Imperial Grand Closure
Sometimes you don’t realise it is your last meal until it is already over.
I was genuinely surprised to learn that Imperial Grand at Sam Leong Road had ceased operations a few weeks ago. I have visited and written about the restaurant several times over the years, and it had become one of those familiar places I associated with good old fashioned Cantonese meals around a big table.
What made the news even more unexpected was that we were there with the family only in late June. Lady boss Canice was around and there was no mention, or even the slightest hint, that the restaurant would soon be closing. It turned out to be our last meal at Imperial Grand at Trio Building without us knowing it.
After four years there, the team announced that they had made the difficult decision to close the restaurant. Thankfully, this is apparently not goodbye. They have said that Imperial Grand will be relocating and that a new chapter is coming.
Restaurants are more than just the food they serve. Over time, they become places where birthdays are celebrated, friends catch up and families gather around the same table. Imperial Grand was very much that kind of restaurant for me. No gimmicks, just hearty Cantonese cooking, generous portions and the pleasure of sharing a meal with people you enjoy being with.
Looking through these photos from our June dinner now, they suddenly carry a little more meaning. What I thought was simply another family meal became our unexpected farewell to Imperial Grand at Sam Leong Road.
Four years at Trio Building have come to an end, but hopefully the story has not.
All the best to Canice and the Imperial Grand team. I look forward to seeing where they set their tables next.
