I've never met Clive Berkman, a world-class chef and restaurateur, but I appreciate the title of his cookbook, Empty Bottle Moments. For restaurateurs, we collect a lot them — memories of how our meals bring people together.

One of my favorite moments at my family's Las Vegas Chinese and Thai restaurant happens every July when Nellis Air Force Base hosts its Red Flag exercises.

Red Flag is a realistic combat training exercise involving the air forces of the United States and its allies. And one of those allies is Singapore.

RSAF Visit Kung Fu Plaza For Authentic Teo Chew Cuisine.

While it might not be a tradition, members of the Republic of Singapore Air Force visit Kung Fu Plaza every year. They come mainly for one thing: Teo Chew cuisine.

Most Americans don't know it, but anyone who understands Chinese letters does. The letters under our logo don't read "Thai and Chinese Food." They read "Thai and Teo Chow Cuisine," which is one of our specialties and a style of cooking that is slowly disappearing all over the world, especially Teo Chew-style roast duck.

So, for the last several years, each group of airmen to participate in Red Flag exercises tells the next group of airmen to always visit Kung Fu Plaza. Usually, the airmen come in by themselves, still in their flight suits, and order the Teo Chew duck. Then, a few days later, some of them will order party trays to take back to the base.

Two weekends ago, it was different. The entire Republic of Singapore Air Force participating in Red Flag exercises — airmen, ground crew, and support staff — honored us by visiting Kung Fu Plaza Restaurant together. Thank goodness they gave us a head's up and made reservations because their team nearly filled the entire restaurant.

Some of the items they ordered, if you are curious, included: Teo Chew roasted duck, pork hocks, traditional Teo Chew porridge, Teo Chew omelets, and Chinese sausage salad. You won't find some of these specialties listed on our menu, but Teo Chew people and some Asian people know that any Teo Chew restaurant will cook traditional dishes upon request.

We Are Pleased To Share Our Appreciation With The RSAF.

We were honored to serve them, especially knowing how they might have felt. For several days, they had mostly eaten meat and potato dinners, burgers, and pizza. I felt the same way when I was in college and on a basketball tour. After days and days of burgers, pizza, and sandwiches, all I could think about was a rice dish. (You might feel the same way in China if you only ate rice dishes for days and weeks.)

While I have never seen Red Flag exercises in person, I thought it would be fun to share this video. It commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Republic of Singapore Air Force in 2008.


In closing, let me say to the airmen who participated in Red Flag exercises, we wish you all the very best in your pursuit of being among the best air force professionals in the world. We wish the same for your colleagues, those participating in Pitch Black or anywhere else in the world they happen to be.