Island Girls: 2/17/2018 Happy Chinese New Year - The Year of the Dog

For her event, Grace had invited the IG's to her condo for hors d'oeuvres and to view the sunset to celebrate the Chinese New Year. When the nine that attended (Ellen, Fran, Geri, Jaye, Kathryn, Liz, Vicki, Denise and Denise's sister Marlene) arrived, they were greeted by Grace, wearing a beautiful Chinese dress and were treated to, not only, home made Chinese appetizers but but also home cooked entrees. (I was told it was magnificent and much better than anything available commercially!) The IG's enjoyed homemade spring rolls, pan fried dumplings, and roast pork fried rice (and, of course, wine) prior to the sunset. Then, after the sun had set, Grace stir fried the entree's of Shrimp Lo Mein and Steak with String beans. The wine glasses were always kept full. (I am hungry and jealous even typing this)

Grace decorated her condo with Chinese New Year motifs: a banner of Chinese characters that meant Happy Chinese New year, red paper lanterns and tassels that showed the Chinese symbol for Good Luck, and an example of a Chinese intricate paper cutting art. (The art of paper cutting dates back to the 2nd century C.E. when paper was invented.)

After sipping wine, sharing appetizers and chatting, all, at 6pm, went out on the balcony to view the sunset. After the sun had gone down, Grace prepared the entrees and they ate. Grace's was a gracious hostess, with a beautiful home. The view was awesome and a wonderful time was had by all. For those of us who didn't go...we really missed out and missed tasting what Chinese food should taste like!

Decorations and Grace's beautiful condo: