Chapter 0003: Returning Overseas Chinese

While chatting casually with the driver, I occasionally pretended to ask a few questions about food, but did not receive any news about the first chef competition from the driver. Shen Long was not in a hurry; the lives of master chefs were somewhat distant from that of the driver. He was unaware and was still in the process of sorting things out, so he decided to wait until they reached the hotel to discuss it further

Of course, one could also go directly to Liao Jie’s Yangzhou Building, but that would be somewhat presumptuous. It would be better to have something to eat here first and have a conversation with the chef, who could provide an introduction. Perhaps one might even gain the opportunity to attend the first-class chef competition on-site.

Before he arrived, he had done his homework thoroughly, finding a plethora of praises from food critics online regarding Yutangchunwarm. Each review highlighted the key points, which greatly delighted Su Ziwen, akin to the joy of Yu Boya meeting Zhong Ziqi. In no time, he developed a strong fondness for Shen Long.

I found a seat where I could see the atrium, ordered several signature dishes from Yutangchunwarm, and began to eat. It truly lives up to its reputation as a renowned restaurant in Huadu, with each dish being exceptionally delicious, especially the signature Sunflower Chicken, which received high praise from Shen Long

Indeed, it is rare to find such authentic Huaxia cuisine abroad. Shen Long nodded in agreement, then turned to the waiter and said, "I have a small request; I wonder if it would be possible to have your esteemed chef come out?"

Thank you. Shen Long sighed in relief; indeed, it was technology that was thirty years ahead. Now he felt at ease. He took his passport and keys, rode the elevator to his room to rest for a moment, and then went back downstairs to the Yutangchun Warm Restaurant on the third floor

"Sir, may I ask where you are going?" the driver stopped the car and leaned out of the window to inquire

Indeed, my grandfather went to the United States in his generation, and thereafter he got married and had children there. I heard that the motherland has opened up now, so I came back to scout the way for my grandfather first. This is the identity that Shen Long fabricated for himself

At the same time, this restaurant is also a well-known time-honored Chinese restaurant in Huadu, renowned both domestically and internationally for its exquisite dim sum and Cantonese cuisine. In 2018, it became one of the first Michelin restaurants in Guangzhou.

Upon passing through a door, Shen Long arrived in 1988's Huadu from the capital city of 2018, finding himself in a narrow alley. There were no other people around. He walked out of the alley to the side of the main street, curiously observing the surroundings.

In the midst of a gray-blue outfit, Shen Long, dressed in a sharp suit, wearing rimless glasses, and with a camera hanging around his neck, stood out remarkably. There happened to be a newsstand by the roadside, and as Shen Long strolled over and glanced at it, he saw the prominent inscription of the year 1988 on the cover of the "Huadu Daily".

No problem! Sir, are you a returned overseas Chinese? The driver brightened at these words, quickly starting the car, fearing that Shen Long might change his mind. At this time, the official price of the US dollar was far from the black market price, and Shen Long paying with US dollars was certainly something he desired.

The waiter beside him suppressed a smile and said, "Sir, you must be a returning overseas Chinese, right? Since you are here, why not come and taste our dishes a few more times? Our restaurant's ginger duck lettuce wraps, nine-turn eggplant, and thirty-year Huadiao wine baked mandarin fish are all quite good"

"Alright, sir, please hold on a moment." The front desk was accustomed to foreign guests and did not show much surprise. After a careful check, they completed the check-in procedures for Shen Long and handed over the passport and key with both hands.

After paying, he got out of the car and thanked the doorman who came over to open the door, casually handing over a five-dollar bill. Shen Long walked into the lobby and approached the front desk, presenting a forged American passport, feeling slightly nervous as he looked at the front desk, "Please help me book a room"

This excuse from Shen Long is simply perfect; the waiter has no reason to refuse. Moreover, since it is not yet mealtime and the kitchen is not too busy, the head chef quickly came out, saying, "Hello, Mr. Shen, I am Su Ziwen, the head chef of Yutangchunuan."

Yutangchun is located on the third floor of the White Swan Hotel. The restaurant's designer has utilized the characteristics of Lingnan, such as pavilions and terraces, as well as the sounds of birds and fragrant flowers, to highlight the rich cultural ambiance of Xiguan. The outdoor river view and the indoor Lingnan-style garden scenery complement each other, creating a delightful atmosphere

"Alright, it's settled then." Feeling that the time was right, Shen Long brought up the main topic, "Mr. Su, besides our Yu Tang Chun Nuan, which other renowned restaurants and chefs in Huadu are worth visiting?"

Birds of a feather flock together. If one wishes to inquire about Liao Jie and the news of the First Chef Competition, it is certainly most convenient to seek out the renowned chefs, which is also one of the important reasons why Shen Long chose to stay at the White Swan Hotel

This dish is reputed to be the best chicken in the world. From the moment they are born, these chickens do not know the taste of grains or cereals, nor do they understand what clean water is. They feed on fresh sunflower heads and leaves, and drink the juice extracted from dried sunflowers, resulting in an exceptionally delicious flavor

Bicycles are still the primary mode of transportation on the road, while small cars and motorcycles are quite rare. An elderly man wearing a red armband is standing at the intersection directing traffic, and the passing pedestrians are curiously observing Shen Long.

Hello, Mr. Su. It is truly a great fortune to be able to savor the culinary skills of a top chef like you right after returning to the country. " Shen Long pulled Su Ziwen to sit down and offered a series of compliments, " This sunflower chicken is your creation, isn't it? The skin is golden, the bones are crispy, and the meat is sweet and tender, with a rich flavor of sunflower seeds in the marrow. It is indeed a rare delicacy... "

Not long after, the taxi stopped at the entrance of the White Swan Hotel. This hotel was jointly built by Mr. Huo from Hong Kong and the local government, officially opening to the public in 1983. It is also the first five-star hotel in China, and due to its unique background, it has become the preferred choice for many returning overseas Chinese and compatriots from Hong Kong and Macau.

"As soon as I saw you by the roadside, I thought you must have just returned from the United States. The wealthy individuals from Hong Kong don't dress as stylishly as you do," the driver complimented. Shen Long's outfit was indeed thirty years ahead of its time, making it naturally eye-catching.

Mr. Shen will also have dinner at our restaurant. I will go prepare shortly and later in the evening, I will make a few signature dishes for Mr. Shen to savor.

When it comes to renowned restaurants and chefs in Guangzhou, the foremost is Master Liao Jie from Yangzhou Tower! Su Ziwen exclaimed, giving a thumbs up.

It seems that my analysis was not incorrect, and Shen Long felt a sense of confidence. Just then, a yellow taxi drove by the roadside, and he quickly raised his hand to hail it.

Shen Long took out his business card and handed it over, "I am a reporter for a Chinese newspaper in the United States, with a particular fondness for gourmet food. This time I returned to my homeland not only to trace my roots but also to gather more information about the culinary delights of China, which I intend to write about and publish in the newspaper, allowing those who have been away from home for a long time to catch a glimpse of the local cuisine and somewhat alleviate their longing for home."

"Go to the White Swan Hotel. By the way, can I pay with US dollars?" Shen Long opened the car door and got in.

"Delicious!" Shen Long praised continuously while eating, giving a thumbs up.