Humor: Family

Kee Club is famous across Hong Kong for both its exclusivity and its menu. Whoever owns the Kee Club is obviously an even bigger fan of hyphens than I am, since that is all that the menu consists of hyphenated gibberish. Known for its pioneering cuisine, Kee bypasses all the laws of grammar in its menu: Degustation VII’.

Main Course: dover-spectacular-sole-almonds -parsnip-spiced-seared-flame-a vec-olive’

For once I agree with Word. Fragment, consider revising’ indeed! Most people just point at what they wish to order, and hope for the best. No matter what, though, you are always reassured by the maitre de, Marc Jacob (a flamboyant little French man who bounces when he walks and fits both definitions of gay’).

A great decision monsieur, the Dover sole is spectacular’

Before the appetizers come out, Marc Jacob hops around the room serving up bite-size portions of what he calls a little something to excite the pallet’. This is very French, and typical of Nouvelle Cuisine (small portions, large plates, great presentation).

Just as he finishes the rounds and the appetizers are being served, I foolhardily tap my father’s wine glass with the side of my fork, creating a ringing that gets everyone’s immediate attention.

Speech!’ someone says.

At this point I realize that everyone is looking at me. Even DJ Dim Sum has stopped playing old Bee Gees’ tracks, and holds out a mike.

‘

My first thought was to say something like would the owner of a blue Ford Fairmont please report to the front desk, you’re car is about to be towed’. It’s always a knee-jerk reaction to copy lines from sitcoms when put on the spot. I didn’t say this, though. Instead I said Hey’.

Hey’, the room responded in the perfectly synchronized monotone pitch of an AA support group.

Thanks for coming’.

You’re welcome’.

I could see this heading downhill fast. Fortunately, the crowd lightened up and I advised them to diversify their bonds’ before retaking my seat.

My dad’s speech wasn’t much better. Instead of talking about the joys of being married he spoke of America’s credit crises’ and the apparent need to deleverage and stay liquid’. It was very touching, and received a round of applause from the investment bankers a sign they shared his sentiments.

After Myla had had her brief stab at the English language, DJ Dim Sum took the mike back and started playing some Phil Collins to set a more romantic mood. Normally, there would have been more speeches, but