easy,
We arrived the day after Easter Monday and stayed until the following Tuesday. It was busy, but it didn't seem terribly crowded. More Italian and German tour groups than anything else. Things seemed to peak Friday and then quieted down considerably on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. It was either go now or during the summer and I am so glad we didn't go in July! I am going to attempt a trip report over on the Europe board. Donita keeps harrassing me just like she does with Monk seals to write something so I suppose I should.

Bill

If we all come, we may end up with a slightly different menu, but hey, we are slightly different so what else is new? My kids are pretty conservative eaters.

I doubt the kids would stay for very long so need to hold back on the festivities..

Anyway, we are trying to work it all out. Hope to see everyone!

Bill, I didn't want to harass you, but you should know I keep checking the Europe board daily in hopes of seeing your trip report!

Maybe the kids can eat beef broccoli with bill? ha ha!

Funny you should mention beef with broccoli. That is one of their favorites.

Anyway, I noticed a typo in my last post. I meant to say there is no need to hold back on the festivities as I doubt they would stay very long.

Mels, check now.

bbq

OMG, have you seen this month's <i>Bon Appetit?</i> One of the featured destinations is Shanghai....and they focus a lot on xiao long bao, and even how to make it yourself! Looks a little laborious. I'll leave the bao making to the experts, and the eating to me!

Note to MelissaHI,
Any chance you'll be down south (LA-ish) before or after the 23rd?

Mels: For authentic xiao long bao (and all the other goodies), you have to go to Shanghai, so start planning!

Shanghainese: Man, don't I know it! All I need is time &amp; money....sigh.

kopp, i lost your email address. I will be in LA for a conference but so far am planning a mini-GTG with SeaUrchin on Saturday, May 19 at the Grove for lunch, shopping, and the farmer's market! Can you make it?

Melissa,
swisshiker at yahoo

Let me look up where it is.

Step-by-step instructions on how to make the legendary Chinese dumplings.

http://tinyurl.com/2hlt7w

Look out withkids! They are ordering pork knuckles and ducks feet, and may soon to order kid knees! :((

Mels: Tooo much work, and for the soup she uses chicken wings, back and necks with gelatin instead of pig knuckes which has natural gelatin.

100 years ago, braised bear paws were a rare imperial delicacy.

I was going out for Chinese food this evening, but I've suddenly lost my appetite. :&amp;

Were they panda paws or south paws?

Holding my paws tight around the bottle….

I said it before, and I'll say it again: I eat anything, except duck feet or sea cucumbers! Something about the webbing freaks me out. but all other feet........chee hoo!

Melissa, was that a sneeze or do you have a foot fetish?

Or is this like a Beatles album where you say the word backwards?

Sea cucumbers have webbed feet?

Zampino, baby, Zampino! No webs there!

Bill

&quot;chee hooo&quot; is a jubilant cheer the Samoans here say when they're excited!

Love it!

Ho Bradah we gon rage um dis weekend CHEE HOO!!! 8-)