Ever since my friend Jennifer became engaged, I've tried to convince her to rent Ang Lee's classic film The Wedding Banquet. Was I implying that her fiance Will was actually a gay man, marrying her to hide the truth from his family? No! But, Will's parents are Chinese - and I thought that the film might offer a little educational preview of the cultural goodies to come with the impending nuptials.
However, Jennifer and Will decided to opt for a Western-style wedding - at the elegant Battery Gardens Restaurant, where the food was sublime (dug those Blinis with Creme Fraiche, Smoked Salmon and Caviar) and the views divine (loved that Hudson River and Lady Liberty).
But, no worries about my need for a Chinese fix - I got it taken care of at the previous night's rehearsal dinner, held at Chinatown's Sweet-n-Tart. There, in between Yuenglings, we were treated to a real Chinese banquet, with small portions of a myriad of exotic dishes. Each dish was presented individually, so we could savor the range of vivid flavors on the menu. We started with plates of dim sum - crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls, delicately sweet Steamed Shrimp Dumplings and Steamed Pork Shui Mai topped with Smelt Roe. Other culinary highlights included Shrimp with Dried Scallops, Grand Marnier Chicken and Fried Rice with Sliced Broccoli and Bacon.
My favorite - dessert: Sweet Sticky Rice Balls covered in Grated Coconut, shrouding a rich center of White Chocolate and a buttery Hazelnut. Gorgeous!
I think I'll still insist that Jennifer and Will come over and watch The Wedding Banquet at my place, when they get back from their honeymoon in Costa Rica. (They never did end up watching it before they said their "I do's.") And, after the flick, I suggest we all take the trip over the Brooklyn Bridge to Chinatown. No need for the invitations, veil or tux. A MetroCard and the address of Sweet-n-Tart will do quite nicely on their own.
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