14c Light Rain
Barmouth Viaduct at Sunset 
Llanberis from Penllyn 
Morfa Bychan beach near Porthmadog 
CHOOSING a venue for a meal is not the easiest task at the best of times, and this evening was no exception. Sister Rachel was bringing her husband Ian and his parents Jan and Wally along with a list of riders which would put the hottest celebrity to shame.
My wife Sarah and mother merely added to the complexity. The restaurant needed to be local as Jan and Wally were staying in a recuperative resort compelling them to return by 9.30pm. The venue also needed to be reasonably priced as seven of us dining could easily match the debt of a small country if we weren't careful. And perhaps the most important point - food that everyone will enjoy.
Having exhausted most of the eateries in North west Wales over the past few years, we struggled to think of anywhere suitable. Most places were scrubbed off the shortlist as they were too distant or too expensive, and a couple that should be ok were either fully-booked or not answering the phone.
Knowing my sister and her in-laws love Chinese, I suggested the Eastern Origin in Bangor as a potential finalist - I have dined there a few times without destroying my bank balance. Mother insisted she can't eat Chinese food as it disagrees with her, so I pointed out for the umpteenth time it also offers a few "safe" British dishes.
The Eastern Origin has been established for some years now, occupying the once cave-like premises of the Railway Hotel. As with many former Victorian hotels, modern owners have breathed new life into the buildings and this is no exception, with smartly furnished spacious rooms giving a very relaxed and welcoming environment. Everyone was suitably impressed with its current incarnation so we were off to a good start. Service was swift bringing obligatory prawn crackers, and the starters were heralded by the sound of a sizzling half aromatic duck for sharing, served with pancakes, vegetables, and dips. Mother risked a few pickings, Rachel reported it was one of the best she had tasted.
Jan and Wally chose chicken and sweetcorn soup, a simple but delicious selection to whet the appetite. Sarah chose a light and tasty crispy seaweed, while I stuck with my usual of fried squid in salt and chilli spices, an exceptional dish which is unsurpassed for the mix of flavour but may be a little hot for some palates.
For mains, Rachel and Jan decided to share chicken with pineapple and ginger with a side order of boiled rice. Fresh ingredients including slivers of ginger set the standard though Ian turned his nose up as he doesn't believe fruit and meat mix - he doesn't know what he is missing. He opted for Singapore style vermicelli, which was a spectacular ensemble of beef, chicken, pork, prawns, and vegetables.
Sarah was brave and risked chicken fried rice - "what's in it," she asked - "chicken and fried rice," was my retort. Even something this simple can be made special, and again was absolutely delicious. Mother's British dish was a rudimentary chicken omelette with chips, which received full marks and is on the list for a repeat performance.
Wally's appetite was not up to full speed so he passed on the main, instead sampling from most plates in a cunning move to try a bit of everything. My choice of special fried noodles was another delicious riot of flavours with a mix of meats, supersize prawns, and fresh vegetables. though I couldn't help wandering what I missed with Ian's Singapore style vermicelli.
Just three of us opted for desserts. Banana fritters in syrup for Sarah which disappeared in a flash, chocolate dream for me, and chocarocka pie for mother. The chocolate dream is fundamentally an ice-cream sundae, which was well received.. The chocarocka pie is similar to the ice cream version of Mississippi mud pie, Mother commented it was a "bit too chilled" but I swiftly pointed out it was supposed to be.
We finished the meal with drinks, Rachel and Ian taking Chinese tea, the rest of us opting for coffees or finishing the wine from the meal.
Once again, the Eastern Origin reaffirms its status as one of my preferred haunts, and I will be definitely going back soon.
9 High Street, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 1DQ
Tel: 01248 361878
