GK+HK: Celebrating Katherine...

Katherine's birthday was this past weekend and we kicked off the celebration by going to the IFC mall to see two films of Katherine's choosing: District 9 (an work of absolute brilliance, but quite disturbing in its social themes and graphic violence) and the Fame remake (fun with some great musical performances, but overloaded with underdeveloped - and in some cases uninteresting - characters). Between showings, we snuck up to the 3rd floor atrium inside Agnès b. La Loggia...

...and relaxed in front of the le pain grillé...

A hot chocolate for Katherine, a blueberry smoothie for me

After the second film, it was time for dinner, and Katherine requested a return to our favorite Italian restaurant (located in Wan Chai). Unfortunately, when we arrived, we learned that last month it had changed hands, changed its name, and changed its menu (it didn't change its base cuisine, though - it was still an Italian restaurant). Sadness! Katherine decided we should give it a try anyway, though, so we entered...

An appetizer full of shellfish

Katherine's seafood marinara

My gnocchi in a creamy Gorgonzola sauce

It might not be quite as wonderful as it was before, but it was still very much enjoyable, and I fully expect us to return.

The next day, we invited Katherine's parents and brother over for a birthday celebration dinner, where I turned these...

Fresh shrimp, alive and hopping

...into this...

Gumbo! (my recipe)

I also decided to try something new and whip up a very traditional Hong Kong dessert (even though it was a bit unorthodox as a birthday cake substitute)...