Our family is wrapping up a week of Chinese New Year eating. You'd think New Year's is only a one day celebration? Not in this house. Our celebrations started last weekend when we had our family dinner - all 24 of us. The dinner is usually eaten on New Year's eve & it even has a special name: 'tuen leen fan' which can be translated as 'coming together meal' which is why it is so important that every member of the family is present. This year we hit a local restaurant and ordered a 10 course meal - 1) shark fin soup, 2) deep fried shrimp balls, 3) Chinese BBQ Platter, 4) Mushroom With Baby Bok Choy, 5) Stir Fried Seafood With Veggies, 6) Steamed White Chicken, 7) Steamed Whole Fish, 8) Lobster In Garlic & Onion Sauce, and finishing off with Rice & Noodles.
The next significant meal we have is on the second day after New Year's and this is what we call 'hoi leen fan' - which can mean 'opening/beginning of the year meal'. Similar to the 'tuen leen fan' the dishes we eat include fish, roast pork, fried shrimp, an array of colourful vegetables, noodles & soup and any other family faves that may only be reserved for this special time of year. This meal we cooked at home since it was only the 7 of us + Big Brother Pepe & Sister Selina's families. Interestingly on New Year's Day, we don't have an elaborate meal. In fact, we typically eat leftovers from the night before; and even if we do cook it'll be mostly vegetarian foods.
The weekends following Chinese New Year is reserved for extended family visits. Because my parents-in-laws come from large families we usually will have two days of visitors - one from grandma's side & one from grandpa's side. And what do we do after the visits? Have another Chinese feast of course!
Tomorrow is the 7th Day of Chinese New Year and is commonly known to as 'yun yut' - which means 'People's Day'. Some even refer to it as 'Everyone's Birthday'. On tomorrow's menu? Definitely chicken (drumsticks) because you just HAVE to eat chicken on your birthday (the Chinese equivalent of having a birthday cake, I suppose).
Many see the 7th Day as the unofficial end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. And as much as we love our Chinese foods, it's right about now we need to give our stomachs a little break! Stay tuned for some restaurant reviews of our Chinese New Year dinners!
Y.C.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Restaurant Review - Mildred's Temple Kitchen
Today the Big Oh and I were running an errand without the kids so we decided to treat ourselves to a belated Valentine's Day date. I wanted to go somewhere we normally wouldn't go with the kids; somewhere trendy, a place that would make "Top 10" lists in & around town. Somewhere that didn't have a kids menu! So after a recommendation from a friend we decided on Mildred's Temple Kitchen in Liberty Village.
We were spot on when it came to the type of resto we wanted to try. First sign - the over hour wait for a table during their Sunday brunch even in -25 degree weather! Minimalistic decor in whites & beige in a hip & happening neighbourhood. No signs of strollers or children. In fact, I swear that the Big Oh & I were two of the oldest patrons there (and we are not old).
Big Oh ordered the MTK Burger ($18) and I ordered Veda's Choice ($14.50). The burger, although more the size of a slider, was presented as expected - big plate, fancy (but minimal) garnish with a side of hand cut 'frites', and an amazing garlic aioli to dip. Veda's Choice was two poached eggs sandwiched in a croissant with smoked salmon in Bearnaise sauce accompanied with mixed greens. The server was pleasant & attentive on this very busy Sunday morning.
Even though the meal was very good (I have no doubt that everything we ate was made & baked on-site) I just can't see myself returning. And I'm not entirely sure why! Is it because I'm too 'suburban' for these trendy downtown spots? Is it because I'm too 'cheap/unrefined' to appreciate quality and the prices that go with it? I don't think so....but I will say I'm not too sure what the 'hype' is. I can certainly make a similar brunch at home. And quite honestly, my local chain-type brunch restaurant serves up poached eggs, pancakes, & sandwiches that are not too bad either at half the price. So for a special occasion, sure we'll go out of our comfort zone and try something new; but really, we are comfortable just the way we are!
We were spot on when it came to the type of resto we wanted to try. First sign - the over hour wait for a table during their Sunday brunch even in -25 degree weather! Minimalistic decor in whites & beige in a hip & happening neighbourhood. No signs of strollers or children. In fact, I swear that the Big Oh & I were two of the oldest patrons there (and we are not old).
Big Oh ordered the MTK Burger ($18) and I ordered Veda's Choice ($14.50). The burger, although more the size of a slider, was presented as expected - big plate, fancy (but minimal) garnish with a side of hand cut 'frites', and an amazing garlic aioli to dip. Veda's Choice was two poached eggs sandwiched in a croissant with smoked salmon in Bearnaise sauce accompanied with mixed greens. The server was pleasant & attentive on this very busy Sunday morning.
Even though the meal was very good (I have no doubt that everything we ate was made & baked on-site) I just can't see myself returning. And I'm not entirely sure why! Is it because I'm too 'suburban' for these trendy downtown spots? Is it because I'm too 'cheap/unrefined' to appreciate quality and the prices that go with it? I don't think so....but I will say I'm not too sure what the 'hype' is. I can certainly make a similar brunch at home. And quite honestly, my local chain-type brunch restaurant serves up poached eggs, pancakes, & sandwiches that are not too bad either at half the price. So for a special occasion, sure we'll go out of our comfort zone and try something new; but really, we are comfortable just the way we are!
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