Surprise from Great Decisions!

Back in November 2012, I was approached by Mr. David Heidelberger for a picture I took during my trip in Myanmar (Burma).  Mr. Heidelberger works as a video editor on a show called Great Decisions (www.greatdecisions.org).  Great Decisions is a non-partisan look at US foreign policy that airs on PBS and they were doing an episode about Burma.

This is the picture featured!
a picture of the the natural gas pipe going through Myanmar to China...

J King Ishokuya (日皇居食屋)

This place has been around for quite some time now but I was always hesitant to try.  I have grouped it with the likes of Shushimitei (鮨味亭) and Toei Delights (東瀛十八番).  I am not saying that these places ain't good but it's not the same as going to Japanese restaurants in Japan (or even Hong Kong).  (Side note: on Shushimitei, I actually prefer the Hoi Fu Branch over the flagship for a change... hehe...)

Mango Scallop Salad

Keung Kee Signature Lamb Pot (強記秘製羊腩煲) & Hang Heung Yuen (杏香園)

Mild winter, rising prices, and long wait time didn't stop my friends and I from going to Keung Kee for their signature lamb pot.  Opened only in the winter (September to April), a line can be seen around 18:30 everyday.  Although they say they open until 01:00, they usually sold out by 21:00.  There are other places that offer good lamb pots in Macau but we like to come here for the ambiance.

Note: there is no indoor seating.

Golden Flower (京花軒)

Happy Chinese New Year! (and Happy Valentine's Day too!)

In celebration of the new year, my friends and I went to try the two-star Michelin Golden Flower in Wynn Macau.  In addition to the revered cuisines of Shandong and Sichuan, Golden Flower offers a rare chance to experience authentic Tan cuisine, an exclusive culinary tradition from the Qing Dynasty.

Cheuk Yan Restaurant (卓仁菜館)

Cheuk Yan Restaurant (卓仁菜館) is another local gem hidden under its modest decor and humble residential corner.  I love going there for family gatherings.  In fact, I just went there last night for a family reunion dinner (團年飯)!

Hong Kong Style Fried Dumplings (煎堆)

Do you associate food with people?  Over the year when I taste an exceptional dish made by a friend or restaurant, I linked the two together.  Every year around Chinese New Year, I will remember the fried dough with red bean stuffing made by my neighbor many years ago.  Now that I moved back to Macau I see her more often  (Thank goodness she didn't move!!).  But I have yet to gather the courage to ask her for her recipe. 

So before I can get my hands on her recipe, I need to satisfy my CNY unhealthy food craving first.  Among the popular CNY snacks, my favorite is fried dumplings.  I found the recipe online (click here) and it didn't seem too difficult, the ingredients are readily available, and I have friends that will help me eat them, regardless of results! 

I made my first batch last night and they were alright.  I desparately need an electronic scale for my next batch though.  If you are on a diet or if you have any health concerns, you must stay away from this recipe because this is heart attack in a ball.

the i-don't-want-to-know-how-many-calories traditional CNY snack