I love my profession

A fulfilling day that verify my existing and the path I choose.  It has been almost two years that we moved to HK.  From not having a vision of what I want to do besides for being a mom, I have come a long way.  Until today, I finally realize my true profession is being a chef, creating simple delicious dishes and cater to people who appreciates them.  Sometimes I think if I can do it, anyone can, but after having some really bad meals and pay top dollars for it, I realize, a gift of creating flavors that is well balanced and delicious is a valuable gift and should not be ignored.  Sometimes when you eat a piece of chocolate cake and you just wish the cake is just a little more chocolate-dy or a dish that you just wish it is a bit more flavorful, that is the feeling I often felt about many restaurants. 

To me a good meal is about balance and a good catered meal or a good dining experience is a balancing act between menu engineering, service, execution, flavor sand quality of food.  We have gone to restaurants where the service was excellent, but the menu is just not that pleasing.  Or the food is wonderful but the service is just horrible that leave a bad taste in your mouth.  Having the right amount of service to pair with the theme of your restaurant is a delicate balancing act. 

Cooking in Denver and moving to Hong Kong trying to entertain is not an easy transition.  I must say, I was lost for a while.  Dishes that was popular in the US does not mean people will like it in HK.
Hong Kong has a unique mix of population.  You have the bargain hunter looking for best deals, cheap eats and always a discount.  Old timer that always swap stories about classics dishes and well traveled experience.  The Investment Banker and Finance group that knows how to spend and indulge themselves on their limited free time.  And lets not forget the international expat communities that strive for a little familiarities of their home town. The lists goes on.  How is it possible to have something that will please everyone? 

The diversity of population gave me a chance to test my limits.  One day I could be cooking for a group of expat and the next day I have to cater to the local Chinese.  Just when I think I master one dish, it is time to create something else to please a different request.  One can see its a challenge, but I can also spot opportunities.  One thing for sure, no matter which group of people you serve, when I spot a happy fulfilled crowd, I know I have done it again!

The Truth Comes Out at Weddings

What is the real purpose of having a wedding? As a host, that is the first thing you have to think about. Do you care about your guest's well being? Do you care about the people who helped make this dream come true? I always say, a wedding brings out the true colors of people. I once lost a dear friend at my own wedding, and I think I am not the only one to have that experience.

Being slow roasted in the hot July sun and then rained on with Typhoon #8 on the way were the highlights of the day. Today I volunteered in a HK wedding where I was in charged of booking the music talent, video crew, taking pictures for the planner and the design of a golf ball chocolate gift. I worked on this event based on the idea of seeing what a professional Hong Kong wedding is all about.

We were lucky that the rain did not come until after the signing ceremony and magic show. Yes they have a tent with air con, but no, they don't have a back up plan in case of rain. I just really feel for the bride and groom that melted in the heat, volunteers who worked at the venue and people who brave out the wedding. To say the least, it was memorable. The venue was beautiful but the service did not live up to the view. With no anticipation of rain, knowing Typhoon # 8 is coming, guests ended up having hors d'oeuvres on bare bone banquet tables with no tablecloth indoor.

However, the most memorable part of the whole day was when I was trying to leave the venue. Venue had shuttle bus that drops guests off at the parking lot or nearby bus and taxi terminal. There were no taxi available at the club house because of heavy rain, so I took the shuttle bus with a few guest from the wedding. Hopping into the shuttle with me was a lady dressed in a very nice silk dress along with her exhausted cute little 6 years old daughter dressed in a pink chiffon dress. We took the shuttle to the parking lot to try to catch a taxi only to find out there were none available. Everyone from the neighboring theme park were just let out because of rain. The bus lane were jammed with frustrated sweaty tourists, trying to avoid the rain and climbing onto the already full bus. Without an umbrella, the pretty mom willfully picked the little girl up and covered her head with a tissue paper and cue in line with the rest of the crowd. Finally jammed into the bus, they managed to squeeze into a wet seat and finally left the venue.

As an event planner, I really learned something new today. What is your true task? Sounds like everything. To satisfy your client, keep things under budget, ensure events go according to schedule, think about all the unthinkable, predict all the unpredictable, satisfy your guests and make sure your event ends with a high note. Like the end of a meal, who cares about the juicy steak when your dessert sucks. For all the event planners out there, keep up the good work and remember there is always something new to learn.