Tonight's dinner consisted of braised fish chunks and a side of stir-fried pork cracklings with cabbage.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the braised fish chunks!
[A decent braised fish chunk]
A line of assessment flashed in Zhou Yan's eyes.
It was quite a distance from the perfect braised crucian carp with perilla leaves.
But for his first time cooking carp, and using a braising method he had never practiced before, achieving a "decent" result was quite satisfactory for Zhou Yan.
What did this mean?
He was no longer the useless little guy who could only rely on the system!
After mastering a dish, he thoroughly absorbed the kitchen filming experience he had accumulated in his previous life, and combined it with Little Zhou's two and a half years of culinary learning experience, he was already able to adapt and create some new dishes.
Like this "decent" braised fish chunk!
This level of dish is too complex and requires high quality fish. He wouldn't put it on the menu and create unnecessary trouble for himself until it received an "extremely good" rating.
But it's quite good at showing off his cooking skills at family gatherings, or just to change things up.
This progress is quite rewarding and exciting for Zhou Yan.
A bowl of rice has already been served to each person. Looking at such a delicious dish, no one can resist having a bowl of staple food first.
This love and obsession with staple food is ingrained in bones.
"Would you like me to rinse the fish in rice soup? It might be a little spicy." Zhou Yan asked Zhou Momo.
Zhou Momo nodded: "Yes!"
Zhou Yan smiled and went into the kitchen, poured out a bowl of rice soup, and placed it in front of Zhou Momo.
Aunt Zhao picked out a piece of fish belly meat, dipped it in the rice soup, and put it in her bowl, reminding her, "Eat less if it's spicy, and be careful of fish bones."
"Mmm." The little one nodded, already taking a bite.
Unlike the crispy fried fish, this one had a soft outer layer, easy to bite, and the fish inside was tender, slightly spicy, but very fragrant—so delicious!
She took a small bite of fish, removed the bones, and then shoveled a big mouthful of rice into her mouth.
A bite of fish, a bite of rice—she ate with great relish.
Aunt Zhao also picked up her chopsticks, took a piece of fish, and took a bite.
Wow!
Spicy, numbing, and fragrant! The flavor exploded on her tongue in an instant.
The fish pieces, coated in flour and set in the oil, slowly softened as they simmered over low heat, coated in a thick sauce. They trembled precariously when picked up, easily breaking and falling back onto the plate.
One bite, and the crispy crust, soaked in the broth, becomes soft, while the fish meat is exceptionally tender and smooth, sliding right into mouth with a slurp.
The tangy aroma of the pickled radish, the unique sour and spicy flavor of the pickled ginger and peppers, blend perfectly with the spiciness of the dried chili peppers and the numbing sensation of the Sichuan peppercorns—it's incredibly satisfying!
"Delicious! It's so tender and juicy, the fish is so fresh and flavorful, it's just as good as the braised crucian carp with perilla leaves!" Aunt Zhao gave it extremely high praise.
"Mmm, this broth is so spicy and fragrant! The taste is simply amazing!" Zhao Hong nodded enthusiastically in agreement.
"The texture of wild carp is really different. It didn't fall apart even after cooking for so long, and it was cooked perfectly." Comrade Old Zhou also exclaimed. He had also recovered and was able to eat wild carp thanks to his youngest daughter.
Everyone had extra rice for dinner tonight.
They even used the broth to mix with their rice.
That's high praise indeed.
"Old Zhou, let's see if you can catch such a big carp next time." Aunt Zhao said with a smile, looking at Old Zhou. "Whether we can still have braised fish chunks depends on you."
"Okay, I'll try my best next time." Comrade Old Zhou nodded, quite confidently.
"I wouldn't waste this oil if it wasn't for a high quality wild carp like this." Zhou Yan said with a smile, adding a touch of embellishment.
Comrade Old Zhou is fine buying some crucian carp at the market, the quality is good, and he can make it into braised crucian carp with perilla leaves for the guests. But if he was to buy a large farmed carp, he really wouldn't want to waste oil and go through all that trouble.
After everyone finished eating, Huang Ying and her brother Huang Bing arrived.
As soon as Huang Ying entered the restaurant, she sniffed and exclaimed, "It smells so good! What delicious food are you cooking? It smells like fish, but it's not braised crucian carp with perilla leaves, is it?"
"Good girl, your nose is really sharp! This afternoon, Momo caught a five jin and eight liang big carp." Zhao Tieying said with a smile as she cleared away the bowls. "Zhou Yan made braised fish chunks. If you had come five minutes earlier, you could have had a piece."
"My goodness! A five jin carp? Where did you catch it?" Huang Bing looked at Zhou Momo in shock. "Can you take me next time?"
"Five minutes! It's all Huang Bing's fault for going to the outhouse before leaving! I missed a delicious braised wild carp..." Huang Ying said regretfully, clenching her fist and giving Huang Bing a light tap.
Huang Bing easily dodged the tap and continued, looking at Zhou Momo, "I have a friend who also likes fishing, but he's never caught a fish. Could you tell me how he caught this five jin eight liang big carp?"
"That's how it is." Zhou Momo demonstrated, holding up a chopstick. "Like this, drop it in, and it sinks quickly, then you can fish it up."
Huang Bing fell silent, glancing at Zhou Miao beside.
Zhou Miao was silent for a moment, then nodded. "She's right."
See? Which fisherman wouldn't be speechless after hearing that?
"Is the braised fish chunks delicious? When will it be on the menu?" Huang Ying leaned close to Zhou Yan, her face full of anticipation, her eyes brimming with longing for the food.
"It's not bad, but I think this dish needs more practice. It requires high quality fish, so it probably won't be on the menu anytime soon, it's a private dish." Zhou Yan said with a smile.
"Private dish, so that means there are conditions for unlocking it?" Huang Ying asked thoughtfully, then pressed, "If I manage to buy a big wild carp next time, could you cook it for me? I'll pay the processing fee!"
"This..." Zhou Yan pondered, realizing it was indeed a potential new business opportunity, and nodded, "If I have time, sure, we can discuss the price later."
"Great!" Huang Ying smiled contentedly. She'd get to try the braised fish chunks sooner or later, even if she missed it this time!
That evening, Huang Ying ordered a dish of braised crucian carp with perilla leaves to appease her craving.
Huang Bing's twice daily meal of cross-legged beef had become a regular occurrence. Perhaps due to excessive water loss from cycling everyday, he preferred beef broth to water.
Refills were available, and he could drink one and a half bowls at a time.
As the factory closed and customers gradually increased, Zhou Yan returned to the kitchen to get busy.
Zhao Dong was buying braised pig's head meat at the restaurant entrance when he spotted his two nephews sitting inside. He grabbed the meat and came in smiling, "Yingying, Huang Bing, you two really come here three times a day to eat?"
"Yes, my mom gave us money for meals, telling us to come three times a day, not to miss a single one." Huang Ying said with a smile. "Uncle, would you like to sit down and eat with us? We ordered braised crucian carp with perilla leaves and double peppers minced beef, it's enough for the three of us."
"I won't eat here. I bought some braised pig's head meat to take back to share with your grandma and aunt." Zhao Dong said with a smile, preparing to leave.
Just then, their braised crucian carp with perilla leaves arrived.
Seeing the lunchbox in his hand, Huang Ying quickly grabbed it, "Wait a minute, pack one of the braised crucian carp with perilla leaves and take it back for Grandma and my cousins to eat together. We have a lot of food here."
"No need, no need, you both eat it." Zhao Dong waved his hands repeatedly, he had only come to say hello.
But Huang Ying had already taken the lunchbox and opened it. Huang Bing then picked up a plate, sliced a crucian carp into the lunchbox, and packed it together with the toppings and broth. It looked quite presentable, the packaging was a success.
"Uncle, be careful not to spill the broth." Huang Ying smiled and handed the lunchbox back to Zhao Dong. "Tell Grandma to be careful when eating fish. This braised crucian carp with perilla leaves is really good. She loved it last time."
"You two kids..." Zhao Dong was somewhat amused and exasperated. He took the lunchbox and said, "I'm off now. Eat early and go home, it gets dark early these days."
"Okay!" The two agreed with smiles, watching Zhao Dong leave, and gave each other a high five for their cooperation.
"What happened to your hand?" Huang Ying picked up her chopsticks and glanced at Huang Bing, whose hand had a bandage on it.
"I accidentally cut myself while practicing my knife skills. It's just a small cut, nothing serious." Huang Bing said casually, first serving himself a bowl of soup.
"Wait, you're really planning to sell braised meat?" Huang Ying looked at him with surprise, a hint of teasing in her voice. "Don't torture Master Sun anymore, he works hard enough."
"Shut up! Eat your food!" Huang Bing gritted his teeth. "Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river! Don't underestimate a young man's intelligence!"
"Poverty can be changed, but stupidity lasts a lifetime, brother, study more." Huang Ying sincerely suggested.
"Get lost!"
...
The Feiyan Restaurant stood on Yutang Street.
As dusk settled, the neon lights illuminated the signs with a dazzling array of colors.
A pedicab carrying passengers stopped in front of the restaurant.
A young woman with permed hair stepped off first, wearing a black sweater under a dark brown wide-shouldered blazer, light-colored jeans that showed off her long legs, a thin Gucci belt around her waist, and a Gucci brand handbag.
She had delicate features, her hair tucked behind her ears revealing exquisite diamond earrings, giving her a very fashionable and elegant appearance.
Next, an elderly woman with silver hair stepped off the pedicab, and the young woman quickly reached out to help her.
The elderly woman, dressed in a black, three-quarter sleeved cheongsam and embroidered shoes, was tall and slender. A white pearl necklace adorned her neck, and her silver hair was styled in an updo, adorned with a peach wood hairpin that was inserted diagonally. A cream-colored tassel shawl draped over her shoulders. She helped the young woman down from the pedicab, her demeanor composed and elegant.
In contrast, the fashionable young woman dressed in designer clothes that you wouldn't even see in the International Trade Company was completely overshadowed in terms of style.
"Thank you, driver." the elderly woman said, her voice slightly cold.
"You're welcome!" the driver replied, pedaling away.
"Grandma, let's go, I'm starving." Duan Yuyan said with a smile, taking the old lady's hand.
"Okay." the old lady nodded, and they walked into the restaurant together.
Huang He, sitting behind the counter, spotted the two immediately and quickly stood up to greet them.
"Mrs. Qiu, Miss Duan, you've arrived." Huang He greeted them with a smile, his tone and attitude more respectful than usual.
Old Mrs. Qiu, whose real name is Qiu Qi, has been a regular customer of Feiyan Restaurant for decades. Before the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Qiu family were frequent customers of Feiyan Restaurant. After Old Mrs. Qiu married into the Duan family, she often came to the restaurant with Mr. Duan for meals.
The business had been inherited from his father, and this rather legendary old lady was a distinguished guest whom his father had repeatedly instructed him to treat with great care before his death.
Huang He had seen Mrs. Qiu when he was a child, she was truly the most beautiful woman in Jiazhou City. Her wedding to Mr. Duan drew crowds of people young and old throughout the city.
Decades have passed, her hair is now gray, and her face is lined with wrinkles, yet she remains as elegant as ever.
He had heard that Mrs. Qiu's son was looking for his relatives and wanted to take her to Hong Kong to enjoy a better life. He also coveted the location of the Qiu family's old house. He just didn't know what the old lady's knot was and how to resolve it.
As for the rumored price of ten thousand yuan, he was willing to pay that price if the seller was willing to sell.
Mrs. Qiu's granddaughter, Duan Yuyan, was in her early twenties, a true Hong Kong socialite. Looking at her clothes and jewelry, he couldn't even recognize the brands; he'd only seen celebrities wear them on TV, and they must be incredibly expensive.
Although she was beautiful, she still paled in comparison to Mrs. Qiu back then.
Money can make someone appear wealthy, but elegance comes from within.
Huang He grew up in the Feiyan Restaurant and had met most of Jiaozhou's prominent figures, many of whom were elegant gentlemen and ladies.
Mrs. Qiu and Mr. Duan were undoubtedly first rate.
"Boss Huang, are there any private rooms available on the second floor?" Old Mrs. Qiu asked.
"Yes, the Xiaoxue private room you usually sit in is empty. Please come upstairs, both of you." Huang He quickly replied.
Grandma Qiu nodded slightly and went upstairs with her granddaughter at a leisurely pace.
Huang He quickly followed, took the menu from the waiter on the second floor, and personally served them.
Grandma Qiu casually flipped through a few pages of the menu, leisurely ordering a few of her usual dishes.
Just as she was about to close the menu, Huang He spoke up: "Mrs. Qiu, we've reinstated a few braised meat dishes today. Would you like to try some? I remember you and Mr. Duan used to quite like ordering braised meat."
Grandma Qiu's hand trembled slightly upon hearing this, and she looked up at Huang He. "Braised meat?"
"Yes, look at this page." Huang He flipped the menu two pages forward, a braised meat section had been added, with three new dishes: braised pig's head meat, braised pig's ears, and braised pig's snout.
"What's so good about braised meat?" Duan Yuyan muttered, her brows slightly furrowed. She didn't like preserved or braised meats.
Grandma Qiu looked at it carefully for a while, then looked up at Huang He and asked, "Why isn't there any braised beef?"
Huang He's memory seemed to have been unlocked, and he suddenly recalled some past events.
Back then, Mrs. Qiu and Mr. Duan often came to the restaurant for meals, and they would sit in this private room.
Mr. Duan often alternates between braised pig's head meat and braised pig's ears, while Mrs. Qiu always orders a plate of braised beef.
This continued from his earliest memories until braised meat disappeared from the Feiyan Restaurant's menu.
When braised meat was first removed from the menu, Mrs. Qiu would often ask about it, but she stopped mentioning it after that.
For over a decade, he didn't see Mrs. Qiu. Some said it was because Mr. Duan's work was confidential, and Mrs. Qiu had gone with him to the capital, others said she had gone to the Northwest.
A few years ago, Mrs. Qiu and Mr. Duan returned to Jiazhou and would dine at Feiyan Restaurant once or twice a month.
After Mr. Duan passed away in 1981, Mrs. Qiu would come to Feiyan Restaurant once a month, order one dish, sit for two hours, and leave, often without touching the food.
Until six months ago, when her son and granddaughter came looking for relatives, Mrs. Qiu brought them to Feiyan Restaurant more frequently, and they gradually ordered more dishes.
She still didn't eat much, but the young lady wanted to try everything.
"We're not quite skilled at making braised beef yet, so it will be on the menu in a while," Huang He explained with a smile.
Grandma Qiu seemed thoughtful, then said, "Then let's add a serving of braised pig's head meat."
"Alright, please wait a moment, I'll have them prepare your dishes." Huang He collected the menus and left the private room with a smile.
"Grandma, the braised pig's head meat is so fatty, don't you never eat fatty meat?" Duan Yuyan looked at her, puzzled.
"When your grandfather was alive, his favorite dish was their braised pig's head meat." Grandma Qiu smiled slightly, "I just don't know if it still tastes the same as it did back then."