Sierra Nevada

SFBA Section President John Goode Orchestrates Red Hot Chinese Luncheon Cornucopia and Flames Spare Member Eyebrows

Charlene Lee Birthday Feted

Fully 40 club members gathered in Milpitas, CA, at the “Perfect Chinese Food” restaurant on Saturday, January 22, to devour ten, fabulous and elegantly presented and previously undisclosed courses of Chinese cuisine that completely lived up to the restaurant’s moniker.

John and proprietor, Mr. Lee had agreed that Mr. Lee would serve high-end, surprise selections both from their huge and profusely illustrated menu, and dishes that are so intricate and so time consuming to prepare that they are off-menu delights. The restaurant is a culinary preserve of authentic Chinese food, so many of the dishes were brand new to a majority of club members.

Multiple dishes were presented in dramatic manner. One, a cascade of delicious shrimp with pineapple chunks spewing forth from a pineapple hull, certainly visually punctuated the entire cornucopia we enjoyed.

The feast built from a spiced appetizer, and next progressed through an excellent beef-tofu soup. These were followed by a parade of selections, including string-wrapped tender pork and an entire steamed fish. John visited each club table to show all of us how to position the fish in a swimming position, so that the filet could be gently separated – bone-free – to be served to everyone at the table. It was quite a good trick to learn for banquets to come! And, the fish was dreamingly wonderful.

A crisply prepared and crunchy Mongolian beef brought a new dimension to that specialty. Mr. Lee’s kitchen by this point was really on a roll. And his very polite and proficient servers – led by the delightful Sunny – continued their fine service and then brought to each table a foil-wrapped package resting on an iron skillet. Then with flare and showmanship as shown in the photos, those dishes were flamed. Of course, this was carefully managed, so no eyebrows were singed. When the piping hot foil was opened, we were treated to excellent Kung Pao Chicken.

Each course was beautifully presented, and that continued as the main course was revealed: Ginger Seasoned Lobsters. Those plates emerged with sectioned lobsters floating on a most delightful sauce and festooned with a parrot intricately carved from carrots. A great treat.

But the feast had not ended. A first desert of Sesame Red Bean balls was enjoyed.

And then, there was a surprise birthday celebration for Charlene Lee. After we all vocalized BD wishes for Charlene, a delightful cake was presented to all of us by Charlene’s husband, Eugene Leung. Charlene’s cake was accented with halved strawberries and had a delightful strawberry filling. Charlene was most gracious, and we were all pleased with her celebration.

Alas, after all these courses, time had marched on, and we all had to, as well. We all got a few minutes to review the fine event as John got us together for the Club photos. In all, this was a fine Saturday activity. Many thanks to John for putting it together and to Eugene for providing the second desert. – David Albin

On a beautiful sunny December day, 85 SF MBCA members and guests gathered at the spectacular Casa Bella in Sunol, next to the historic Niles Canyon Railway depot. The restaurant was tastefully decorated (thanks to Janet Welter of the Decorating Committee), and music softly played as slides of our section's 2021 events showed in the background. As guests were checked in, and greeted by Board members, sparkling wine and hors d'oeuvres were offered to all. After the social hour, a bountiful and truly delicious buffet luncheon followed (kudos to the Casa Bella caterers). Dessert was unique: Alfajores cookies enhanced with hand-applied Mercedes Benz tri-star logos! (Thank you Phil Do Carmo). After everyone was seated our president, John Goode, began the program. After thanking everyone for a great year and announcing the exciting 2022 planned events, MB anniversary pins were awarded by Board members Nadine & Barton Lane to attendees, from 5-years all the way to 35 years. John, our President, was surprised by a special presentation of his Regional Officer of the Year award, with a handsome plaque. Attendees had such a fine time that they are already looking forward to next year!ver had this much energy in the group.  Nice venue too, and we got to meet a lot of new people." - By Barton Lane

Jerry and Krista "Krista and I want to thank you for the great Holiday Banquet we enjoyed on Saturday. The location was excellent; we found it easily despite the road closure.  The room was just the right size for the group. Food and wine were first-rate, although I couldn't sample too much of the wine. It is always nice to get together with old friends and meet some new ones. Well done.

Barton L. "Wow as usual John you have hit it out of the park!!"