My sister thought this would be as good place to go for Christmas brunch Dim Sum. I've never been there but immediately had a bad feeling when i entered the parking lot and saw the throngs of Chinese folks out front. My sis said she put her name in at 10:45am and was told it would be 45 minutes. I noticed that there were almost no other non Chinese people waiting and had an inkling that they may not seat according to American custom (first come, first served). My fears were confirmed when we checked our status at 12, 12:30, and 1pm. Each time we were told it would be another 20-30 minutes. Meanwhile i noticed that no Chinese parties were waiting longer than an hour. We finally gave up at 1:15 after waiting 2 1/2 hours and it became apparent they had no intention of ever seating us. Having some familiarity with Cantonese culture, i should have bolted as soon as i got there. Crowded chinese restaurants will often seat the parties they believe will make them the most money first, i.e. parties of 4 vs. 3, repeat customers, etc. It really doesn't matter when you put your name on the list (and too bad they don't realize bad reviews from angry customers can lose them money). For example at Little Sichuan in San Mateo. if we have a party of 3, we always say we have a party of 4. They get a little angry when the 4th person never shows, but at least we get to eat lunch before 4pm. Fortunately there are plenty of good Dim Sum places in parts of town that have a good mixed customer base and will seat first come, first served. Try Ming's in Palo Alto. Perhaps the Dim Sum at Koi Palace is slightly better, but not so good that it is worth waiting several hours until the crowd dies down to get a seat. Thanks Koi Palace for ruining our Christmas.
Cons: not worth the wait
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