Objects of desire

yes indeed-indeedy…my craving of the moment…

on the fringe of Boston’s tiny little Chinatown is a restaurant we’ve overlooked but recently discovered when a nephew had his wedding rehearsal dinner there–subsequently also the getting-to- know-the-in-laws-dinner; we got acquainted with the Peking Duck course.



super crispy skin, superbly flavored meat, freshly cooked Mandarin crepes, wrapped with hoisin sauce==ooh la la.

which we will get to know even better in good times to come.

husband’s family? Chinese food is every day food, so what do they have on special occasions? they do fancy Chinese banquet food, that’s what! i have counted up to 14 or so courses, some chosen for their special meanings, like when the sound or the calligraphic character of the dish symbolizes something auspicious like health, wealth, or harmony.

oh, and they also do a mean seafood soup:



East Ocean City Restaurant

27 Beach St.

Boston, MA 02111

(617) 542-2504

at another wedding banquet/reception, for yet another nephew, (we were not able to attend the wedding but they had a reception here for their kin) there were symbolic dishes as well:



couple-dom: twin lobsters



a whole fish=wholeness, harmony



Chinese character for abalone=guaranteed abundance



his and hers, chicken and shrimp over fried rice



well…a heart is a heart

China Pearl, 9 Tyler Street, Boston

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