Integrity continues in the elegant, antique decor of the restaurant, with its carvings, ceramics, marble tables and dark brown lacquered chairs and furniture.

The waitresses wear classic Qing dress wear: simple silk tunics, silk scarves and fan shaped hats. And, gold everywhere. The color gold was reserved for the imperial elite; common people were forbidden its use.

The restaurant seats 150 customers: 70% of who are Chinese and 30% foreigners. The Royal is an upscale restaurant, so expect to spend some.

Our dinner began with Tea Tao, or a tea ceremony, by an English speaking host... Space limits a lengthy description.

An internet search on some of the key words I use will give readers a better idea of what it is all about.

Royal uses the highly regarded Tie Guan Yin tea, originally from the Fujian Provence, a premier Chinese oolong (or black dragon) tea. Its name (common with Chinese food) comes from a legend involving the goddess of mercy Guan Yin, translating to Iron Buddha or Iron Bodhisattva. The ceremony is intended to show respect, honor or thanks as a distinctly social intercourse.