Elaine's 40th

It's been a whirlwind of celebrations for my family of late, the most recent being cousin Elaine's birthday. Apparently turning 40 is a big deal in Australia, and Elaine made the decision to return from Adelaide to Malaysia to celebrate with the extended family. To paraphrase her, the intention was to mark this milestone in her life with the people who have been instrumental in her journey of the past 4 decades.

 

So with Dave, Nate and Matthew, as well as Lynette, Auntie Mary and Mel by her side, Elaine welcomed family and close friends at The Ming Room at Bangsar Shopping Centre for a luncheon to celebrate the occasion. It was also an opportunity to catch up with the extended family, as it is never easy to see everyone on a personal basis during such short visits back to KL. Well, a couple of weeks is not exactly short, but when there is so much to do, see and eat, and considering that we come from a rather large family, meeting almost everyone at one location, what more during a celebration, is the perfect scenario.

 

The highlight of the event was certainly Elaine's speech. Touching and genuine, she made it a point to relate how each and everyone of us, in one way or another, have been part of her journey in life. There were some teary eyes in the room, and most importantly a sense of family. So, as you embark on a new decade Elaine, here's to more fulfilling encounters to come.

 

 

Dave, Elaine, Nate and Matthew at The Ming Room, Bangsar Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Food With Dave And Elaine

Cousins Elaine and Dave are back in town with their kids. And like we always do, we've been getting together for 'makan's. Dave would concur that it's good food whenever we catch up, not shopping, not sightseeing, but food.

We've had a couple of meals together these past 2 weeks; I never paid attention before, but I gather that perhaps 'kangkong belacan' is Dave's favourite Malaysian vegetable dish, not bad for an Aussie. So 'kangkong belacan' was on the menu tonight. So was claypot chicken with salted fish, sweet and sour pork, fried crispy pork in dark soy sauce, four 'heavenly king' vegetables with dried shrimp and chilli, deep fried 'wan yue' fish in soy sauce, braised tofu with prawns and vegetables as well as sizzling venison. We were eight adults and two kids, and we literally swept the plates clean. It is extremely enjoyable having a meal with these cousins of mine, they really appreciate the cooking that we sometimes take for granted.

Elaine summed it up best. When I said, "We always say that the servings are too large but yet we 'sapu' everything", she replied, "See who's eating with you lah". Need I say more. Next 'makan', Wednesday evening! Fuiyoh!

Photo of Dave, Elaine, my sis Suk Harn and I shot last October during Auntie Mary's birthday celebration.