Birthday Flames and Family Warmth at Jin Gang Shan BBQ

Some birthdays are quiet.

Some are grand.

Mine this year was smoky, spicy, slightly oily — and absolutely perfect.

Alison chose Jin Gang Shan BBQ, a Northern Chinese Harbin-style barbecue restaurant. The moment we walked in, I knew this would not be a “light salad and soup” kind of evening. This was serious food. The kind that announces itself with chili, cumin, and sizzling skewers.

And honestly? At my age, if you are going to celebrate, celebrate properly.

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Harbin-Style BBQ — Bold, Spicy, No Apologies

Northern Chinese barbecue is not shy.

It is:

• Spicy

• Oily

• Fragrant

• Generous

Exactly the kind of food that wakes up your appetite.

We ordered the usual heroes — beef, lamb, pork, chicken — plus vegetables and mushrooms. And yes, squid too. Grilled seafood with chili and cumin has its own personality — tender, slightly chewy, and very satisfying.

The lamb skewers came out glistening with spices, sprinkled generously with sesame seeds. You could smell the cumin before you even picked them up. One bite — juicy, smoky, slightly crisp at the edges. No complicated description needed. Just good.

We also had a big plate of stir-fried noodles with cabbage, egg, scallions, and vegetables. Simple ingredients, but cooked with wok heat and confidence. Sometimes the most ordinary dish becomes extraordinary when shared at the right table.

And of course, grilled corn on the side — slightly charred, sweet, and comforting.

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Portions Generous, Prices Honest

I always pay attention to this. Maybe it is the practical side of being over seventy.

The portions were excellent. Prices were fair. No unpleasant surprise at the end. When a restaurant delivers value along with taste, I respect that.

But let me be clear — the best part was not the food.

Three generations around one smoky grill.

The children laughing.
Chopsticks moving.
Someone reaching across the table for “just one more skewer.”
Julie smiling quietly beside me.

Food fills the stomach.
Family fills the heart.

I watched Ayden and Hailey enjoying the corn and noodles. I watched Alison making sure everyone had enough. That is when you realize: birthdays are not about getting older. They are about seeing your family grow around you.

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Spicy Food, Warm Company

Northern barbecue can be fiery.
But the warmth that night came from something deeper.

We enjoyed good food.
We enjoyed good company.
We enjoyed simply being together.

At this stage of life, I don’t need big gifts.
An evening like this — noisy, oily, joyful — is more than enough.

Another year added.
Another memory made.

And I am grateful.

— Grandpa Journey