chocolatebuddha » Archives » New Year Remisnicing with Linguine

Every person I have met in the past week had been crying foul about the endless Chinese dinners they were eating. Yes, this is the time for yee sang, sea cucumber and waxed meats which are all fabulous good stuffs. Just not for consumption on a daily basis.

Though I always claim that Chinese New Year is no longer as festive as it used to be and that is probably due to growing up and possessing less enthusiasm, there is an underlying joyousness amongst everybody in this season. This year I spent the past few days catching up with far-flung friends, friends close by but I hardly meet and friends I see all the time. Usually if there is a choice, we pick cheese and wine at the wine bar over a Chinese restaurant.

However having said that, nothing can quite replace the atmosphere
in the Chinese restaurant, which are mostly fully-booked to the brim in
these 15 days of celebration. Loud repetitive festive music playing
over the speakers, every table packed with families and friends,
usually grumpy and overworked restaurant staff and only a 10-course set
menu being served. Like a movie played again and again every single
night. What is precious about such annual affairs then? To reminisce
previous years’ dinners and laugh about the old times. To have grown up
together and to continue growing up into our own diverging paths. This
perhaps is the single factor that causes each and every table to be
occupied with laughter and joy year after year.

After these momentous outings and decadent food, I finally sat down
alone at the kitchen to eat a simple plate of linguine made only with
olive oil, garlic, tomatoes and anchovies as I savoured the low-key but
wonderful experience of another new year.

I hope you have had a great Chinese New Year too.