Spicy City seemed not spicy enough for the conversation, at least at the dinner table! Those who braved traffic also stood outside talking after the restaurant closed its door (I heard). Is it true or just my misperception that people who likes spicy food, also likes talking... :) (Ok, no throwing eggs please)

And please save those eggs for our next adventure, which is going to be a little mild and health conscious. Mark, my colleague at SPS, throws greens, carrots, and fruits in a $300 "juice maker" every morning, and drinks what comes out of it. "It is raw, nutritious, tasty, and full of energy!". He told me one morning while I was putting layers of strawberry cream cheese on a chocolate chips bagel. So I stopped, and asked "Mark, which restaurant in San Diego is the best vegetarian restaurant?". "Sipz!"

That was the first time I heard the name. And it didn't take long to find out that that is the only vegetarian restaurant has lasted for a while in San Diego, although they closed Poway branch while back. I guess it maybe just too limited in ingredients to attract various tastes to sustain the business (chime in anyone?). Even with Sipz, I have heard mixed reviews. But I am dying to see the menu! Apparently, some of them sound very poetic. Others heard could be a little "misleading"...so we will check it out.

I admit I have never been to that place before. So I don't know what to expect, including prices. You carnivores are also welcome, but watch out because this one is to be ruled by our vegetarians!

Event address update.

This event is made possible by a generous offer from one of our members Naomi and her husband to make their private garden available to us. Please say thank you to our hosts while you are there.

Special comment: "make your 3rd left turn onto Altisma Way, not the 2nd, eventhough it is of the same street name" + "follow the scent of bamboo...or call the number (if your nose doesn't works)"

Look forward to it!

Thanks Naomi!

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A free 2hr language practice for all levels in a beautiful garden in Carlsbad...
A chance to practice without fear with native speakers...
A chance to find out the difference between 巴士 and 的士...
A monthly event this meetup group named after...

A must attend!

Detailed address to be provided by 24th. This event will be canceled if no more than 5 people reply "yes" by 28th because it costs some efforts from couple of us to organize this one.

So Jim told me after DimSum last Sunday that DimSum is NOT really a Chinese cuisine...?!
Oh, Jim, want another glass of water? (those who attended DimSum should remember what happened to his water... :)

Alright guys, let us try this again! This time, it is one of the oldest Chinese restaurants still around in San Diego. Mandarin Garden is known for its Shanghai style food for decades, as its Chinese name is 沪园, although they do make other stuff. Take a look at some of the reviews here: http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=20891238. For me, I would rather eat at my grandma's house, since she use to own a restaurant with my grandpa. But this place is the only restaurant she would go for a long long time... for its food? or for her decades of friendship with the owner and the staff? I think for both. So, maybe there is somehting to this place.

And it is on a Wednesday evening! For those who surveyed prefer a weekday event (17%), this is for you before you head out of the town for the long weekend. So, come out and meet up. Bring a $10 bill plus a few ones. Look for the SDCLM sign after you get in.

With this event, I am wrapping up a busy August! Partially to make up for an uneventful July (pun intended), and partially to attempt to boost the interest and participation among all of us. I hope you have found at least one excuse to come out, whether it is the event content, or time and location. With that said, let me know if you have other meetup ideas or would like to host an event yourself...ya, did I tell you how many member we have in this group now?

254

all the best!
Roger

Missed the Dim Sum today? Don't miss the photos, now available on line.
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Chinese Movie: "To Live" 活着; or "Lifetime" (~2hr+/-)

I am rushing in this event as I need to return the movie fairly soon! But this is a darn good Chinese movie, still forbidden to be shown in China. It would be a pity missing it if you are into Chinese modern history, movie making, or simply being fans of the stars.

Google movie review by using either of the two translations in the subject window for ratings. My personal take is that this movie illustrates the ups and downs of the Chinese modern history, from pre-1949 era (旧社会) to post cultural revolution (late 70's) through portraying an average person's not so average life events. And at the end, as his grandson jokes about ... , the movie finally casts a cheerful light, perhaps after all he has been thru at the end of the tunnel, a light to hope, hope for a more normal life backed by traditional Chinese family ties passed from generations to generations...

I am doing this at my residence (Mira Mesa, 92126. address to be sent to Yes and Maybe later). Bring your popcorn if you like, and I will provide microwave, and butter. Hot tea or light refreshment will also be available. We could also do a brief discussion after the movie. Since this is the first time to held an event at my place, I am limiting number of people to 10. Let us see how it goes this time.

The movie has English/Chinese subtitle. I will cancel this event if less than 4 people reply "Yes" by this coming Friday (24th).

Best,
Roger

Finally, after my right ear has been burning for a few weeks (if you know what it means in Chinese superstition), here is our first event!

So, let us meetup and make sure you still know how to say your Chinese name, whatever it means. This social event will be "open house" like, between 3 and 5:30 pm. So come whenever you can, and stay as long as you want. Family and friends are welcome too.

The location is in Mission Valley. This coffee shop has a nice patio. We will meet there.

See you all!