Evening of divine diversity

Taking into consideration the selection, quality and quantity of the food presented at the church’s second Asian Food Fest on Saturday night, someone should call the Zagat Restaurant Guide and request a review.

It was that good.

More than 115 people were treated to a celebration of Asian food and culture, courtesy of the culinary expertise of Jo, Tim and Preston Stewart and the organization of the event by Stephen Bither. And it was a team of church volunteers who made sure the evening would be a success by helping to chop, dice and mince many of the ingredients and even to help prepare some of the dishes.

It was a team effort to be applauded.

Jo Stewart (center) helps to serve one of the wide selection of Asian dishes at Saturday night's CEUMC Asian Food Fest.

There was praise throughout Fellowship Hall all evening for food that was beautifully presented, for its delectable scents that wafted across the room, and, of course, for the tastes that brought forth oohs and aahs, even for some dishes people were trying for the first time.

The buffet line included Lo Mein, Vietnamese Egg Rolls, Thai Basil Chicken, Fried Wan-ton, Stir-fried vegetables, regular Egg Rolls, Fried Rice, Shrimp Cups (Kueh Pie Tee or Top Hats), Dumpling Soup and other exotic side dishes. There also was a dessert table with fresh fruits, including the always popular Southeast Asian specialty, lychee.

With a full house, the evening began with a prayer from Rev. Ruth Morrison and an introduction of Asian culture by Tim Stewart. Then, as is the custom with Asian feasts, the lights were turned out and a procession of Prosperity Salad platters illuminated by candlelight were paraded into the hall.

With Jo Stewart (left) turning out the lights, Jaymie Chamberlin and Stephen Bither begin the procession of Prosperity Salad platters.

The salad platters were delivered to each table, a special dressing was applied and then everyone around the platter used chop sticks to toss all of the raw vegetables and herbs together, soliciting good fortunes for everyone.

The raw vegetables and herbs on the Prosperity Salad were tossed by everyone at each table with the hope of bring forth good fortune.

For the Asian Food Fest to begin, it had taken a team of volunteers many hours of chopping and preparing food throughout the evening on Friday and again throughout the day on Saturday, leading up to the 6 p.m. supper.

Preston and Jo Stewart work in the kitchen on Saturday morning, preparing one of the Asian dishes.

When everything was complete and the dinner presented, even the youngest participants of the Food Fest couldn’t help but to come back for more.

Thank you to Jo, Tim and Preston Stewart, Stephen Bither and all the volunteers who made the Asian Food Fest a delightful evening.

Click here for more images of the Food Fest:

Jo Stewart uses her wok during Saturday afternoon's preparations for that evening's Food Fest.

Duane Wakefield chops chicken for the Thai Basil Chicken dish.

Carol Haider folds dumplings for the Dumpling Soup.

The completed Prosperity Salad

Preston Stewart waits to serve the Shrimp Cups.

Jo Stewart gives last-minute instructions to the serving line before the beginning of the Food Fest.

Let the eating begin . . .

Stephen Bither and Tim Stewart discuss what had been a very successful evening.

And finally came the clean-up, with Mark McDowell leading the way, washing the dishes, pots, pans, silverware, glassware . . .