Birthday Dinner

So, another get together birthday/dinner.

As with previous occasions, the mahjong players arrived early and had a game of mahjong. The rest of the gang came as and when they are ready, bearing fruits, titbits and alcohol.

Ernest cooked up another sumptuous meal for us.

Chicken Claypot Rice. Claypot rice with Chicken, salted fish, and sausages with a generous sprinkle of fried onions and chopped spring onions.

Steamed prawns. Prawns painstakingly arranged, lathered with ginger sauce, sprinkled with wolfberries, steamed and garnished with coriander.

Omelette with scallops garnished with coriander.

Braised pork. Strips of belly pork braised to perfection. It might look a bit on the dull side, - it could be because of the colour of the pot, but I assure you the dish was divine – if you are one who appreciates belly pork.

Ernest’s homemade salad. Diced Long beans mixed with diced dried beancurd.

A mixed vegetable dish of mushrooms, spring onions, cabbage, dried soya sticks and glass noodles.

A plate of stir fried noodles with mushrooms and spring onions. (Ernest's version of longevity noodles)

This is roast London duck, contributed by Toon Chian, a new addition to the group, who due to work, and/or family commitment hasn’t been able to join us as frequently.

A group photo. All waiting, impatiently, for it to be over, so we can dig in.

The Birthday cake. Light and absolutely fabulous chocolate mousse cake. Just what we needed after a heavy meal.

And here are the stars of the evening – the birthday boy and birthday girl. Happy Birthday to you both – belated and advanced, and many happy returns of the day!

All in all, another day/evening well spent catching up with friends. Good company, good food, lots of fun and laughter. Everyone’s life should have more of such days!