MLIS "Maple Leaf Canadian Food Court"-Review (2017)

UPDATE: 2021/12/09

The ML food court is long since gone. replaced by a kids restaurant actually. The new restaurant is apart of the kids themed mall, and is about 98RMB for kids to play in the play area (I believe that is for an hour?), eating there will allow your child to play there for free, but its not cheap to eat there either-the food doesn't look worth it.
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Forget the poorly thought of name for a moment and remember that you are in China, working for a large organization that loves to "try different things" and is really good at just "making it work". expansion and promotion are two areas in which the organization is developing in yet but there are some signs of improvement, for example-this restaurant.

The restaurant "The Maple Leaf Canadian Food Court" is located in Kaifaqu of Dalian. For those who are unfamiliar-Dalian is in the Northeastern area of China (DonBei) and in the province of Liaoning. The kaifaqu is a developing area in which a lot of business deals and factories are dealt with or developed. In this area of Kaifaqu (Hong Xing Hai) shoppers will find that the target audience is generally a family based one. There is everything from a "Zoo Coffee" Cafe (South Korean Cafe Franchise) to Daycare centres and Gymbore!

Why put a restaurant near an area of families and decidedly make the theme "Canadian"-well, MLIS (Maple Leaf International Systems) is an organization that not only owns and manages a number of different businesses but also runs in lines with BC's (British Columbia's) education system. even though the school and restaurant don't have a direct relation, the two are owned by the same parent company "Maple Leaf" (for those that don't know stocks are available on the Hong Kong Stock exchange).

When originally developed, the aim of it was a bit unclear, make money-or advertise the company? The restaurant has turned over management three times through varying levels of experience and expertise. Currently the restaurant is undergoing a makeover (menu and interior decoration). The restaurant is calling for "more Canadian" appeal and feel. The menu, is far from "standard Canadian" food, but then again-what is "standard Canadian" food. Furthermore, regardless of the menu's theme, the food is only seemingly getting better.

I have eaten at this restaurant three times and each time it is getting better. They are pushing for plating and garnishing while also keeping the food at a respectable amount dish-food ratio. Don't go the restaurant if you are looking for an "M.T. Bellies" portion and feeling-but also don't write it off just yet.

While there, my wife and I had the opportunity to try the steak, Lasa Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, Italian Clam Soup, Salads (meat accompanied), and all the different styles of Chicken (I had to try it because I know that is what everyone is wondering-is it cooked right!?). Surprisingly enough after eating the salad I felt like I haven't eaten a "real" salad in a long time. Perfect sauce-vegetable ratio and the meats (if chosen)...SO WELL COMPLIMENTED! 

For those that know me and know how I eat, please disregard your notions of my eating habits for a moment and imagine that I was actually "working" rather than simply enjoying the food. My criticisms were really, not many but the pasta comes in a very funny shaped dish that really messes with the perception of how much is there and at firs the disappoint breaks your heart a bit, however afterwards you feel established and "well, that wasn't bad actually" (I hate that feeling when it comes to food, even if the confidence of the food's portion comes back later). The juice...its great but what sugar water doesn't taste great...need fresh juice available. Coffee is not yet on the set menu...neither are deserts (I am not as big a sweet tooth anymore, but lets be really-people date). The steak was thin-however I get the impression that the set menu steak differs from the A La Carte. The Lasa Noodles were creamy-I am lactose intolerant...not their fault, I couldn't help myself. I know you are wondering, he hasn't mentioned what was really good, what was worth ordering...I hate doing that because everyone is different (you are asking a guy who enjoys a finely fried Tarantula on Mango Salad?), but if I had to recommend something that is pretty difficult to cook and make it great, I would recommend the Lasa Noodles, and any of the Chicken ("Chicken Wing" is not a "regular" chicken wing either...in case you were wondering as I was).

Check out the pictures and Menu below, for more information I can try to help you out. Get a discount there if you mention my name apparently! The manager is awesome and loves playing billiards right next to the restaurant!




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