Sunday 8 March 2015

Chinese Meal

As part of a series of “spoilies” before my operation, we went out last night for a Chinese meal in a posh Chinese restaurant in town. After my surgery, I will not be able to eat Chinese food again for a long time, and maybe forever, because Chinese vegetables are supposed not to be stoma-friendly, so last night felt a bit like the last meal of the condemned man!

My hubby asked our local Chinese takeaway owner where he would go if he was going out for a Chinese meal, and he recommended this place – that’s a pretty good recommendation! The building itself is an old-fashioned villa-style house with high ceilings and an air of Victorian elegance about it, but the interior had been designed in the Chinese style, but not too flamboyantly – in place of the usual red and gold dragons and lanterns, it is understated and elegant, but distinctly Oriental. Here are some pictures, starting with the entrance lobby.

01 Entrance Lobby

There are two dining areas, and we were in the first one. It is decorated with a very subtle pale green wallpaper with a slight sheen to it, and delicate lines reminiscent of bamboo leaves. The photos don’t do it justice, as usual with shimmery surfaces.

02 Screen in First Dining Area

There is a broad arch leading into the second dining area which was illuminated with soft coloured lights, and trims created from thick half bamboo canes.

03 Arch into Second Dining Area

04 Second Dining Area

05 Door in Second Dining Area

Back in the first dining area, beside the doorway into the bar is an arched window.

06 Arch Between First Dining Area and Bar

From this picture you can see what an elegant room this is, with the high ceilings and plaster mouldings.

07 Window in First Dining Area

The bar is decorated with a Chinese-style roof.

08 Bar

In the bar are several large fish tanks.

09 Fish Tank in Bar

I loved this beautiful peacock wall-sconce in the bar.

10 Peacock Wall Light in Bar

In the arched window into the bar is a traditional Chinese plant made from pieces of glass or semi-precious stones. I remember my grandmother had a bonsai tree made like this. It looks so real!

11 Artificial Flowers

Arriving at our table beside the arch into the second dining area, I noticed the very pretty floral arrangement. The gold-lined glass candle holder shed a soft glow.

12 Our Table Decoration

We started with crispy duck and pancakes – my absolute favourite! We shared a quarter duck between us, much as I would have liked more and could have coped with a half, we wouldn’t have had room for anything else!

13 Crispy Duck with Pancakes

Constructing the pancake roll with the crispy duck, thinly sliced vegetables and hoi-sin sauce. Rolled up and eaten in your fingers, there’s a gorgeous combination of flavours and textures, and I always seem to manage to have the sauce dribble down my chin!

14 Crispy Duck on Pancake

Our main course. Firstly, chicken and cashew nuts and egg fried rice.

15 Chicken & Cashew Nuts and Egg Fried Rice

Then Peking-style beef and sweet and sour pork.

16 Peking-Style Beef and Sweet & Sour Pork

The sweet and sour pork and chicken and cashew nuts are my two favourite dishes, and my hubby despairs of me because I always want these dishes! This time he didn’t make too much of a fuss because after all, it was my last Chinese meal!

Tucking in to my bowl.

17 My Bowl

There was far too much food for the two of us – enough for three or four! They kindly made us up a doggy bag to take home, and we had it for lunch today. If possible, it was even more delicious second time round.

Before we left, one of the waitresses took a photo of the two of us.

18 After the Meal

What a lovely evening out! It’s a gorgeous place, and very different from anywhere we’ve been before. On the table next to us was a sweet couple with their absolutely charming Down’s daughter, who delighted us both with a big hug when they left!

We were not the only ones to have spoilies today. When we got back, my hubby gave the kitties some of the treats they had for Christmas – we have to give them very sparingly because Beatrice (on the left) is sick if she has too much of anything, with her delicate little stomach. She is very keen, though, as you can see from the attitude of those back legs and her whole body straining forwards! Phoebe is a bit of a butter-fingers and always drops hers, and if my hubby doesn’t rescue them, Beatrice zooms in and wolfs them down!

Kitties Having Treats 7-3-15

In the background you can see some of the many lovely cards I’ve had from friends and family, wishing me well for my operation.

I am still feeling very tired after all the recent stress, and very glad of this fortnight’s respite before I go into hospital, and I’m determined to continue resting and relaxing and trying not to worry about what lies ahead. Not sure what spoilies remain to be enjoyed before that time!

7 comments:

  1. How lovely to be spoiled like that Shoshi. I really enjoy Chinese food and am drooling at the photographs of all those delicious dishes. The restaurant looks delightful as well. The kitties getting their treats made me smile. Glad that you are resting and relaxing - keep it up!!! :-) Anne x

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  2. Wow, that Chinese restaurant looks wonderful, as does the meal. What a great way to celebrate what could be your last foray into |Chinese vegetables. I do hope not. Didn't realise your illness or whatever you call it (my friend called it her 'disease') would have such a lasting effect.
    Thinking of you and will be glad when you are writing to tell us it is over and you are fit to bring us up to date.
    Hugs, Neet xx
    ps lovely photo of the two of you, something to treasure xx

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  3. What an elegant chinese restaurant. The surroundings and food look amazing! Sending positive thoughts your way.

    Hugs,
    Kay

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  4. Hi there Shoshi pray all goes well for you in time leading up to, the operation and the time afterwards as well dear Shoshi.
    I love love Chinese too :D but it no longer likes me :( so avoid it was much as possible :D
    Thanks so much for sharing!
    Shaz in Oz.x

    {Shaz in Oz – Calligraphy Cards blog}

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  5. Perfect! I'm so glad you had a good night. I'm interested to know where that is as it looks lovely.

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  6. sounds like a wonderful evening out. Prayers for you Soshi.

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  7. That looks like a lovely place to eat out! Beats McDonald's and Subway for sure! Lovely pictures of you and Nicholas and the kitties! I've just realized who he reminds me off. I used to work for an American company and he looks exactly like one of the men there! He was nice too!

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