Bret I.
Yelp
Dao serves a Sunday buffet brunch! Now some of you may already know this. But I've been under the impression that only restaurant in the Lucy Ho empire to offer a Sunday buffet is Azu. In fact, the Dao website doesn't even mention it. But they do, from 10:30 until 2:00, and I'm bummed I didn't know this sooner. And I think Dao offers the better choice, albeit for a slightly higher price (currently $18.95). Although for that price you get some great items.
The restaurant is beautifully done and the layout for the buffet, which follows the bar and sushi bar, fits perfectly into the room. Nothing feels cramped. And there are lots of places to accommodate larger parties.
There are a few sections to the buffet: the main section consists of traditional Chinese food such as: general Tso, dumplings, honey chicken, noodles, veggies and the like. Pretty much what you would find on a standard Chinese buffet and all cooked well. And there is a desert section with fruits and cakes, but don't forget the sesame balls and donuts on the hot section.
But where Dao shines, and where the extra money is going, is to the seafood and sushi. There are a number of hot seafood dishes, including fresh mussels. But they also have fantastic tempura shrimp (and veggies) and Tom Tom shrimp (fried shrimp topped with krab salad). They also have a good variety of sushi rolls including classics like California rolls, but also more interesting choices like a surf and turf roll. But then it gets interesting: they offer tuna poke as well as a large selection of seared ahi and yellow tuna. And they offer sashimi upon request, including tuna, razor clam, octopus, shrimp, and conch. The seafood was all fresh and tasty.
While there are a few drinks included in the price, tea was extra but well worth the $3 for the bottomless pot of hot oolong. But soup is included.
So Dao, I'm sorry it's taken so long to come for brunch, but I will be back.