By Rosemary Parkinson, Freelance Writer 
A selection of delicious Gwon Wo offerings.
Gwon Wo Chinese Restaurant
12 Trinidad Terrace
New Kingston
Open Monday to Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sundays noon to 9:00 p.m.
A FEW MONTHS ago I did a review on a small Chinese take away on Hagley Park Road, Kingston, owned by a young woman called Sammy who hails from China.
Sammy informed me then that her wish was to open yet another restaurant in the New Kingston area, leaving the Hagley Park Road one to her husband to man (pardon the pun).
Bwoy, young people with vision these days don't make joke at all or is it the Chinese? (I read Kurt Vonnegut Jr. many, many moons ago who predicted that the Chinese would take over the world. I sincerely believe him.) I mean, the amount of Chinese people inna China and the amount out, add to a massive. And, they're hard working you see? Have you seen the products that China is producing? All you have to do is go to a few of the super stores downtown Kingston and see for yourself. Plus, Check out the prices some nice t'ings for no kind of money at all, at all. And how about the China Fashion Week on Fashion TV? Hello what beautiful women dem hitting the Paris fashion scene with some clothes that must have (well known designer) John Galliano and counterparts quaking. Dem making waves tidal waves if you ask me. I'm glad too.
ANOTHER HIT FOR SAMMY
Sammy has opened Gwong Wo Chinese Restaurant on Trinidad Terrace, New Kingston. With prices starting as low as J$80 and some absolutely scrumptious food, I do believe this will be another hit for her. The menu offers a lot of the usual fare lobster, fish, chicken, pork, chow mein, sui meins, fried rice etc. But I asked for something special, and got it. Sammy has promised that anyone wanting something more 'exotic' can get it without a problem all you have to do is call and make the request.
I started off with a Cantonese Spring Roll. I commented on the amazingly fine wrap, and Sammy informed me that most people use a wanton skin for their spring rolls. She, however, brings in a special skin directly from China. The filling was made up of finely chopped chicken, bamboo shoots, mushroom and MukNee. You might quite rightly wonder what is MukNee. I tried my best to get a correct explanation but Chinese Charades is rather difficult. The best explanation I could get was this: "Mi can't explain MukNee. My uncle speak good English but he say difficult to explain. It grow on tree is special." So there you are.
A huge piece of MukNee was brought to me on a platter and I took a photo. If anybody recognises exactly what this is, do tell. Anyhow, I thought the Cantonese Spring Roll was perfectly marvellous and a delight to the palate MukNee or not.
THE REAL FEAST BEGINS
Gwon Wo Pork: Succulent pieces of pork, each with a touch of fat surrounding the meat. This fat is what is important to Gwon Wo Pork but one does not taste the fat. Sammy tells me the oil is especially extracted and only her Chef can prepare this particular dish. All I can say is that these are delicious morsels of tender pork in a sauce so dark it looks almost like Guyanese Pepperpot which is made with Cassareep.
Pan Fried Bean Curd (Tofu) with vegetables: The outside of each piece of tofu is pan seared just enough for that slight crispy edge. The sauce is a secret, I was informed, but I do happen to know that some oyster sauce was somewhere in there. Lovely.
Garlic Spare Ribs: Unbelievably superb. Crispy, tender and, of course, garlicky and I mean garlicky. I have to tell you they are a real must and I certainly dug into them with much gusto. One thing I know about myself I could never be a vampire. Garlic has to be one of my most favourite of 'things to put into meals' and it's soooo good for your skin and your heart.
Now for the real 'piece de resistance' Shrimp Salad: Plump shrimp cooked to perfection with a salad sauce served warm. I have ever had anything like this. It was truly amazing, and whatever was left of this dish went home with me. You know how it is with Chinese food, you sit there after a meal totally contented and then later at home you get the munchies.
I left Sammy's restaurant totally happy. After the last few experience with food, this was a piece of joy good service, a friendly smile from all of the staff, Sammy with her pretty face being so concerned as to whether I was enjoying the food and, later, a chat with chefs who were obviously so thrilled that I was just loving their fare. Thank you all of you.
To readers, Gwon Wo is worth a visit. By the way, Sammy tells me her chefs will prepare special dishes for dinner parties, either in the restaurant or in the privacy of your own home, just plan a week in advance. There is also delivery in the New Kingston area for those who wish some fine dining in their executive suites, or just normal take aways for that quick lunch.
I am once more in Barbados as I write this, having spent Christmas with my family. Yesterday was New Year's and I missed my friends at Passa Passa on Spanish Town Road, Kingston, but I lifted a glass of champagne as high in the air as it could go for everyone in my beloved new-found love Jamaica. May the year 2004 bring each and every one of us the prosperity, peace and love we all so deserve.
Never take one's life for granted. Be thankful for all that surrounds us for we are blessed.
