Pearl Liang is the new blood of chinese restaurant, and if I have to choose between Phoenix Palace and Pearl Liang, I would choose Pearl Liang. If you are choosing basing on authenticity, I am afraid you cannot judge by trolleys, as most of the chinese restuarant nowadays, even in Hong Kong don't do trolleys anymore. Decor-wise, Phoenix Palace definitely has the chinese touch, food-wise, I would go for Pearl Liang (its decor is very modern).