Local takeaway restaurant criticised?

That incredible new book all about Turangi, titled “Tongariro Skulduggery”, mentions the “Asian Banquet” that just happen to occur about every two weeks at TRM. In-house fishos join up for a social informal get-together to swop fishy stories and try to find out where and how the others were catching all the trout.

After about sixteen years that adds up to over 400 banquets.

Can you believe certain regular inmates like Brian have attended every occasion. We inherited him with the motel in 2003. Others have been staying at TRM for over twenty years so they have a balanced impartial appreciation of the quality of the offerings. Based on 20 years’ experience of Asian taste tests, their opinion deserved some respect. OK?

In case you were wondering, it is sort of free of charge for inmates. SWMBO just adds it to the room rate so they don’t feel a thing.

This is particularly mentioned after the local Hong Kong take-aways came under some criticism recently. So last night at our “Banquet” attended by ten critical fishos, they were interrogated about the relative standard of cuisine.

Last night we experienced eight different dishes for ten punters aged between 50 & late 70’s. The varied menu included Bami Gorang, Sweet & Sour Pork, Beef & Black Beans, Egg Foo Yong, Chicken & Cashew Nuts, Curry Beef on Rice, WanTons, Roast Pork Fried Rice, so that should have provided enough variety for a critical assessment. There was plenty for everyone with enough left over for another meal. After TRM’s “banquet” the diners were warned they had just taken part in a taste test…

2012 “Hong Kong” Chinese banquet, Brian at head of table being served by elderly waiter, Lizzie & Chris on right were still in attendance last night..

After the recent criticism (which just happened to be from a Taupo fast food outlet manager) they scored nine of ten. They dropped one point for the slow delivery time, which was my fault.

2018 version with Barry on left. The other West Island inmates were missing in 2021.

So TRM just thought that after reading all the raves, we have the advantage of many years regular tests with both the previous management and the new management.

Some inmates suggested they had not tasted better! But that may have been more a reflection of the relaxed enjoyment of the fishy company and perhaps the influence of pre-dinner drinkies.

So this blog is just to restore some faith in local Chinese takeaways.