡烩面 (Chicken noodle soup) - My son was the first to try it and spat it back out (strange considering he was hungry). Then I found out why. Dish was bland as fuck and arrived with little to no soup left. Ever made instant noodles and let it sit for too long? That's pretty much it.
In the end we asked for the bill with neither entrees completed (soup noodle was practically untouched). Another waitress (possibly the owner) came by and asked us if we would like to pack anything to go (referring to the soup noodles). And I informed her that it was disgusting and tasted like glue. Fortunately, they were concerned enough to comp us for the dish. But the damage had been done. I'd never step foot in that place again despite the awesome service which is a rarity nowadays (especially for a Chinese establishment).