Chopped Pigeon in Lettuce Leaves

For many of us who grew up in Chinatown, the big social events were banquets celebrating or commemorating weddings, birthdays, funerals and Chinese New Year. Even at funeral banquets there was much socializing and gaiety, among young and old, rather like the traditional Irish wake.

Banquets were normally huge affairs, with at least 150 people attending. The highlight was always the meal. There would be a procession of dishes (ten was the customary number) featuring expensive items s