It's become something of a tradition that, after friends judge the Chocolate to the Rescue! fundraiser at Water's Edge Resort & Spa, we go with spouses and friends to Taste of China in Clinton. This year there were only four of us. We tried a new one dish, clams in black beans, and they disappeared in a New York minute. Priscilla and Charlie hadn't tried the chicken with pine nuts served with steamed buns. It was an entrée-sized portion, so it took us a little longer to finish. Also great were the salt shrimp, the Chengdu dumplings, and a big bowl of lightly sautéed greens.

As we finished our food-in about 45 minutes-and our talking (which took another 45 minutes or longer), we all kept saying how lucky we are to have such an incredible Chinese restaurant here on the shoreline.

Taste of China • 860-664-4454

233 East Main Street, Clinton

www.tasteofchinaus.com