Thou shall not look at other people's order...

I went to a restaurant one unexpecting tuesday where fusion dining was the main thing. I looked through the menu and everything seemed appetizing. I was about to order a hot spanish paella dish when I got a glimpse of what the other table was having. Theirs was a selection of chinese coldcuts and dumplings. Platters of braised beef and duck wraps were laid down for the guests to enjoy. Afterwhich, ladle after ladle of steaming bird's nest soup came pouring to accompany the bounty. I couldn't help but gawk and drool over the other table's feast. In my mind I was already smothering myself with hoisin sauce and devouring every siumai I could lay my chopsticks on. The sight was so majestic that I swear I caught myself wanting to be in that other table and be in dimsum heaven. The image made me feel so comforted and nourished. Like how a nice bowl of chicken noodle soup warms my toes on a cold stormy evening.

In came the maitre d', asking for my dish. I have to come up with a decision or else I'll lose my seat. I came here for paella but I met siumai along the way. WHAT NOW!!! Well, paella has its beauty also you see. It's rice and ulam, just what I need to fill me up. Flavorful, savoury and rich. The chicken, chorizo and seafood are enough to pump me up for the following day's adventures. But I can't have too much paella though. It will clog my arteries and slow me down with all that starch. Its richness can leave a bad taste in my mouth and I don't want that. All the indecision made me hungry that I was about to pass out in waiting. Time is ticking and my stomach is growling. I needed an answer fast. I ended up ordering sushi instead..... TO GO!!!