[sas]

Would like to hear input... where you guys went and what I should negotiate for when putting down my deposit. Things such as corking fee, late night fees, is pop included, etc...

Also, I've been told that starting 2012, it will no longer be possible to bring your own alcohol. You'll have to purchase your booze from the restaurant. Kirin wanted to charge me 20% handling fee. Given that BC Liquor sells XO Cognac for $260 x 25 tables - I'm screwed. So if you are planning on getting married next year - shit will be expensive given the increasing food prices as well.

To me - the food all tastes the same. I don't like chinese food period but my guests have nominated either Kirin @ Starlight Casino or Sun Sui Wah on Main St. Would you guys agree that these are the two best options in terms of menu?

I'm leaning towards Kirin right now since they appear less typical and are open to 1AM.

What are your guys thoughts? Have I left out a resturant? I need to accomodate 230 people.

[SkinnyPupp]

You straight up hate chinese food, but are marrying someone who presumably does? (otherwise why would you be having such a wedding right?)

[sas]

Actually, I don't enjoy specifically chinese wedding food. I like dim sum and some other things. That honey moon rice is nasty.

My gf is great and were having the wedding for parents. Id much rather pound back a burger and beers but I'm playing nice. The xo cognac makes no sense to me. How is shooting cognac acceptable? Not cool with the shark fin soup either but the banquet manager is open to substituting.


Ill end my rant here.
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[SkinnyPupp]

Ah I understand... wife is doing this for her parents... yeah you see that a lot don't you?

I've been to many of those chinese banquet weddings, but my own wedding was a low key affair. None of them were particularly great (and I LOVE that type of food) but one that stands out in memory was at ... shit I forget the name of the restaurant. I'll find out for you later k

Absolutely you should get rid of the shark fin if you feel strongly about that. Last time I was served that, several people at my table simply refused to eat it, so a lot went to waste anyway. Doing things by tradition is fine and all, but sometimes we need to move away from them if they are ruining entire species right?

[Culverin]

That thing about bringing your own alcohol. What's going on with that? Is it a BCLB regulation thing? Richmond restaurants?

I've heard whisperings about that, but I can't help but think it's collusion and a cash grab.

[sas]

Yeah, its a win win for bc liquor and restaurants. I'll post more details when I find out.
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[Expresso]

That thing about bringing your own alcohol. What's going on with that? Is it a BCLB regulation thing? Richmond restaurants?

I've heard whisperings about that, but I can't help but think it's collusion and a cash grab.

I think its a bunch of lies too, considering every damn wedding was able to bring in booze with no issues. That 20% is crazy, renegotiate it to 0 or 5% at most if they don't let you bring anything.

[MelonBoy]

I think its a bunch of lies too, considering every damn wedding was able to bring in booze with no issues. That 20% is crazy, renegotiate it to 0 or 5% at most if they don't let you bring anything.

ya, I would say renegotiate.. im sure with a little bit of a push they will take off the 20% booze bs... I mean you could always say you will just take business else where..(since you have options) see who gives you the best deal :D

But ya for the restaurants I think all 3 places are pretty solid .. I believe the price wise Kirin is most expensive -> starlight place -> Sun sui wah

[TOS'd]

Absolutely you should get rid of the shark fin if you feel strongly about that. Last time I was served that, several people at my table simply refused to eat it, so a lot went to waste anyway. Doing things by tradition is fine and all, but sometimes we need to move away from them if they are ruining entire species right?

When that happens, it just means more for me.

[Gumby]

I've seen a document posted outside numerous Chinese restaurants that states the new liquor law - not sure what the details are though.

There aren't many Chinese restaurants that can fit 230 people, so your choices will be limited... Both Kirin and SSW are very good.

The bride and groom won't get to eat much anyhow! :p

[observer]

I would negotiate.

If you look for places that don't have a liquor licence, you may only need to pay the special one time licence fee.

http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/lclb/apply/special/

For restaurants with licenses, you can have them buy the wine/spirit for you via BC liquor board and agree on how much markup to pay. Just because they have to buy the liquor for you doesn't mean they can charge anything they want.

I would pick the latest hotel Chinese restaurant:

www.granddynasty.ca

I think they are next to the Burnaby Delta Hotel.

[hamsup]

My wedding was at SSW... but this was before the liquor issue. I thought the new rule has been already applied.

Anyways... SSW had really good service and the food was delicious (so i was told... I didnt get to eat a whole lot but drank plenty)

Kirin has columns blocking the view of some tables... we looked into that as well.

[Spoon]

Haven't been to Sun Sui Wah (Main St. location) for the longest time, but if memory serves right, they have a few pillars in their venue. Not sure if this is something you'd want, as it might block the view for your guests. At least I found it uncomfortable when I had to sit next to them.

As for Kirin (Starlight), the place is more wide open and modern (if that's what you prefer). But one thing you should know is, their service is extremely slow. Been there for a banquet before, didn't leave till midnight. Went there twice for a casual dinner and what should've been a 1-1.5hr dinner went well over 2hrs. You might want to try them out first, maybe things improved.

When I had my wedding, pretty much everything was comp. Simple decorations, seat covers and pop were all on the house. No such thing as late night fees or corkage fees, we just brought our own beer and wine. This was the case in both here and HK, always thought it was somewhat standard when it comes to chinese restaurants.

[Expresso]

When I had my wedding, pretty much everything was comp. Simple decorations, seat covers and pop were all on the house. No such thing as late night fees or corkage fees, we just brought our own beer and wine. This was the case in both here and HK, always thought it was somewhat standard when it comes to chinese restaurants.

They are, but starting this year they have been real bitches about it.

[bcrdukes]

What is the premise behind that?

[Modified__]

Antonio.

[Wormiez]

They are, but starting this year they have been real bitches about it.

Blame it on new liquor rules and the new staffed up team of liquor inspectors.. Not many places are willing to risk losing their liquor licenses for a one time function, not to mention the fines associated when caught..

[ConCho]

Rain Flower on #3 Road Richmond . Check it out there and see if they can give you a deal . Their number is (604) 278-7288 . Good Luck !

[TRDood]

Never understand why people want to treat their guests with $260 XO Cognac other than showing that you have a fat wallet.

Most people don't drink that much anyways. And my guess is you don't even know 50% of the people there...

[asahai69]

lol u guys gota take your own liquor?

[Culverin]

Never understand why people want to treat their guests with $260 XO Cognac other than showing that you have a fat wallet.

Most people don't drink that much anyways. And my guess is you don't even know 50% of the people there...

:failed:

It's not just a fat wallet dude, it's not even basic hospitality of treating your guests well. It's about celebrating and partying it up.


It's like if the canucks won the cup, who wouldn't hesitate to buy their buddies a round of beers? It's like that, but x1000. You're getting freaking married to supposedly the girl/guy of your dreams. It's supposed to be the biggest party you ever throw.

[SkinnyPupp]

You can celebrate with drinks other than fucking cognac. Does anyone really actually like cognac? Just like serving shark fin and abalone, it serves no other purpose but to 'get face'. Nobody actually likes shark fin, and what's so great about abalone?

[SkinnyPupp]

Oh yeah the restaurant I thought had good food was Top Gun J&C in Richmond. It's a smaller place, but the food and service were good.

[observer]

Does anyone really actually like cognac?

With a nice cigar yes.

[DaFonz]

Oh yeah the restaurant I thought had good food was Top Gun J&C in Richmond. It's a smaller place, but the food and service were good.

Agree with this. Food here is solid.

To OP: Skip the $260 cognac. People just want to get drunk and you can do that on the cheapo house wine. If you really want Cognac, get cheaper stuff for everyone else and have a nicer bottle for the bride and groom's table.

Another tip, DONT pay for open bar. Instead, pay for a set number of drinks (say, 3 per person or another arbitrary number). Not everyone is going to drink and you can save a boatload of money that way.

[MelonBoy]

You can celebrate with drinks other than fucking cognac. Does anyone really actually like cognac? Just like serving shark fin and abalone, it serves no other purpose but to 'get face'. Nobody actually likes shark fin, and what's so great about abalone?


Shark fin = over priced garbage =/ (would never buy it)

Abalone.. actually I like the texture :P but still over priced none the less.. haha
Id buy it if it was cheaper :)

[SkinnyPupp]

Shark fin = over priced garbage =/ (would never buy it)

Abalone.. actually I like the texture :P but still over priced none the less.. haha
Id buy it if it was cheaper :)
Agree, good abalone is really good. But it's so overpriced, and you know it's not ordered because of how good it is. I'll take good scallops or oysters over abalone any day.

2 of my most memorable meals were abalone steaks in Taiwan, and freshly grilled scallops in Hokkaido

[Culverin]

My grandpa was a drinker and kept around a couple bottles of really good cognac. I've got a taste for it too, SkinnyPupp, what you said is so true. It's mostly a face-saving drink, something more popular due to it's reputation than actually because the guests will appreciate it.


My other grandparents run a fishery and seem to have a habit of entertaining clients and bringing them to family dinners. So I've had everything from cheapy sharkfin and abalone to the really good stuff. I actually find things totally opposite.

The sharkfin itself isn't really good, but the soup can be a totally awesome broth, something just simply amazing that takes real skill to make. I just wish they would make the soup with something else, but I guess they couldn't charge that much.

I've never found abalone any good. It's always chewy and rubbery to me, the texture just doesn't seem to bring anything to the table, and the flavor, although distinctive, just doesn't seem very attractive to me at all.

[SkinnyPupp]

Oh I agree, the SOUP part of shark fin SOUP can be really good. But then why not just have SOUP? That way, you don't waste money, and you don't have to worry about wiping a species off the face of the earth to 'get face'

[InvisibleSoul]

You might want to check out Shiang Garden in Richmond. They have pretty nice decor and the layout is open. I've been to a wedding at Kirin @ Starlight, and was just there yesterday for a baby banquet, but I think I prefer Shiang Garden more. Of course, maybe I'm partial to them given that I had my wedding there last year. We seated about 260, I believe. We seemed to get pretty positive feedback about the food.

[ae101]

my cousins wedding was a kirn coq last year not bad of a place while his brother is having his at shiang garden this year, place is ok but last someone told me free dinner there cuz his friend did a job but they couldn't pay for it so they gave them a free meal

while shark fin soups is something im gonna take a pass on by heart but im still gonna eat it as the shark gave its life for it so in end it would me eat it as a token of appreciation (plus i also dun waste food)

[sas]

Thanks guys-

So far I've checked out:

Shiang Garden, SSW, Kirin @ Starlight, Floata and Top Gun. Kirin to me, still seems to have the best decor.

Regarding liquor laws:

Not very clear and every restaruant has given me a different answer. If anyone is in the same boat as me, Floata will let you bring in your own cognac if you really negotiate. Still waiting for a reply from BC Liquor control. No one wants to provide a straight answer. Pretty fustrating. If someone has more insight, please shed some light.

Cheers,

[InvisibleSoul]

I think by the book, you haven't been able to bring your own liquor for a long time already... not something new for 2012.

When I had my wedding, we were able to bring all of our own stuff, including our U-brew red and white wine... which is definitely a no-no.

Usually they won't make a big fuss about it... unless they've gotten in trouble for it recently.

My friends had a wedding banquet two weeks after mine at a restaurant just a few blocks away, and originally they were allowed to bring their own alcohol, but sometime between the negotiation and the wedding, the restaurant got in trouble because at one of their events, someone got shitfaced and went outside and starting puking and stuff and the police came. At least that's what I was told about it...

[boss_clad]

sun sui wah has gone downhill in my opinion

but i've heard nothing but good things about kirin

[Meowjin]

You can celebrate with drinks other than fucking cognac. Does anyone really actually like cognac? Just like serving shark fin and abalone, it serves no other purpose but to 'get face'. Nobody actually likes shark fin, and what's so great about abalone?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaxa

best brandy ever. I use it in alot of my cooking and drinking it is actually good. Even though it burns it has an actual good taste and smell.

[SkinnyPupp]

Just something to consider, don't be convinced just by fancy decor. Not saying anything about any restaurant in particular, but quite often the nicest, fanciest restaurants can have horrible service and food. These are probably irrelevant in terms of face getting in many cases, but it will reflect the overall impression.
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[InvisibleSoul]

Kirin @ Starlight is definitely a decent venue in terms of decor and layout... the one in Richmond is terrible though. Pillars everywhere, leading to blocked sight lines to where the head table would be.

[Spoon]

Shiang Garden, SSW, Kirin @ Starlight, Floata and Top Gun. Kirin to me, still seems to have the best decor.


Floata's not really known for good food. Been there for a wedding ages ago and the food was average at best. Only thing they have going for them is the venue.

While I've never been to Top Gun, I've heard poor reviews from friends and family. Dim sum & sushi? Really? And they own Richmond Sushi . . . that's enough reason for me to not go there.

[pastarocket]

My cousin and her husband got married at SSW a few years ago. The restaurant gave them a discount because they paid the bill in cash. -first time that I saw the bride and groom counting $100 bills when it came time to pay up.

[Vansterdam]

hennessy or remy XO :fuckyea:

[RiceIntegraRS]

Couple years ago my buddies sister was getting married, and he ask me and a couple friends to bartend cause they bought there own alcohol. Saved alot of money and it was the best wedding reception ive ever been too.

[Peanut Butter Jelly Time!]

what's the range in pricing per table for the menus at these places? I know it depends on what you want on the menu but is there like some sort of 'general' rate? say generally 700-1000 per table or something? I assume that the venue fee would be on top, would you have to pay extra as well if the staff had to stay later cause your party didn't clear out in time?

[sobranie33]

20% handling fee?? Im sure you can negotiate with the manager.

XO Cognac??? Not a lot of people gonna be drinking them. At my friend's wedding, we had over 100 people but we didn't even finish up a bottle.

[InvisibleSoul]

$488 is on lower end, and $1088 is on the upper end.

$688 to $888 is pretty standard.

[ConCho]

Did you try Rain Flower on #3 ? (Richmond)

[racerman88]

If you have a lot of friends coming to the wedding that are not into Chinese food, then you might want to substitute the abalone dish for their tables. We did that at our wedding and kept the dish for the family. THe friends got a dish of prawns and snow peas.

[Gumby]

Here's the document posted outside restaurants that I mentioned earlier:

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/Bryan/revscene/liquor.jpg

[Manic!]

Anyone ever thought of renting there own hall and hiring a caterer so that way you can bring your own alcohol. Maybe check out one of the many South Asian banquet halls.

[Ch28]

Friend sent me an invitation to his wedding but it's going to be on the same night of UFC 131. I already have tickets so I'm thinking of showing up to the service during the afternoon and skipping the main portion of the dinner.

I've never had this happen before so hopefully people that have could chime in. How would it work if I were to show up after the event around 930? i.e. gifts/money etc.

[sas]

20% handling fee?? Im sure you can negotiate with the manager.

XO Cognac??? Not a lot of people gonna be drinking them. At my friend's wedding, we had over 100 people but we didn't even finish up a bottl

Both families can drink. I've negotiated Kirin to 10% if anyone is in the same boat as me. I'm sure you can get this down to 0. Golden Swan will not charge anything as well.

$488 is on lower end

Where did you see $488? The lowest I've seen is $688

Anyone ever thought of renting there own hall and hiring a caterer so that way you can bring your own alcohol. Maybe check out one of the many South Asian banquet halls.


Yes, Yes I did. Problem is- parents think this is a cheap route when it will actually cost me due to decorations etc.. But they're really only interested in status quo. God forbid you do something different. Might as well invite only 88 guests for luck.

[InvisibleSoul]

I've never had this happen before so hopefully people that have could chime in. How would it work if I were to show up after the event around 930? i.e. gifts/money etc.
Well, if they're still reserving a spot for you at a table, they're still paying the same amount for your seat, so I would say you would still be expected to give the same amount.

[InvisibleSoul]

Where did you see $488? The lowest I've seen is $688
Might have been Continental Seafood Restaurant at Cambie & No. 5 Road in Richmond.