I think I mentioned, I have six for egg roll (theatrical quip) on the 14th.
OBC (one of the guests) kindly loaned me EFPV to go to the Wing Yip in Birmingham to get my bits and pieces.
I only get over there about once a year, so I forget what an utter treat it is. First thing that hits you is the smell of all those wonderful "things".
The variety of stuff on offer is mindblowing, a lot of it I neither know what it is or what I would do with it if I had it.
I passed on the pig's uterus (though I did e mail this pic to OBC and ask how he wanted his cooked on the night).
I bought cans of thick hoi sin which really does the trick with ribs and is the best value at £ 1.09 a tin, whereas bottles of this piss weak imitation in the supermarkets is £ 1.50 minimun for less volume let alone quality. I have never seen the stuff outside of Wing Yip.
They are spending a fortune on the place, the aisles are so far apart now you don't feel cramped when you are trolling about with your trolley (unless you encounter the thick Brummy git I did today).
I stocked up on those packet noodles. I know they are "rubbish" at 400+ calories a little serving, but they are so delicious. I made a point of chatting to the Chinese lady who was filling the shelves and asked right out "what would YOU recommend".
She pointed to Tom Yum style, so I bought a packet (as well as 6 other types) and tried them when I got home. I'm not called Tom, but they was Yum !
I also had to get some vermicelli rice noodles for Darlo, as she has volunteered to bring something along (can't tell you as half the diners read the soapbox and I don't want to give too much away).
Think I got the right sort.
I went over budget a bit, but is was more about a couple of surprises on the table when they come, than stuff I like.
There is only Christmas that measures up to a visit to WIng Yip, the place is fantastic, nice staff too.
After I'd stocked up, I went for a wander round the village they have there, mainly Chinese banks and the likes, but found a place Welder would like (if Pat would let him)
They love you long time apparently !
Here's a pic I am particularly chuffed with thanks to the lovely sunshine.
I only had to use a bit of clarify in paintshop to bring out those lovely contrasts, Grrrr.
Could have been I was squinting into the sun, but am I looking old ?
Could be the turkey neck skin since I lost weight...
So I declare Wing Yip, Chinese Heaven (pity it's in Brum, they get all the breaks us Yam Yams can only dream about).
Who'd believe this was Brumigum ?
After my little trip to China, I then went to see Bob the Butcher which saves me a 6am start tomorrow and the bus fare. He was in good spirits (most patient man I know). Told him about some of the stuff I need next weekend as I'd forgotten to write a list. Said "I need ribs for 7, but one of those is the welder". He smiled quietly to himself...
Finally, apologies to any Brummies reading who pick up on my air of disdain for the "thick and proud of it set", but yo've tuk the piss out a we for long enuff -
Yam Yams rule.
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