That was perhaps the best meal I have had over the past five years in this country ? if it wasn't the best, it was definitely on top of my 'most indulgent meal' list. To avoid any misunderstandings, I shall give further explanations to justify why it was my personal favourite, but one thing is for sure, it wasn't all about the food, I am not broadcasting "discovery channel ? travel & adventure" here!

It was our division Christmas function dinner last week. I know, I know, Christmas was still more than 3 weeks ahead of us, but if you are working in a workplace in which two (out of a total of 8 including me) of important staff members working at the top of the country while your office is locating on the bottom, and they would have no time other than last Tues before Christmas to come down, you'd take any day that was given and say, "Tues is great (to have our Christmas function), who cares if it is the Tues 3 weeks away from Christmas."

Well, as I pointed out early on ? it was, to me, the best Christmas function I have had so far, partially because of the food, which was phenomenal. It was a sea side restaurant; so naturally, we all ordered their specialty ? seafood. It wasn't what, we Chinese call, a luxurious place if you tend to judge restaurants based on their appearances, decorations, but it was comfortable, cosy, and a place with an atmosphere that you'd like to talk and eat. And if you're the type of person tend to put food over dining experience, the place would score perfectly.

Most of us didn't have the formal 3-course meal. I didn't, because I snacked something before coming to the event. I know, it sounds stupid, but I had no choice since the dinner starts at 8 (in fact, we didn't start to order until about something like 9 o'clock). But I did try some dipping bread in the virgin olive oil. It sounds, and it in fact is, simplistic, but the taste was great. I don't think it was just the oil in the dipping, the chief must have process it in some way before bringing it on the table (does anyone know?). For the main, I ordered a salmon fish dish. I think a lot of you have seen western dishes on TV or at actual occasion. The dish, itself, isn't big in volume; it is diversified in different ingredients. Mine is no exception, it's got fish, a least 3 kinds of veges, and side dishes, and all of these are served in one plate. Here, don't let my description lead you into thinking that it must be a huge plate. Well..... yes, the plate was indeed big, but the portion contains food wasn't, so what it means is that although there is diversity, you only get to taste each one of the ingredients a bit, only!

So, the food was exceptional ? always important for a good dining experience. The conversation was another highlight. Besides chatting with my other colleagues, I was able to have a good conversation with a new senior staff member, who carries an excellent profile. After working for multi-nationals like BP, BNZ, Bankers' Trust, Deutsche Bank, he jointed us for presumably more challenge, I guess, since comparing to any of other big internationally players, we look more just like a start-up, although we are one of the major players in this country. So, by joining our division, he can bring his rich experience and vision to our endeavour to become a much stronger player with more market shares. Sounds pretty ambitious! That's just the start of the conversation ? a conversation that was more like a lesson: he told me about his view on academic finance and finance in the real world; he told me why he didn't believe in 'efficient market theory', in short, because market is, at least in the short run, driven by human greed. And then I asked him a few questions such as what he thinks is the most important quality of an investment banker; he gave me a long detailed answer, and I think I lost the track way before his finishing. He then asked me some questions regarding to my family, to China, to life in NZ, then all the way back to bird flu in China. It was great!

For the moment, I thought I was going to end this piece, but there is one thing I just have to mention ? the dessert. It was truly the best dessert I have never, ever tasted. You see, commonly man are not dessert people, I mean, we don't get crazy about them as ladies do. But this dish proves me wrong. Now, I know why sometimes girls choose restaurants based on their dessert menu instead of their main dish specialties.

Remember good food worth big buck. The bill that night was staggering. But it was an experience worthwhile, every penny was well spent. PLUS, I didn't have to pay for it!!!

Cheers!
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