The Food Experience no. 1

Ever considered making an entire meal out of appetizers?

Today, my neighbors and I ventured into Chinatown to lunch at Dim Sum Go Go. The interior has a nice young vibe, good variety, and great for groups.

Dim sum is best described as small bites, and a Cantonese term for snack. This custom came to be in the traditional teahouses accommodating weary travelers along the ancient Silk Road and eventually makes its way to the U.S. Yes it is a wonderful feast of fried and steamed dumplings, spring rolls, sticky buns, and rice concoctions all with delightful dipping sauces. What makes it unique can be the different way in which it may be served, and this is what makes it fun.

In some dim sum restaurants there is no written menu, Chinese women push carts of ready-to-serve delicacies around the room. Continuously during the meal, the cart passes, always tempting you with more, and in the good-ole’ American way one just ogles and points as if in stupor all the while bamboo steamer baskets collect on the table. Today we were offered menus and when our waiter realized we were having a difficult time deciding he handed us a laminated collection of pages with photographs of each item.

At Dim Sum Go Go, we write the order using the form on the table. Of course, we ordered and shared the pork filled Spring Rolls but really mixed it up with the dumplings. Well that was after we discussed shellfish allergies, we ordered Jade Dumplings, they were vegetable filled, one with asparagus and another with soybeans. The rice rolls are not rolls at all, but stuffed, translucent rice noodles. We stayed away from the shark fin and the chicken’s feet but ordered the Chicken & Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf.

Using chopsticks for most of the meal I was doing all right for myself; however, I must have put the waiter on guard when I asked for a fork. It helped with the thing wrapped in the leaf because I was unsure how to eat it. I took my fork and started hacking into it, but before I could do any damage the waiter leaned over and discretely, with his heavy Chinese accent, said, “You unfold the leaf and eat the rice inside.” Good to know!

It may be obvious that I am no ‘foodie,’ but every once in a while I like to step out of my comfort zone, and by the way while in New York with the incredible number of choices you just can’t leave without trying something new -- dim sum is fun…

For me, Something To Be Proud Of

Here in New York City we are preparing for this the 10^th anniversary standing united, vigilant, and aware. “Special Reports,” and “Breaking News” in the past two weeks, we have endured a tremor and Hurricane Irene we are on high alert. In preparation of the ceremony in remembrance of 9/11 we are asked to go about our routines as usual. Holding my chin high, I cannot help but to feel a little edgy because the news announcements and this feeling reminds me of the days drawing closer and closer to the year 2000 or more ominously Y2K.

Two weeks ago the news reports were breaking every hour preparing the northeastern seaboard for an approaching hurricane and I was hired to give a tour. The group was arriving via cruise ship; however, with no ship to shore contact, I had no idea if the group would arrive or not. Preparing for the in coming hurricane I was stocking up with provisions, filling my bathtub, as reporters instructed while more details began to hit the airwaves. I was aware that mandatory evacuations were in place and my zone was basically 2 blocks away from the red zone and therefore, I was a little on edge myself. Low and behold at 8:30 am about 12 hours before the expected storm my phone rings, the ladies had arrived.

Barely awake, I logged into my computer to get the latest information in order to prepare these guests and was very concerned knowing that the Subway system was going to be shut down. It was unprecedented to have mass transit shutdown. For the ‘New Yorker’ in me it was similar to the feelings I had ten years ago.

In the whirlwind of emotions today, I received this letter from the lovely lady that coordinated that tour two weekends ago and it comes at such perfect time and with it, it brings comfort to my heart.

Dear Sean,

Our cruise ship had been racing hurricane Irene for several days, hitting Puerto Rico right after our departure.

When we arrived in New Jersey, there were so many rumors flying around, we were all a bit unsettled. We had pre-booked your tour, however we doubted you would come. We were told that all bridges and public transportation were closed.. If the driver couldn’t make it there, we were literally stranded. All airports were closed and N.J. hotels full.

So, this is the state we were in when the driver did arrive.

You were truly the light for us in all of that turmoil. First, you gave us the most interesting tour. All of your stories and descriptions brought your NYC alive for us. You could not have been more caring or more sensitive to our predicament. You went above and beyond by taking us to find some food and water. Never have I had that kind of treatment. You are personal. You are very giving and caring. The ladies all agree that your tour was the highlight of NY.

Thank you so much for being our angel on that day. We all came away richer for having spent that day with you.

With Much Gratitude,

Marilyn R.

P.S. You probably don’t need it, however if you want to use the above as a testimonial you have my permission.

So let it be known that through rain, sleet, snow, and yes, even hurricane the tour will go on!