A quote from http://www.sushiwong.com/
. . . What pleasure can a man take in fine cuisine unless he invites cherished friends, counts the days until the banquet . . .
When I was a child in Shanghai, China, Chinese Banquet usually consists of 12 courses or more. It usually starts with 4 or more small appetizer courses, then 4 medium size courses, and then 4 or more big courses. Courses are usually served one at a time, and we ate for hours. A simple Chinese dinner usually consists of 4 to 6 dishes plus a soup. A dinner of Western style (such as French, or Italian) also comes in 6 to 8 courses or more. In China, I was taught to just eat/taste little of each course so that not to overeat. After I came to US, I learned how simplely Americans dine, and also I learned to finish what is on my plate so not to waste food.
We had very few Chinese restaurants in Westchester 40 years ago. We had to drive to New York City for more authentic Chinese food. Our favorite restaurants were Tom’s Shangri-La and Shun Lee Dynasty in East side Midtown in the City. There, we used to have banquets with Peking duck, Shark's Fin and other Chinese delicacies when we ordered at least 3 days in advance. But, we also had to pay dearly for the good food and services.
Since President Nixon popularized Peking duck in this country after his visit to China in 1972, we have more Chinese restaurants in Westchester serving more authentic Chinese food. And now, almost all Chinese Restaurants have Peking duck on their menu. But still, Chinese usually pay more to dine in Chinese restaurants because we order better dishes.
Sy wanted to organize a Rotary Gourmet Dining Group and asked me to negotiate with Central Seafood, my favorite restaurant in Westchester, for an inexpensive banquet menu. It was a tall request because I usually paid at least $500 for a Banquet (of food alone) for a table of 10 for my guests in Chinese Restaurants. Today I went to lunch at Central Seafood. I negotiated, and negotiated, with Michael, one of the owners there and he agreed for Rotary a banquet price of $300 in cash for a table of 10 including tip.
The banquet menu consists of following auspicious authentic Chinese dishes for festive occasions. (On the left of each line is the description of the dish, and on the right is the Chinese symbolic translation of the dish):
1. Crispy Soy Bean Sheet Roll filled with Seafood --- Ju-I (To Your Heart’s Desire) Neptune Roll
2. Chicken Soong in Lettuce Wrap --- Good Luck Wrap
3. Peking Duck --- Love & Fidelity
4. Stuffed Crispy Bean Curd & Shrimp with Walnuts --- Happy Family full of Gold
5. Fillet Steak with Chinese Broccoli --- Return of the Spring on Earth
6. Lobster with Ginger Scallion over Crispy Angel Hair --- Success, Health, & Longevity
7. Fillet Halibut with Leek Chives in Black Bean Sauce --- Abundance of Wealth and Wisdom
8. Snow Pea Leaf with Heart of Bamboo --- Peace and Happiness
9. Yangchow Fried Rice
10. Dessert – Fried Sesame Ball
There will also be 2 bottles of Coke or Ginger Ale on the house. Cocktails and wines are available for purchase on separete bills. Pablo Cue (Past President of OCA Westchester) was there with me and he was amazed for the bargain that I negotiated.
I would like to suggest that we pick a day in March to have a Spring Festival to enjoy this banquet to welcome the Spring of the OX year.
Frances
