Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant

Top of Vancouver is one of BFs favourite restaurants for dinner and we decided to go for the brunch today. The restaurant was not very busy and only had seven to nine seated tables. One of the reasons why I like visiting TOV is because of the service, it is always perfect. The only issue today was the hostess, she was walking oddly fast for no reason as there was no one else waiting for a seat except us. She walked half way around the restaurant and we could not even find her. Another incident was during the middle of brunch, she was picking her ear around the open food area. I do not mind if it is an itch but when someone starts to circle their finger and pick at it… it does not look pleasant in public. Also, unprofessional. The point is, generally the wait staff is always perfect and that is one of the two most important things, the other being food.

ADULT: $42.95 CHILDREN (5-8) $21.50

FIRST PLATES: SALAD, ASPARAGUS, DELI MEATS, FISH, MUSSELS AND SMOKED SALMON

MY FIRST PLATE,
ASPARAGUS, MUSSELS, FISH AND TOMATOES.

The asparagus tastes fresh as well as crisp. Next, the mussels have a nice natural sweet taste. Continuing, the sardine tastes pickled and has a strong olive taste. I love olives but not when fish tastes like olive. Moving on, the tomatoes are quite tasty as well as fresh. And orange juice is available but not freshly squeezed, so I stuck with my usual hot water and lemon. Smoked salmon is also available (seen on his place) but I prefer the sliced ones more, which is available only in the sushi rolls.

SECOND PLATES: MANHATTAN CHOWDER AND CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP

The cream of mushroom soup tastes smooth as well as creamy, and has blended mushrooms which are different, compared to the more standard chopped pieces of mushroom. Despite the somewhat unappealing presentation, the soup tastes quite good and has a pleasant mushroom taste. Next, the manhattan chowder has a nice consistency and a tomatoey creamy taste. Both soups taste average to above average and is good enough for you to finish, but not sure if it is good enough for a second bowl.

THIRD PLATES

HIS PLATE ON THE LEFT,

BACON, MUSSELS (AGAIN), CURRY, CORN, MASHED POTATOES, PRIME RIB AND FISH WITH IMITATION CRAB MEAT INSIDE. The bacon is deep fried rather than pan fried and tastes a bit too crispy. Next, the prime rib tastes tender rather than tough or chewy which can sometimes happen at a buffet brunch. Continuing, the mashed potatoes taste average with no complaints, and the corn as well. And last, the fish with stuffed imitation crab meat was the only thing we are not a fan of.

MY PLATE ON THE RIGHT,
HONEY DEW, CANTALOUPE, PINEAPPLE AND MANGO. I was quite pleased to see mangos! I have never seen mangos at brunch before and I love them. Unfortunately this was the last piece and they did not bring out more. The fruits taste fresh and although could have been cut in smaller pieces, tastes ripe.

FOURTH PLATES

HIS PLATE ON THE LEFT,

AVOCADO ROLL, ASPARAGUS, CHOW MEIN NOODLES AND CRAB. The crab tastes fresh but we both prefer the boiled cold style crab more for brunch. No one at the restaurant seemed to touch the crab too and the tray stayed full throughout brunch. Next, the chow mein noodles tastes undercooked.

MY PLATE ON THE RIGHT,
DEVILLED EGGS, PRAWNS, AVOCADO AND TAMAGO ROLL, AND MUSSELS. The devilled eggs do not have a heavy mayonnaise taste and I enjoyed them. Next, the shrimp tastes a bit too hard and even Costco's party tray tastes better. Continuing, the sushi rolls are too loose and the ingredients fell out. The avocado tastes ripe as well as soft and the tamago egg tastes good with a hint of sweetness (I enjoy any tamago though).

DESSERT

CHEESECAKE WITH BLUEBERRY SAUCE SWIRLS, CHEESECAKE WITH CAPPUCCINO SWIRLS AND CHINESE FRUIT CAKE. I am a really simple dessert girl, not a fan of mousse, jello or chocolate cake, and I was quite pleased when I saw chinese fruit cake - one of my favourites. The cheesecakes taste properly made and not too creamy or sweet. Next, the chinese fruit cake tastes fluffy, pillowy and soft, and the whipped cream tastes fresh - properly made.

WATERMELON, CANTALOUPE, LYCHEE AND KEY LIME PIE. TOV is the only brunch I have been to that serves lychee, which is good for lychee fans! However, I only like eating lychee at home so I can easily wash my hands after. The key lime pie tastes really limey and sour which is good for fans.

LAST PLATE

MY LAST PLATE - MORE DEVILLED EGGS, SALMON, ASPARAGUS AND PRIME RIB. I thought I ate a lot but I was still hungry, probably because I needed some "actual" food rather than dessert and fruit. The salmon has a tasty seasoning but tastes stiff. Next, the prime rib tastes tender but not very flavourful and is good enough for brunch, it just could have been more tasteful.

POSITIVES
- Service is attentive, consistent and professional
- Good view (obviously)

NEGATIVES
- Dinner is a lot better
- There are better Sunday brunch buffets
- Pricy like most brunches

LITTLE THINGS
- That hostess… even when people were leaving, she did not even say bye to anyone. Diners were waiting for the elevator which is really close to the hostess's station and it felt awkward with her staring at us without saying anything. I thought TOV is supposed to be a tourist attraction too? However, when another hostess came, she was cheerful, friendly and greeted diners out

Food: 2.5/5
Service: 4/5