This is more about the art of presentation than it is about cooking. Some of the dishes, like the Good Luck Dragon or the Phoenix, are beautiful to look at but almost impossible to replicate. This is not for the beginner looking for casual recipes. Some of the garnishes, like the pepper flowers or carved cucumber, may be mastered with patience and practice and may be adapted to other dishes, besides Oriental dishes, to give a really festive air to an otherwise visually simple dish.

For chefs who like to serve with a flair. ( )