Lin Chang was in a flurry of activities in the kitchen, her hands moving with the precision of a seasoned chef. As Lin Lisha watched her daughter darting around the room, she couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Despite her best efforts to lend a hand, Yun Chang stubbornly refused any assistance.
Today, Lin Chang was responsible for preparing the portions of all dishes served at their food stall. The stall specializes in serving brunch from 8AM to 3PM, featuring a variety of dishes such as Soybean Milk and Deep-Fried Dough Sticks, Steamed Buns, Wontons, Dumplings, Steamed Glutinous Rice, Dim Sum, Pork Buns, Congee, and their renowned hot pot.
Numerous dishes from this era were still there during her era, with the exception of a few that Lin Chang had studied during her journey on the metro using her new phone. Culinary arts was one of her hobbies, which she had acquired in her past life.
During her era, naturally grown vegetables were scarce due to the high temperatures and dry climate outside of the protective glass bubbles. As a result, all fruits, vegetables, and even poultry were either mutated or artificially prepared, resulting in a lack of distinct flavor in the food. To enhance the taste, traditional raw techniques were employed, primarily of Indian origin. Despite India being a very powerful Eastern force making the country their enemy, their traditional spices and food techniques were highly sought after resources. The art of Indian culinary techniques is a meticulous affair, where every minuscule detail is given utmost attention to create a masterpiece. The result is a culinary experience that is nothing short of exquisite.
And so, today, Lin Chang embarked her culinary skills to create traditional Chinese dishes using the age-old Indian techniques, infused with her own unique flair. With every chop, every stir, and every sprinkle of spice, she weaves a tapestry of flavors that will definitely tantalize the senses and will leave her family in awe. It was a fusion of cultures, a celebration of diversity, and a testament to the power of culinary artistry.
As the clock struck eight in the evening, the long-awaited dinner was finally served on the table. Lin Lisha and Lin Bao's eyes widened in amazement as they gazed upon the meticulous presentation of each dish. The food looked so stunning that it was impossible not to be drawn in by its beauty. Every little detail had been taken care of with utmost precision, and even the garnishing was executed flawlessly, as if it had been prepared by a Michelin-starred chef.
Lin Lisha and Lin Bao were left in awe, their mouths watering at the sight of the delectable feast before them. It was a sight to behold, one that left them speechless and mesmerized.
As she was going through the recipes available on the internet this afternoon, sifting through reviews and comments, she understood the ways of the food industry in this era.
"Mom, how long has it been since you opened up the food stall?" The question came from Lin Chang, bringing back both of them to look at her.
Lin Lisha paused for a moment, lost in thought as she tried to recall the passage of time. "It's been 12 years," she finally replied, her mind drifting back to the early days of her business venture.
"Twelve long years have passed, yet our family business remains stagnant," Lin Chang mused, her eyes fixed on her mother who appeared perplexed by the sudden turn in conversation. "Do you know why?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of disappointment.
Her mother shook her head, unable to fathom where this was going.
"It's because, Mom," Lin Chang continued, "while your cooking is undoubtedly delicious, it lacks that special something that sets it apart from homemade food. People go out to eat to experience new and authentic flavors that tantalize their taste buds. Today, I want you to try something different and tell me if it meets your standards. With your years of experience, you know what customers want better than anyone else. So, please, have a taste."
Lin Bao, who had been silently observing the conversation, finally understood what was going on. He recalled the conversation he had with Lin Chang earlier that afternoon and looked at her in appreciation. He immediately took out his phone and clicked a picture and sent it to someone, with a smirk.
Lin Lisha also understood the context of today's dinner and smiled at her daughter's thoughtful suggestion and followed her lead. She took a bite of the Deep-Fried Dough Sticks, relishing the satisfying crunch as it melted in her mouth. The mild spices added a new dimension to the usually salty and alkaline taste, and with every bite, her eyes shone with delight.
Next, she turned her attention to the hot pot, which was divided into two equal parts - one filled with vegetables and the other with meat and seafood. As she watched every piece of ingredients in the hot pot being cut in the proportion and prepared, she couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder.
As soon as she took a bite, all her doubts vanished, there was a burst of flavors in her mouth. The vegetables were cooked to perfection, although they were in their original shape without being mushy or crumpled. There was no raw taste, and the meat and seafood were bursting with flavor. With every bite, she discovered new nuances and subtleties, and she realized that there was something special added to the meat also.
Lin Lisha and Lin Bao savored every dish in astonishment, every single had a surprise hidden in it. After they had polished off their plates, their bellies were brimming with satisfaction. Yet, an insatiable hunger lingered within them, urging them for another round of dinner.
"Chang, where did you learn to cook? The flavors are so exquisite, I have never tasted anything like this before," Lin Lisha exclaimed in delight.
Lin Bao, her brother, couldn't help but interject with a sarcastic tone, "Were you a five-star chef in your past life, Chang?" He chuckled at his own joke, Lin Chang also couldn't help but join in.
With a sly smile, Lin Chang replied, "I learned from the Yun family's chefs." It was a lie, but her confidence made it sound convincing. "But let's get back to business, Mom. Are you satisfied with the food?"
Lin Lisha beamed with pride, "More than satisfied, my dear. This is exceptional." Lin Bao nodded in agreement.
Lin Chang added, "Mom, now do you understand what the customer wants?" Lin Lisha nodded confidently as she continued, "There are four things to remember for customer satisfaction: service, presentation, quality, and quantity."
Lin Lisha hesitated, "But Chang, we don't have much to invest right now."
Lin Chang reassured her, "Mom, no extra investment is required. The menu stays the same, including the price and investment."
"But with this kind of food presentation, won't we need high-quality ingredients?" Lin Lisha asked, still unsure.
Lin Chang smiled, "We just need to change a few small things. Rest assured, we don't need high-quality ingredients to make such presentable food.".
"So what is your next plan Niece?!" Lin Bao inquired with enthusiasm.
"Beginning tomorrow and for the following days, I shall be assuming responsibility for the kitchen at our stall. Not only will I prepare the dishes, but I shall also teach my mother. Presently, our menu consists of a mere eight dishes, so with a few days of practice, my mother shall acquire all the necessary techniques," Lin Chang stated, glancing at her mother for a reaction, who gazed back at her with determination.
"I am confident that with this level of culinary expertise, we swill soon be inaugurating our restaurant on an international scale," Lin Bao remarked with a smile.
"Indeed, Uncle/Bao," Lin Chang and Lin Lisha concurred, exchanging a determined glance. Their eyes gleamed with ambition as they anticipated the new day, which would bring fresh accomplishments and opportunities for their family.