Tonight we went out for dinner with some of George's friends who we've been trying to get together with since last October. The plan was to go out for a traditional Chinese dinner with them, as one of his friends is Chinese, and would be more familiar with the dishes than we were. Our neighbour also joined us, as she too wanted to try something new and exciting. So, it was off to the Fortune Garden restaurant on Broadway where we met up with George's friends Vivian, Judy, and Christina. We had also invited George's aunt, who was just back from Las Vegas and spending the weekend in Vancouver before heading back to Vancouver Island.
As soon as we were seated, we were served tea while we waited for everyone to get there. Vivian asked if there were any preferences and we all told her it would be up to her, as she knew best. The only concern was that George's aunt was allergic to shellfish, so we would try to limit that type of seafood. We didn't get everything without, but we certainly did well for the most part.
We started off with a delicious hot and sour soup, followed by some Peking duck and diced duck meat in lettuce wrap. I don't know what it is about it, but I just love the rich Peking duck with the hoisin sauce. I'm sure it's loaded with things that are bad for you, but I can't resist it. The came the crab we ordered (the server had brought it fresh from the tank to our table earlier for approval). It was served over a bed of noodles and a cabbage like vegetable. Unfortunately, this was one of the dishes George's aunt couldn't eat, but she enjoyed watching us struggle while we tried to crack the crab claws with our bare hands and teeth, trying to get at the delicious meat inside. This was quickly followed with fried chicken with sauce and green bean with minced pork and chili. It was a huge meal, and more was still to come. Next came an assorted seafood and tofu hotpot. It included squid, scallops, prawns and sea cucumber along with the deep fried tofu. Then a surprise dish of crispy rice and seafood and sauce to soften it up. This was actually a dessert, but I didn't know this until later. It reminded me of popcorn twists when I ate it, both in texture and taste. It was delicious. By the time we were all through eating, there was still a little food left, and everyone was filled to the gills. When the bill came, with tax and tip included, it only came out to $30.00 per person, which in my view was a bargain.
After dinner we parted with the other bankers, and George, Linda, and I walked his aunt to her car before we caught our buses back downtown. A brisk walk home to try to work off some of the dinner, and it was time to relax a bit before heading for bed.
That was the highlight of the day. We plan to do it again sometime, probably at another restaurant and also sooner than later. It was a nice evening and always good to get out and try something new. That is another way to expand ourselves in this journey of life. So on that note, it's time for bed. The gym will wait for no one in the morning and I definitely have to work off some of that dinner!
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