Saturday, February 22, 2014

Amber and Wrapped (This week's Photo Hunt themes)


In my mind's eye, I had the perfect image for both of Sandi's and Gattina's chosen Photo Hunt themes for this week.  But, alas, I don't have any shots of a fossilized creature encased -- or should I say wrapped? -- in amber in my photo archive (even while I do have plenty of shots of live critters on this blog!).

Instead, I'm going to stretch a little -- okay, maybe a lot! -- and separately offer up a photo of the next thing I thought of with regards to the word amber and images of wrapped items with centers that I'd normally describe as orange but I'm thinking may be described as amber for our purposes!

More specifically, there's a style of beer known as an amber ale.  And while none of the beers offered as part of the Frites Beer Sample Paddle actually officially falls into that particular category, I reckon that the color of the Leffe Blonde is actually more amber than blonde. 

As for the food: the photo of the sea urchin wrapped in deep fried seaweed brings back wonderful memories of the first of two dinners I've had the privilege to have at the Hong Kong branch of the wonderful Japanese kaiseki restaurant that is RyuGin, while the second is of the har gau (shrimp dumplings) that has become one of my favorite dishes at the North Point branch of the similarly Michelin-starred but far less expensive Tim Ho Wan.

Incidentally, seemingly everyone else (including visiting journalists and bloggers) who've been to Tim Ho Wan rave about their crispy baked barbecue pork buns. But I honestly believe that those at Victoria City Seafood Restaurant are better, even if admittedly more expensive!  Put another way: That particular dish is not a "must have" for me whenever I eat at Tim Ho Wan but it is whenever I dine at Victoria City Seafood Restaurant.  Hong Kong-based readers, feel free to go compare them for yourselves and then let me know what you think! ;b

15 comments:

Trekcapri said...

Hi YTSL, I'm not a beer drinker, but maybe I could like amber ale. I don't think I've had sea urchin before but wrapped in fried seaweed, it looks inviting and delicious. Wonderful photo collection for the two themes.

Have a great weekend.

magiceye said...

Cheers to beautiful takes!

Re your query on my post - it is a sunset

eastcoastlife said...

haha.... we have the same same items for this week's theme - dumpling and alcohol. I have not tried ale.

Photo Cache said...

i love the colors of beer, but i'm not too fond of it.

but i'm crazy about pork buns. someday with God's grace i find myself in hk or china i'd hunt the best and most authentic pork buns i can get.

Gattina said...

The first picture looks like taken in Belgium, lol !

YTSL said...

Hi Trekcapri --

When you say you're not a beer drinker, is it because you've pretty much only ever tried big brands like Budweiser? If so, then amber ales will taste very different to what you're had before -- in fact, I'd say that about most microbrew/craft and traditional Belgian and British beers!

Re sea urchin: It's one of my favorite foods ever! ;b

Hi magic eye --

Cheers indeed. ;)

Hi EastCoastLife --

Great minds think alike with regards to this week's theme. As for ale: I prefer that to whiskey or brandy! ;b

Hi Photo Cache --

Wow, doesn't seem like there are too many beer fans among the Photo Hunters! Re pork buns: when you come to Hong Kong, make sure you try the baked ones as well as more traditional steamed barbecue pork buns!

Hi Gattina --

Well... it *was* taken in a Belgian restaurant, albeit one in Hong Kong! ;D

Carver said...

I think these are great takes on the themes. Happy Saturday!

Susan Demeter said...

Yummy choices for both themes :) BTW I think wanting to be a mummy is not weird at all ... granted I myself may be a bit weird ;)

Anonymous said...


What great shots for this week's theme. I am thirsty now.

Have a super weekend.

Anonymous said...

That sampler looks tempting. :) I currently have a Shock Top amber ale in the fridge. Haven't tried any yet.

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

I'll take a glass of that amber ale ~ and a dumpling too!

YTSL said...

Hi Carver --

My Saturday wasn't too bad, thanks. Am hoping for a good Sunday now! ;)

Hi Sue --

Yum indeed! As for the mummy remarks -- for those who didn't see my original comment on Sue's blog, I want to make it clear we're discussing mummies, not mothers! :D

Hi JDeQ --

Hope you found a good drink to quench your thirst with! ;)

Hi Robin --

I just did a bit of research and found that Shocktops are made by the same company that makes Budweiser. So go in with low expectations!

Hi Sandi --

That could work! ;b

peppylady (Dora) said...

I should add making steam dumpling to my bucket list.

Coffee is on

Goodbye HK, Hello YVR said...

Like your interpretation of amber!

YTSL said...

Hi peppylady --

Good luck making tasty steamed dumplings! :)

Hi The Fragrant Harbour --

You've had both the pictured foods -- maybe you should try the beer sampler some time! ;b