In this economic downturn and my personal crisis in my career, I find that eating out has sadly become a lower priority on my list. It's not even a choice - my hungry piggy demands it. This brings me to brainstorm just how I might - when given the chance to treat myself to a meal - maximize my dining experience without breaking the bank.
Just last Sunday, I accompanied Phil and his family to a restaurant named Ka Pok located on Webster St, Alameda, California, USA, Earth, Milky Way. I really enjoyed my dining experience there - in short - it recently went through a change in management, there is always a crowd, they serve free really amazing chinese soup (with full pieces of meat), free appetizer (consisting of iceberg lettuce, strips of cold white chicken, jellyfish, drizzled with sesame oil and garnished with sesame seeds), free dessert (standard in most chinese restaurants served to you provided that you are chinese yourself). I am digressing about free stuff, am I not? Apart from all the free stuff I've mentioned, I just like the selection and quality of the food.
I saw a table with a bottle of wine, and moments later saw a crab dish with sticky rice on another table. Phil's mom helped me ask the waiter just how much the corkage fee was --ta da-- 5 bucks! You can't beat that. My take away from Sunday night was one of these privileged fridays - I must drop by Trader Joe's - grab a bottle of white - which states that pairs well with Chinese food - head to Ka Pok and order the crab dish with the sticky rice. Sure the ambiance will not be there - but that's what the wine is for! I must say that the whole bring your own wine (BYOW) idea is derived from when Phil and I were in Bath, England - chowing at an Indian restaurant - which totally promoted bringing your own wine. I remember we slipped across the street after ordering and crossed the street to a small wine shop - picked something moderately priced - and subsequently shared sweet moments...
I think I have found a little piece heaven even in tough times.
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1 comment:
ah mel, you never cease to amuse. for some reason, regardless of what alcohol you bring, it's still "BYOB" at restaurants here. i've always wondered why. speaking of beer, i made pizza and drank beer tonight with my farmshare veggies and meats!
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