Chapter 3, Eating Well and Enjoying Good Food
Still wearing a flattering smile, she led everyone downstairs and out the door with great courtesy. Once she turned back and entered, she extended her hand at the bar: "Pay up! ... Cousin, one hundred eighty-six, how much have you collected?"
Father is too honest; if he hears this, he will definitely spend several hours lecturing on the principle that "one must not act with bias, and one must not be deceitful in business." It is certain to be quite a lengthy discourse.
Please use less monosodium glutamate; it would be better if it is not used at all. I have grown tired of the flavors in restaurants
The waiter finished taking the orders and dashed out in a hurry
... ...
... ...
How could you bear to harm such a beautiful girl? You truly lack humanity! Ah, this is bad!" Jian Taohua said, pointing with her right hand, her hand frozen in the air
Oh, Jian Zhongshi is my father, and my name is Jian Fan... Yo yo, this uncle, if you want to call me, just call me Xiao Fan or Jian Fan, please do not add a prefix "Xiao" before my surname!" Jian Fan quickly added as soon as he saw the chubby man about to speak
Chairman Chen explained with a smile: "The cornmeal dough sticks to the side of the pot, and when the dish is ready, the pancakes are cooked. You must have never tasted this; it is much better than the imperial steamed buns at the Tianlong Grand Hotel"
Chewing, lightly chewing... Jiang Dijia opened her eyes, her face showing a mix of surprise and joy, her lips moving as she nodded slightly: "Mmm... delicious... really delicious!"
Hehe, esteemed leader, since you have such an appreciation for this art, I will speak frankly. Culinary excellence lies not merely in the food itself, but in the artistry behind it; the quality of ingredients does not solely determine the merit of a dish. Mastering the preparation of abalone and bear paws is not the true mark of a chef; rather, it is the ability to elevate humble ingredients like radishes and cabbages that defines a true culinary artist. The hallmark of Jin family cuisine is its ability to reveal the extraordinary within the ordinary. Our flavorful free-range chicken is sourced directly from the countryside, simmered with a blend of over ten medicinal herbs, resulting in a dish that is neither greasy nor heavy, with tender meat and a lasting aroma; you will know this upon your first taste. Culinary excellence must also prioritize health; drinking chicken soup promotes longevity, and the same principle applies to consuming chicken. The mixed vegetable stew, primarily soup-based, boasts a rich color and is prepared similarly to Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, with the essence of the vegetables infused into the broth, penetrating to the very roots of the ingredients, ensuring your complete satisfaction. The iron pot stew with small fish is even rarer; these are wild fish caught from the waters, each no longer than three inches. After simmering, even the bones become tender. The side of the pot is lined with flatbreads, which are enjoyed dipped in the fish soup—this is a tradition of ours in Wulong. If you are inclined to enjoy robustly flavored meats, we happen to have wild boar meat available. This meat is not as fatty as domesticated varieties, with a lower fat content, ensuring a satisfying chew and a delightful taste.
Chairman! What exactly is the position of Chairman? Jian Fan was somewhat surprised
Everyone was puzzled, when suddenly someone said, "Add a little character in front of the surname Jian, Little Jian, Little Jian... Miss, Miss..." Instantly, there was another burst of laughter, as it was felt that this little waiter was quite amusing. Hidden within the light and dark conversations were all jokes, and he was very good at adjusting the atmosphere
Nodding, applauding, and giving a thumbs up, accompanied by the sweet aroma of corn yellow wine, there was another round of cheers. The chopsticks and spoons crossed back and forth several times, completely ignoring the presence of the waiter.
Jian Fan thought to himself, if it were his silly younger sister and cousin, they would definitely not care about anything when they got hungry; they would just grab the pot and eat heartily without a second thought. However, on the contrary, Jian Fan actually preferred the straightforward and carefree nature of his sister and cousin. No matter how good their upbringing or refinement was, it always made him feel a bit strange, somewhat unattainable, making him only dare to admire from a distance, to fantasize, but not to play around with them, which was truly quite boring!
Chairman Chen, can you tell that I haven't tasted it yet?" said the beautiful director dismissively.
Out of seven people, six expressed their opinions regarding the *illustration* and the book
The identity is not trivial... When Jian Fan smiled and stepped back, she secretly remarked... Her attention was completely drawn to that light beauty. Observing a woman while she eats reveals her upbringing and refinement the most. With pearly white teeth lightly biting her lips, even the most delicious food is merely sampled. No matter how much praise is given, it is always subtle and restrained. Even in excitement, her voice remains soft and gentle. This is undoubtedly a woman with excellent upbringing
It is very simple, just two words, which are correct no matter how you turn them: delicious, eat well
Oh, the poplar wood table, the coarse porcelain bowl... the communal pot of the people's commune... Hehe... very retro, it feels a bit like time travel! Back to the era of the people's commune!
Alright, everyone please wait a moment
Seven people sat down with smiles
It is quite simple, if you were to travel back, wouldn't the beauties of that era feel utterly ashamed?" Jian Fan replied with a smile, responding appropriately
Jianfan smiled as he stepped out, secretly thinking: "My father's culinary skills are exquisite, the aroma penetrates to the bone, and I have yet to see anyone who has tasted it and said otherwise"
How about this, everyone tell me what you cannot eat, and I will recommend what you should eat! ... ... Let's start with this young lady? " Jian Fan inquired, looking eagerly at the light beauty named Di Jia.
"That girl is back, cousin. I tell you, quickly return the money to her, don't let it get out and let uncle and aunt find out, or they'll scold us both!" Jin Taohua said nervously. The country girl hasn't experienced much, her skin is nowhere near as thick as her cousin's!
More broth! A beautiful lady.
"Take a look, Dija, what do you like!" The plump leader handed the menu to the light beauty beside him
What does beauty have to do with me? I only lack money, not beautiful women! ... ... What's wrong! '' Jian Fan looked at Tao Hua with a smile, her eyes wide open.
Hehe... this child is quite clever. The beautiful lady commented, then asked: "Chairman Chen, are the dishes here really as good as you said?"
As she descended the stairs with a smile, her cousin, the early riser, cheerfully handed her the order. Jian Fan glanced at it; it was a blank order. With a smile in her eyes, she casually began to doodle on the paper.
Dijia responded: "Connotation!? What is the connotation of that cuisine?"
Why
In the midst of a casual chat, the first pot has arrived. As the lid is lifted, a fragrant aroma fills the room, causing the diners' expressions to tighten, yet their eyes light up with excitement
... ...
Wild boar cooked in an earthen pot is quite rare; if it weren't for a fortunate coincidence, you might not even be able to taste it, even if you were willing to pay. In Wulong, there are no domesticated wild boars; occasionally, a half or whole one is hunted in the mountains and sent to the city by familiar relatives from the countryside to be sold to restaurants, which is how diners get to enjoy this delicacy
Several male comrades who are well-versed in this culinary art nodded in approval after tasting it. If purebred wild boar meat is not prepared properly, it can be earthy, gamey, and sour; however, in the simple home-style dishes, all that can be tasted is the aroma.
The beautiful woman rested her hand on the table and sat down, smiling as she made a comment. The unpainted table and stools, exuding a natural wooden fragrance, are not only pleasing to the eye but also delightful to the heart
I don't want to, Aunt knows and will scold me, I won't do it, if it has to be done, it should be you who does it. Jian Taohua has decided not to do it anymore, occasionally getting a dirty ice cream from her cousin makes her happy as can be, but with such a large sum of money, the cousin from the countryside really doesn't dare to take it
"Why! ? '' Light beauty," the girl asked with a smile, her bright eyes and white teeth causing Jian Fan's heart to skip a beat in surprise
What is a Chai chicken? Light beauty, the female DJ, glanced at Jian Fan with a blink.
A meal took nearly one hour, and there was hardly any leftover food. The two ladies praised the mixed vegetable dish that was served later, and they also spoke highly of the place chosen by Chairman Chen
Do not make it too spicy! Light beauty, female way.
Jian Fan, who was sitting upright with the melon seeds, responded, "Have you been here before? That's right, the brand of the first pot has always been under the surname Jian"
Then, who else wants rice
The key lies with these two women. The one wearing sunglasses is still unclear, but the one in the sun hat is remarkable. Not only is she not from Wulong County, but she is also an extraordinary beauty, an absolute gem. Her oval-shaped tender face is even whiter and more delicate than the large steamed bun in her father's cage. The sandals she is wearing are instantly recognizable as Delman flat princess shoes. Jianfan once considered buying a pair to gift to his girlfriend, Xiangxiang, but upon inquiring about the price, which was two thousand yuan, he immediately dismissed the idea and instead bought a pair of counterfeit knockoffs for Xiangxiang. That silly girl didn't even notice!
Iron Pot Flavor Free-Range Chicken! A signature dish of the Jian family, please enjoy at your leisure!" Jian Fan, lifting the lid, looked at the diners with a smile.
Jian Fan smiled and said, "This young lady, please give it a try. Many people who do not eat meat have started to enjoy our Jian family's dishes! Culinary delights are not solely about the ingredients; just look at my figure, I could eat fatty meat every day! ... ... Although wild boar meat has fat, it has the effect of lowering blood pressure and blood lipids! Once you leave Wulong County, you may not have the chance to taste wild boar meat again!"
Chairman Chen, what is a steamed bun pancake?" asked the light beauty, Miss Di Jia, as they traveled from the city to the county, and indeed to the most remote county among the four districts and three counties of the provincial capital, where the scenery was remarkable in every aspect
What do you all think?" The chubby leader smiled as he looked at everyone. Except for those who were not qualified to speak and those who were not prepared to say anything in this setting, everyone nodded and said, "Chairman Chen, please go ahead, after all, you are the host.
Oh, by the way, there's also my dear Xiangxiang. If she gets hungry, she will fight with me for food from the same bowl! ... ... Jianfan inexplicably thought of his partner again! This morning, he was disturbed by Fatty Fei, and now he has encountered such a beautiful woman. Jianfan really thought it was time to find an opportunity to visit Xiangxiang. His girlfriend stayed in the provincial capital after graduation. Having seen many couples break up after graduation, the fact that they have not yet parted ways is, in Jianfan's view, quite remarkable.
Peach Blossom is also afraid of that aunt who is a teacher, as she is very meticulous with her calculations. Whether there is a shortfall or an excess, Peach Blossom ends up getting scolded. Each time, she shifts the responsibility onto her cousin, who always brushes it off by claiming there was a miscalculation, taking the blame upon himself, and ends up mumbling for a long time without being able to clarify the situation.
Ah! You charged them double? Jian Taohua stared wide-eyed, startled. Every time they overcharged someone by thirty or fifty, it was never as ruthless as this time.
What about drinks? Our store has homemade corn liquor and sweet potato liquor! The alcohol content is not high, " Jianfan asked with a smile.
The most beautiful one, gazing at a pot of sauce-red, glistening fatty wild boar meat with translucent pig skin, hesitated to pick up her chopsticks, sticking out her tongue. With red lips, fragrant tongue, and pearly teeth, she wore a delicate and innocent expression, resembling a little girl who wanted to eat but dared not make a move.
Jianfan looked at the kitchen, nervously trying to cover Taohua's mouth, whispering: "Shh... Taohua, don't let my dad hear, I'll give you fifty."
Alright, let's proceed with this. Chairman Chen made the final decision
The private room is simple yet not shabby, very tidy, and although rustic, it does not lack elegance. Bamboo skin chopsticks, long benches, and poplar tables are present, while a nostalgic painting hangs on the wall, with large characters that read: "People's Commune, One Pot!" The waiter, wearing a white towel, attentively shows us to our seats, and the waitress, dressed like a village girl, enthusiastically pours water. Taohua is indeed a village girl; she doesn't need any adornment to embody the essence of a true village girl. Now, dressed in a floral shirt, with dark skin and an honest face, her smile reveals two deep dimples, adding to the rustic charm of the setting.
The light beauty, the female Dija, was sipping the soup with a spoon, pursing her lips, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Jian Fan, not without admiration
Jian Fan was startled and turned around, only to see that the Audi had somehow stopped by the roadside again. The one in white, the most beautiful one, was walking briskly towards the restaurant
... ...
... ...
The soup is rich in flavor, yet it does not overpower the taste of the meat. Even the most difficult-to-season chicken breast is tender and smooth, melting in the mouth and leaving a lingering fragrance. Only when tasting this dish do the lean, scrawny free-range chickens realize that this natural flavor is incomparable to that of the excessively plump artificially bred broiler chickens.
Hehe... Xiaojian... Fan! The plump leader, regaining his senses, waved his hand and said: "I won't look at the recipe anymore, please introduce us to your signature dishes."
Then who are you
As he entered the door and ascended the stairs, the waiter Jianfan immediately made an accurate judgment. The fattest one among them was the leader, undoubtedly a figure of authority. The other two were also leaders, but their ranks were not as high as that of the fattest one. Just by looking at their faces and bellies, it was clear that they were a notch lower in terms of corruption index, indicating their positions were certainly slightly inferior.
The beautiful women, radiant with light, were all laughing joyfully, and the group of men joined in the laughter. Jian Fan noticed a woman in her thirties who was also very beautiful, but her beauty evoked thoughts of foundation, eyebrow pencil, eyeshadow, and lipstick, making it difficult to discern her exact age due to her makeup. However, she certainly possessed a captivating charm that attracted attention
Peach Blossom, are you being foolish? Outsiders with their foreign cars, they won't know when they'll see such a fat sheep again. The highest level of deception is to make people willingly be deceived! Did you not see how comfortably and happily they are eating? At this moment, if you were to stab them, they wouldn't even feel the pain!" Jian Fan educated, just like how a mother would educate her own child
Jian Fan felt a spark of inspiration, oh, the light beauty is named Di Jia
It is unclear whether she was swayed by Jianfan's words, persuaded by the crowd, or attracted by the aroma. That Jiang Dijia, gathering her courage, picked up a piece of lean meat, as if undertaking a daunting task, closed her eyes, and put it into her mouth, resembling someone pinching their nose to drink traditional Chinese medicine. This action made everyone laugh, as they watched the beautiful woman’s reaction to eating the fatty meat.
Three hundred and eight
As soon as Jianfan's mind started to turn, he seamlessly continued the conversation, both praising and promoting: "The remarks made by several leaders truly represent the development direction of Chinese cuisine, very insightful indeed... How about this, I would like to recommend three types of pot stews: flavorful free-range chicken, iron pot stew with small fish and sticky rice cakes, along with a mixed vegetable medley, which is purely vegetarian! The staple food will be large steamed buns, and the remaining seasonal side dishes, please feel free to choose from."
Hehe... don't put it all on me! Jianfan paid the money at the counter, stuffed the rest into his pocket, and snapped his fingers
"Alright then, young man, let's do as you say. Prepare three pots for us, add a portion of wild boar meat, and for the staple, we'll have steamed buns! Also, bring two servings of light cold dishes, you decide what to serve. It should be enough for seven of us, so no waste," Chairman Chen said. This chubby man appeared quite easygoing in Jian Fan's eyes, and he also had a certain presence.
Apart from the leading leader, the rest seem to be somewhat surprised, perhaps due to curiosity, as this is their first encounter with such a situation; however, there is a greater sense of satisfaction. While an extravagant environment is not particularly rare, an environment that is rustic, elegant, clean, yet retains its unique characteristics is indeed somewhat uncommon
"Young man! Is this still the Wulong pot managed by the Jian family?" the chubby leader said with a smile, casually flipping through the menu
The fast has been broken, indeed it has been broken. Unknowingly, the two beautiful women seemed to be attracted by the sight of everyone devouring the steamed buns. With a mindset of giving it a try, the two of them shared a bun. Upon tasting it, they found it fragrant with wheat and grass, both chewy and sweet. In the midst of chewing, they completely forgot that their rice was still left in the bowl.
Cousin, is everything alright? Don't let the guests find out and come looking for us! You were too ruthless in your actions!
The second small pot was brought up, and Chairman Chen, who is well-versed in gourmet food, praised it by saying: "This is truly authentic! I thought you might be mixing in some inferior ingredients"
Do not make it too salty! another attendant said
"Don't make a sound! If you dare to speak recklessly, be careful that I will throw you into the pot!" Jianfan glared at Taohua as a threat, and Taohua snorted through her nose, turning her head away in displeasure
The meat of the wild boar is dark in color, with a thin layer of fat, coarse texture, yet the skin is very crispy! Look at this pot, the skin is connected to the fat, and the fat is connected to the lean meat. Both the knife skills and the craftsmanship are of the highest quality, made by a seasoned expert!" Chairman Chen introduced, as his chopsticks reached into the pot to pick up a piece. After tasting it, he nodded repeatedly: "Mmm, mmm, mmm... very good, not dry or tough, flavorful, and chewy! Not earthy or fishy, well processed.
Chairman Chen, please go ahead! The light beauty glanced around casually without expressing any opinion
"Corn yellow, I tried it a few years ago... Dija, Director, what drinks do you want! ?"
The seven guests were led into the private room, and their eyes lit up in surprise, even more so than Jian Fan.
Do not make it too greasy
As she turned her head, Jian Fan greeted her with a smile, but inside, she felt as if fifteen buckets were being drawn from a well, her heart in a state of turmoil, truly feeling a bit guilty despite the cheerful welcome...
At this moment of pride, only then does Jianfan feel a sense of self-satisfaction. It is only when holding the dishes that he feels valued by others
Whatever! ... My mom keeps such a tight grip on the finances, and I feel embarrassed to ask for more money. If I don't take this opportunity to pocket a little extra pocket money, what else can I do! ... A sly smile, a mischievous grin appeared on Jian Fan's face as he secretly reveled in his thoughts, then he left the hall and entered the kitchen, preparing to serve the second pot at the table
Juice, from Huiyuan!
I am the same as Dija," another woman said
Everyone was amused by Jianfan's words, but this remark struck a chord with the young lady. She covered her mouth and smiled, and everyone encouraged her, even Director Yu chimed in, saying: "Jiajia, give it a try, it's really good. Much better than the frozen wild boar meat from the big restaurant"
Another person laughed and said, "Chairman Chen, you find this place interesting, and this little waiter is even more interesting! With a braid, he could perform in a play"
Chairman Chen, I will eat rice!" Light Beauty, the female DJ, interjected.
While flattering on the surface, in their heart they secretly think, if my Xiangxiang were this beautiful, I would be truly fortunate
Another gentleman said with a smile: "Young man, we are newcomers here. We have heard of the reputation of the first pot. A few years ago, I tried your pork and cabbage stew, which was quite flavorful. However, with so many guests, we can't just serve this, can we? Do you have any special dishes to recommend to us?"
Chairman Chen's words elicited a burst of laughter, but after the laughter subsided, one truly felt that they were quite incisive!
In the conversation just now, I heard quite a bit. The heaviest one is referred to as Chairman Chen, the most beautiful one, known as Light Beauty, is called Di Jia, and there is someone referred to as Journalist Jiang, either Jiang Di Jia or Jiang Di Jia! ...? ... ... Surprisingly, the stunning beauty is a leader, named Director Yu. It seems that apart from the two drivers, everyone else is of a leadership level! However, Jian Fan is not concerned about how high the leaders are or how beautiful the beauty is. He is secretly pondering how deep the knife should cut. Looking at the delicate appearance of that Light Beauty, he truly cannot bear to make the cut!
"You must be a gourmet, having tasted the five flavors of sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty. Am I right in my guess?"
The iron pot stew with small fish, cornmeal cakes, and the old broth made from a variety of vegetables were served one after another, delighting the diners who praised the dishes enthusiastically, even extending their courtesy to Jian Fan... They insisted on toasting with Jian Fan three large cups before finally letting her go, her face already flushed.
... ...
The remaining two were called up by the overweight leader. Judging by their obsequious expressions and their bodies leaning forward, ready to nod at any moment, it is needless to say that they are the drivers. In the past, this was the role of the horse handler, leading the horse and managing the reins.
Jianfan introduced with a smile, with a rhythmic cadence, as if recounting treasured family stories. Even before tasting, one already felt the flavors.
"It is a free-range country chicken, raised in the countryside. No feed is used." The plump leader interjected, looking at Jian Fan with a smile and saying, "Young man, you haven't asked me what I should avoid eating yet"
Chairman Chen first took a bite with his chopsticks and gave a thumbs up with his left hand
In the double-handled flat pot, the light brown soup appears crystal clear, adorned with starry red dots of goji berries, deep red segments of chili, tender white scallions, and vibrant green cilantro leaves. The meat-colored sauce of the free-range chicken, accompanied by a rich yet not greasy aroma, instantly whets one's appetite
Hello everyone, here we only have one dish, which is stew; we excel at all kinds of stew! As long as you can name a type of stew, we basically have it! As for staple foods, we have steamed buns and rice, but I recommend that you try the flavorful large steamed bun. With deep well water, hand-ground flour, and firewood, I guarantee you have never tasted this flavor before
This is a place that returns to simplicity. I can say how good it is, but it doesn't count; you should evaluate it yourselves after trying it... Modern cuisine places too much emphasis on external factors, always boasting about high prices, excellent environments, and meticulous craftsmanship, while in fact, it has lost its true essence!" Chairman Chen said with a smile.
This fat guy should be on the same level as Fei Shiqing, catching whatever he can eat! However, calling the fat one a gourmet would certainly amuse the chubby leader, who smiled and accepted the compliment, saying: "Haha... well, these three types of pots you mentioned are all common goods, what is there to say? They are quite ordinary!"
Seven guests stood frozen at the entrance. The welcoming attendant was a bright young man, his apron resembling more of a theatrical prop than a typical apron, impeccably clean. He greeted them with a radiant smile that was certainly not one born of profession. The uncles, brothers, and sisters called out in succession, their warmth surpassing that of a family reunion, deeply moving the seven guests. They all felt that the hospitality and ancient charm of this small county were indeed remarkable
Jianfan noticed the slender white hand, which was a few shades more tender than the green onions on her own desk, and said with a smile: "Sister, you cannot go back!"
This statement truly resonated with everyone, as several individuals fixed their gaze on Chairman Chen. They had traveled all the way from the provincial capital and, instead of going to the government guesthouse, were brought here by Chairman Chen. Although it had a good reputation and the establishment was clean and refreshing, it still fell slightly short when compared to what everyone typically considered a high-end venue.