Dinner for the Motherland

So, last nights dinner was sponsored by the local Chinese Chamber of Commerce to commemorate Chinese Moon Festival (September 19th this year), and National Day for the People’s Republic of China (64th year, October 1st).

The second part made me a little nervous (NSA, if your reading this, it was purely innocent, or I take the fifth amendment, whichever is more convenient). My opinion is that Chinese have experienced many leaders (rulers?) throughout their collective history. Celebrating “National Day” is more about celebrating what it means to be “Chinese” more than some kind of political agenda. Just my point of view.

Anyway, we got there a little late, missed the lion dancing. 😦

But we were there for the food.

Vegetable Spring Rolls

Corn and Dried Scallop Soup

Ginger Chicken

Beef with Bell Peppers

Roast Duck

Sweet and Sour Pork

Shrimp and Broccoli

While I agree the quality (and selection) could have been better (some of the dishes were not as “Chinese” as I would have preferred), for me, the quality offset some of the quality issues. I guess I was in local mouse mode.

So raise a glass to the moon and the “motherland”. “clink”.

Enjoy. Eat well.

The Mouse

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More Traditions

Last night, I got invited to attend the annual banquet of the Lum Sai Ho Tong society. You can read more about them here: http://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/bitstream/handle/10125/8307/lum%20sai%20ho%20tong.pdf?sequence=1

It was their 123rd banquet. Long time ya? The dinner started out as with many official Chinese gathering, with speeches and recognition of politicians and other special guests. The officers also paid respects to a Chinese “saint” I’m not familiar with (it was too noisy, I couldn’t hear all of the information). How are the saint the the society connected? I dunno.

Paying Respects

Supposedly, the saint watches over water voyages, especially in the southern part of China.

Highlights of the dinner.

Cold Platter

My favorite? the boned pig feet (upper left corner). Chewy, crunchy, tasty.

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Deep-fry shrimp? I’m there. The candied walnuts added extra texture.

Braised Lettuce, Mushrooms, and Abalone

Super old school. I remember this small-kid time. Haven’t had this dish in a long time.  The price of abalone and dried mushrooms have sky-rocketed since then. The society must be doing okay financially.

Jin Dui

Deep-fried (there we go again with the deep-frying), mochi dough filled with sweet red bean.

These were just a sampling of the dishes we were served. I didn’t get to take pictures of some of the dishes before the other guests scarfed them. No worries, I think I got the gist of the dinner.

Thanks for the invite A & V. Grand time.

Enjoy. Eat well.

The Mouse

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