Last week, Hubby and Little One drove down to Toronto to meet me after the P&G event I participated in. I felt a little badly that we cancelled Little One’s birthday party because I was away. Luckily for us, we were given the opportunity to celebrate at the Mandarin!
When I lived in the GTA, the Mandarin was one of my favourite restaurants. I loved the variety of different dishes that are offered. I’m mindful of food choices and portion sizes, and find that at the Mandarin you can eat some delicious dishes and still make healthy choices. The salad bar and soup section are great! I love the vegetable dishes and the sushi section too! Of course, there are the seafood, beef, chicken and pork dishes too. Little One loves the noodles and surprised everyone by her rib eating skills.
We dined at the Mandarin’s newly renovated Markham location – Mandarin Markham location located at 7660 Woodbine Avenue (Woodbine/Steeles). The establishment itself is stunning. They have six dining rooms, each with their own theme. We were given the tour of the restaurant and each of the dining rooms. Little One was wowed by the fish themed room. There were giant aquariums with beautiful fish swimming around for diners to admire. We were seated in the flower room. The walls were adorned with what seemed to be beautiful sakura (cherry blossoms).
The food – So much selection! It happened to be crab leg night when we were there. The crab legs and the ribs seemed to be a big hit that night. I’m a fan of General Tso’s Chicken, so had to have some.
The service was first rate. The staff was so welcoming. In fact, my cousin and her husband were dining with us and they commented on the fact that pleasant service is somewhat lacking these days in many eating establishments. We all noticed that A) the staff always welcomed diners with a “Welcome to the Mandarin!” as they entered the room and B) the staff was always ready and eager to help or assist in any way.
This really impressed my cousin and her husband, because so often (I hate to admit this), we’ve been to some places where the service is less than passable! This was a welcomed surprise.
The staff even added a special touch for Little One’s 4th Birthday and she really enjoyed it! They brought out a slice of cake with a birthday candle for her to blow out and sang to her. I realize this is pretty standard fare at restaurants when patrons are celebrating a birthday, but the special touch was the printed (and in a magnetic frame) photograph they gave us to commemorate this special day. Little One would not let go of that photo and said, “This is SO special! I love the Mandarin!”
A special thanks to the staff at the Mandarin, Markham location for a wonderful family friendly dining experience.
For dinner out with the family or to celebrate any special (or every day) occasion, the Mandarin is a great choice!
For more information about the Mandarin or for restaurant locations, visit their website. Connect with the Mandarin on Twitter and Facebook as well!
Disclosure – This is a sponsored post, however all the thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own.
LilSugarMag:
Oooh! Let me know if you go this weekend! Next time I’m in your ‘hood, we should go!!!
Ohhh I love Mandarin!! This post has mademe so hungry!! yum!! I guess I know where I will be visiting this weekend 😉 P.S your photos are gorgeous!
BusyMama:
Love that the Mandarin has something for everyone! What were your kids’ favs?
I know! She’s gorgeous!!! I remember at my bridal shower at their house, a lot of the gals were drooling over my cousin’s hubby! LOL!
we also love Mandarin!! we took the kids to the one in Niagara Falls and it was amazing too!! something for everyone- even the pickiest eaters!!!
BTW- your cousin is even more stunning that i remember!!!
Annie:
Yes! BIG smiles! After our dinner at the Mandarin, I met up with the PTPA team! It was a great night! My cousin and her husband babysat Little One. First time out without her! Odd, yet welcomed! LOL! 4 years ago, I thought I would never ever go anywhere without my child (or even want to be separated from her). Now one night once in a blue moon is certainly refreshing. I still suffer from Mommy guilt though.
Country Mouse:
Aww! That’s so special! I think a visit to the Mandarin is in order! 🙂
MVTB:
Mmmm! General Tso’s Chicken! I’ve made it at home from scratch a few times and my family loves it. This said, I love being able to not have to cook or do dishes once in a blue moon! LOL!
I love that they took a photo and gave us a keepsake to remember Little One’s birthday by 🙂 So thoughtful!
I’m telling ya, it’s the little details like those that make me remember and make me a loyal patron 🙂
Oh my lands adding this as a place for me to go for dinner and soon! Looks like everyone had fun!
Just Us Girls:
Yessssssssssss! It was soooooooo good! Now I want to go back! LOL!
Nicole:
I’m going to go to the GTA and we need to get a bunch of the Blogaholics for a #FellowFoodie night out! I think Tammy from @inRdream would be in! 😉
Brandi:
Oh, right! Always need to be mindful of what food is available when there are food allergies.
Aeryn:
Next time I’m in town, let’s go to the Mandarin! I was there on Friday, but I feel like going again tonight! It’s only a 6 hr drive! LOL! Actually, there’s one in Barrie that’s closer. That’s only 4 hrs! LOL!
It is funny – when I was pregnant with my kids my hubby and I would take dates to Mandarin after my pre-natal appointments. Jillian is six – so it has been a long time since we’ve enjoyed a special trip to Mandarin.
Big fan of General Tso’s Chicken myself!! yummers, I wish we had a mandarine near us! so great that they took a photo for the big celebration!
Oh how awesome! You guys sound and look like you had a blast. Oh the food, the food sounds absolutely delicious, I’m getting hungry! 🙂
Oh yum! I haven’t been to the Mandarin in years. I must change that.
Oh the Mandarin! Such an awesome place with awesome food!! Everyone in our family loves that place but I haven’t been in awhile due to my daughter’s nut allergy 🙁 Such good food though!!
Oh man, I haven’t been to a mandarin in *years*! The Markham location was probably the last one I’ve been to. Of course, now I want the hubs to go there with me tonight, lol. Crab legs and ribs sounds awesome! 😀