Good food, old friendships, and a little taste of Hong Kong
Yesterday, Julie and I took a bus downtown for lunch at Lai Wah Heen 麗華軒, a Chinese restaurant known for its refined approach to Chinese cuisine.
For me, a trip downtown is always a little adventure. There is something enjoyable about leaving our familiar neighbourhood, watching the city go by, and arriving at a restaurant where good food and good company await.
This lunch was especially meaningful because it gave us an opportunity to catch up with an old friend. As we grow older, these opportunities become increasingly precious. We may not see one another as often as we would like, but when we do meet, the conversation seems to pick up naturally, as though the years between visits have simply disappeared.
Of course, a good lunch deserves a little attention of its own!
A Lunch Worth Remembering
Our meal offered a delightful variety of Chinese dishes, combining familiar flavours with a more elegant presentation.
We began with spring rolls filled with duck meat. The crisp exterior and savoury filling made them an inviting start to the meal.
Next came stir-fried rice with vegetables, dried mushrooms and dried olive cubes, without egg. I found the combination particularly interesting. The vegetables and mushrooms brought their own flavours and textures, while the dried olive cubes added a distinctive touch. It was a reminder that a good rice dish does not need to rely on egg to be satisfying.
The seafood dishes were another highlight.
We enjoyed siu mai filled with lobster meat, a luxurious variation on a familiar dim sum favourite. There was also lobster congee, a comforting dish that combined the gentle warmth of rice porridge with the delicate flavour of lobster.
Another memorable item was gold carp-shaped har gow, the familiar shrimp dumpling presented in an attractive fish shape. It was a lovely example of how a little creativity can turn a traditional dim sum dish into something special.
Taken together, these dishes made the lunch feel like more than an ordinary meal. Each had its own character, and there was plenty to appreciate without rushing through the experience.
More Than Just a Restaurant
What makes a restaurant visit memorable?
The food certainly matters. Good ingredients, thoughtful preparation and attractive presentation can make a meal enjoyable. A restaurant such as Lai Wah Heen also offers an opportunity to experience Chinese cuisine presented with a sense of refinement.
But I have come to believe that the people sitting around the table matter just as much.
At this stage of life, I appreciate a relaxed lunch, an interesting conversation and the chance to reconnect with people who have been part of my journey. We do not need an elaborate celebration to make a day special. Sometimes, a few well-prepared dishes and several hours of conversation are more than enough.
A Little Reflection from Grandpa
Looking back on yesterday, I am reminded that retirement does not mean our journey has stopped. There are still places to explore, dishes to discover and friendships to nurture.
Julie and I enjoyed our downtown outing, and Lai Wah Heen gave us a pleasant setting for a memorable lunch.
My advice to fellow seniors is simple: when circumstances permit, make time for an occasional lunch with friends. Choose a restaurant you have wanted to visit, try something different from your usual order, and give yourself time to enjoy the company.
We spend much of our lives working, raising families and fulfilling responsibilities. As the years pass, let us also make room for the simple pleasures that bring us together.
A little good food. A little friendship. A lot of heart.
That is what Grandpa Journey is all about.
There is one more thing that made this lunch special. Over the years, I have been fortunate to enjoy the kindness and generosity of good friends. Some gestures are best appreciated quietly, without making a big announcement about them. To me, what matters most is not the meal itself, but the thoughtfulness behind it and the friendship that has lasted through the years. I am truly grateful for these moments, and I hope that, in my own way, I can continue to pass that kindness along to others.
Until our next little adventure, take care, enjoy your meals, and keep those friendships alive.
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