Recipe for Steamed Fish with Ginger and Green Onion: Dragon Cafe Family Eating

Many Chinese dishes are described in Judy Fong Bates novel, Midnight at the Dragon Cafe.  Students reading the novel are aware of the differences in food consumed by the family in family gatherings depicted in the novel, and the food served to the lo fon at the Dragon Cafe. On page 138 Annie observes,  " The quiet evening had given my mother and Lee-Kung the time to prepare a special meal. When they could they made intricate dishes, experimenting with different combinations of ingredients." But this domestic dance in the kitchen was about to change, and on page 252, we see the following example of the meal cooked for Lee-Kung's new mail order bride:

  " For supper, Lee-Kung had cooked a whole fish steamed with garlic, ginger, and green scallions..."

Here is a recipe that might be similar:

Ingredients

• 1 pound halibut fillet
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt or kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro sprigs

Directions

1. Pat halibut dry with paper towels. Rub both sides of fillet with salt. Scatter the ginger over the top of the fish and place onto a heatproof ceramic dish.
2. Place into a bamboo steamer set over several inches of gently boiling water, and cover. Gently steam for 10 to 12 minutes.
3. Pour accumulated water out of the dish and sprinkle the fillet with green onion. Drizzle both soy sauces over the surface of the fish.
4. Heat peanut and sesame oils in a small skillet over medium-high heat until they begin to smoke. When the oil is hot, carefully pour on top of the halibut fillet. The very hot oil will cause the green onions and water on top of the fish to pop and spatter all over - be careful. Garnish with cilantro sprigs and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 361 | Total Fat: 16.8g | Cholesterol: 73mg

Lamps in the Library and Quiet Room

This is the "quiet room" in our library. We re-purposed an underused seminar room at the back of our library.  Overhead lights are off, while table lamps provide a learning- positive atmosphere for those affected by relentless flourescent lights. This is an example of differentiated instructional space. A popular spot for silent study and for students who need "down time" or are dealing with headaches.

Midnight at the Dragon Cafe

After reading Judy Fong Bates' novel, Midnight at the Dragon Cafe, (which is the text for Toronto Public Library's ONE BOOK program,) I've been thinking about activities for a Girls' Novel Club at the school where I work as a teacher-librarian. More students are reading the book, courtesy of the TPL, and enthusiasm is cresting. Students are eagerly discussing the "mystery" of the novel-- the secrets that riddle the family. There is much discussion about the character of the mother in the novel.

In addition to weekly discussions here are some other ideas:

• Create a book display using rice bowls, chopsticks, and if possible, a menu from a Chinese restaurant. I my case, I used one from the town where I grew up. 
• Feature Chinese recipe books in addition to the menu, to highlight the differences in Chinese cuisine as related in the novel.
• Host a take-out Chinese lunch for your book club
• Create a dialogue between Annie and her mother. Have students write the dialogue, perhaps a discussion that never occurred in the novel, and have them act it out.
• Write a letter, "in role" as Annie to Elder Brother
• Charlotte's mother, Mrs. Heighington, says to Annie: "Annie, you are indeed a boon companion." What do you think this means to Annie? How is Charlotte's mother different from her own?



This is a book display in our library complete with chopsticks and take out menu from Chinese Restaurant in Brockville called The New York Cafe. The Chinese musician doll represents the opera and music in the novel.