11/26/11

'Tis the season to be jolly

A few days after Halloween, a friend and I made a trip to nearby Atlanta to shop for Asian groceries. We decided to take the backroads so we can enjoy the scenic fall foliage in NW Georgia. We stopped at Ellijay for lunch and shopped at the outlets in Dawsonville.

We got to the HMart Plaza in Duluth just in time for dinner.  We usually eat at Book Chang Dong, our favorite Tofu House on the left corner of HMart Korean market. My friend wanted to eat at Chung Dam, which is on the other end. It was my first time there. I had sashimi; it was fine, except I couldn't recognize two of the fish on my platter.
Chung Dam
Sashimi (didn't see yellowtail or mackerel. Did you?)
Banchan (a little skimpy, but then the sashimi doesn't come with it)
Anyway, my biggest surprise was finding the restaurant all decked up with Christmas decorations, complete with holiday music. I'm not keen on listening to Christmas music in early November. Why take the wind away from Thanksgiving, one of the best holidays?

Fast forward three weeks. It's now Thanksgiving week. One set of boater friends invited us to join their family gathering of over 30 members. I could not get over how efficient these people were. Everything was set up on the kitchen counter, ready to go. The garage was turned into a hall where tables were set up and festively decorated. The drinks and desserts were conveniently laid out there as well. Too bad we forgot to bring the camera:-(! We are thankful for the delicious Southern food and the great company. 

The day after Thanksgiving, we rounded up the troops and had a hot pot dinner. With all the stuff we got from Atlanta - mix seafood, tofu, mung bean noodles - plus some fresh veggies like spinach and napa cabbage, and of course shrimp, sliced chicken, pork and beef.
Putting up lights and Christmas decorations, playing Christmas music. Now we're talking. 'Tis the season to be jolly.

How was your Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping?

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3 comments:

  1. Agree, Eileen - November is too early for Christmas music. It's all so commercial these days anyway. The shops and malls just want you to open your wallet. Hope you'll enjoy the holiday season, with good health and good company!
    -Jolene

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  2. Our favorite tofu house is Book Chang Dong as well! We actually live in the Atlanta area. I enjoy reading your blog.

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  3. Please take me to a Tofu House ! The food looks gorgeous ! Hope you had a good week-end there. It was the first week of school here. We're glad it's over !

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