In memory of a former chef dear to my heart,...

On August 6, 2012, I lost one of my grandfathers. He was a former chef at Las Vegas, Nevada's Stardust Hotel & Casino, many many years ago, specializing in quality Chinese food. Before that, he was a chef at many Chinese restaurants in San Francisco, California.

He wasn't able to cook for the past 20 years because he has since then been handicapped. When I was too young to remember, he attempted saving a woman's purse from being stolen by a robber. The robber fought my grandfather, which led to my grandfather experiencing a stroke. He rehabilitated well enough to be able to walk again with the assistance of a walker, but with a paralyzed left hand and a need for walking support, he had to give up his days as a chef.

Finding high quality Chinese food is a must in my family. Though it seems to be rare to find, even in China. When I traveled with my family to China once a few years ago, we visited Beijing, Xian, and then traveled to Hong Kong (which now I can say is a part of China and where most of my family originated from). Should you travel to these parts, if you're looking for quality (tasty) Chinese food when in China, beware of tourist food. On the downside, if you don't stick to tourist food, you could run a greater risk of food-borne illnesses.

At any rate, farewell to my grandfather - I wish I could have been able to taste the food he made, but since I can't remember his food, I'll always remember the smiles and the love... which always leaves a great taste in my mouth.