Anybody who lives almost anywhere in Southern Ontario has heard of – and probably visited – a Mandarin Chinese Buffet Restaurant. The brand has become a Canadian-Asian institution. And it’s celebrating its 45th birthday in grand style…
A typical Mandarin Buffet spread…
A latter-day legend
It’s simply known as ‘The Mandarin’ to its legions of fans. The future legend started with a single original location in suburban Brampton. That’s about 20 miles from the Sky Dome, due north of Mississauga. That was 45 years ago, and the chain now operates 30 locations across the portion of Ontario embosomed by the eastern-most Great Lakes.
One of the reasons for its success, according to devotées, is its great, consistent, abundant food. I’ve never seen a bigger buffet – with over 100 liner ft. / 90 m of double-sided buffet tables. Including separate dessert, sushi and side-dish ‘depots’. And let’s not forget the carvery table where folks with less adventurous tastes can indulge themselves in classic western dishes…
Another reason for its abiding fame is the unfailingly pleasant atmosphere. Every employee greets you with a smile. And everyone, from the manager to the lowliest table maintainer, seems to genuinely appreciate your patronage.
Year-long celebration
The main ‘party’ started the first week of March and runs now through October 31, when the traditional Asian end-of-year celebrations begin.
Throughout the celebration, guests can collect stamps on a contest entry form to join the draw for some pretty nifty prizes. The mandarin is giving away 5 Tesla Model 3’s, 10 Atlantis Bahamas Vacations, 10 prizes if $100,000 cash each, and 30 ‘Mandarin for a Year’ vouchers.
Well… They’ve never been an organization that did anything by halves! Witness their famous Chinese New Year celebration, complete with lanterns, special ‘lucky’ holiday dishes, and even traditional Red Envelopes (each containing a replica Chinese coin). All aimed at ensuring you happiness, prosperity and good luck in the new year!
Speaking of which…
The Mandarin is celebrating Canada Day in a very special way. All comers between 12 noon and 8 pm on July 1, 2024, can enjoy a free Buffet Meal (including soft drinks, tea and coffee).
In a break with its usual policy, The Mandarin won’t be taking reservations Canada Day; it’s strictly first-come, first served. Expect the line-ups to trail down the street and around the block…
My take
Gone are the days when I would have risen from my cozy bed before dawn, bundled up my folding chair, beverage cooler and golf umbrella, and headed off to Parliament Hill for the big, official Canada Day celebration. This year, I’ll be making the same preparations for my outing – but heading out bright and early to ‘my’ Mandarin, on Hunt Club Rd. here in Ottawa. To grab a place near the head of the line…
~ Maggie J.