Jellyfish!

Well, we can all pat ourselves on the back for being adventurous! The Jellyfish in Scallion Sauce arrived at the table first. As Marie dug in, she said, "The texture is like that cartilage that you find on a piece of chicken, you know?" (I think she just wanted it all to herself.) With that, the lazy susan made its way around the table as we all crunched the delectable jellyfish. Jarby took hers with a terrified look on her face. But, alas, it was very good!

Dishes kept arriving left and right as we spun susan all night long - even at one point spinning so hard we knocked the Chinese beer right over.

Let's see - this is what we pretty much polished off: Shiitake Mushrooms with Baby Bok Choy, Quick Fried Crispy Fish (Flounder, we learned), Cumin Lamb, Szechuan Potato Fries with Peppers, General Tao's Tofu, Ground Chicken with Pickled Bean Sprouts (and freakin' hot peppers!), Dry Sauteed Green Beans, Pork Shreds in Peking Sauce all served with Steamed White Rice.

Marie ordered Chinese beer for herself and Mike (in Mandarin!) which was pretty cool. Love the fact that Mike can speak some Mandarin as well, right along with her.

So, Little Szechuan was a big hit! I only wish that parking would have been more convenient. I walked 2 blocks in the -20 degree night and wasn't sure my face would defrost before the night was over.

Great service and a wonderful private dining area made the perfect gathering spot to talk about Frankenstein. We were all blown away by the fact that Mary Shelley even wrote a book such as this, with a seeming vast knowledge of geography and the psychology of man. The book was far deeper in scope than any of the movies that have ever been made on the topic. I know that if I ever watch a Frankenstein movie again, it will be with a new angle and knowledge in mind. Louise shared some info about the author's past and upbringing that helped explain some things. Also, she shared that the book formed out of a nightmare Shelley had while at a writer's retreat.

Next up - we will read "The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared" by Jonas Jonasson

Rachel will take the reins to let us know where we will meet next. We're thinking mid - to late- March planning around Easter / Spring Breaks.

Have fun reading - this looks like a fun book. "Imaginative, laugh-out-loud...a brilliant satire." The Telegraph

Have a wonderful February and do keep warm. Fire up the fireplace and read....!

Katie