Chapter 542 Only Then Can We Fulfill Boss Pei’s Expectations of Ming Yun Private Kitchen

Jessica tried the fresh cabbage and drank the delicious soup. Feeling emotional, she said, “Alright, Elena. I changed my mind. I agree with your point of view. The prejudices that I had against Chinese cuisine were a result of my ignorance. “This dish has completely changed the way I view Chinese cuisine.”

Elena nodded subtly. “This dish surprised me, too. I know any other Chinese restaurants serve this dish, but very few of them can do it well.

“Thank you, Lucas. Your explanation of this dish has greatly enhanced its taste. Your deep understanding of delicacies has greatly inspired me as well.”

Jia Nuo smiled. “Actually, I don’t have that deep of an understanding of delicacies. I only do what I have to, based on the branch manager’s instructions and present the details of every dish to the customers.”

Obviously, that was the reason why Lin Canrong had made all the waiters explain the dishes on the menu.

Apart from the very few connoisseurs who were extremely sensitive to taste, most ordinary people would not be able to tell how much effort chefs put into creating each dish based on its taste alone.

Instead, most people could only describe delicacies in limited ways: they were either delicious, or fresh, or the like.

Waiters, who explained the details of each dish to customers at a time like that, could popularize the knowledge and create a certain type of environment and atmosphere for them. A ‘common passion’ would be formed between them.

High-end restaurants improved the taste of every dish at all costs. If they did not explain the relevant details to customers, the delicacies would not leave a deep impression in their minds.

Obviously, Lin Canrong’s careful and meticulous planning had all paid off at that moment.

Elena said, “Lucas, can I ask you more about Chinese and Western cuisines?” Jia Nuo pondered for a moment. “I’m afraid I don’t know enough to answer your questions, but I can invite the branch manager over.”

Elena: “If it wouldn’t interrupt his work, I would really appreciate it!”

Jia Nuo left the private room and returned a moment later with Lin Canrong in tow.

Lin Canrong smiled and said, “My surname is Lin, and I am the branch manager of this restaurant. Are both of you satisfied with our food and service?”

Although Lin Canrong was also learning English, he was old and busy with work. Thus, it was still difficult for him to communicate smoothly with foreigners.

That was why he had to trouble Jia Nuo to translate his words.

Fortunately, Jia Nuo had worked as a simultaneous interpreter before, and translating Lin Canrong’s words for customers was chicken feet to him.

Elena nodded. “We’re very satisfied! This is the most amazing meal I have ever eaten. You pay a lot of attention to the details and hold yourself to high standards for both Chinese and Western cuisine alike. That has left a deep impression on me.

“I’m a gourmet enthusiast, and I’ve always been confused about something that I want to clarify with you, Branch Manager Lin. I wonder if you can help to resolve my confusion.”

Lin Canrong replied humbly, “I wouldn’t dare to say that I can help to resolve your confusion, but I would be happy to discuss my views.”

Elena asked, “The taste of food is intensifying now, and many dishes are made so that one can no longer taste the original ingredients. I wonder what you think about that, Branch Manager Lin.”

After some consideration, Lin Canrong said, “That is indeed a trend in the world of delicacies.

“I think there are two main reasons for this. “The first is the stiff competition. The food industry is cruel. Even the best restaurants in the world have to continuously research new dishes and provide entertainment in the restaurant.

“If they do not try to spruce up the environment, they would be seen as making no attempt to improve. After all, the customers’ attention can be easily drawn away by other things in the restaurant.

“On top of that, there is the problem with customers’ demands. Many other brands would deceive or tempt consumers, leaving them with too stark comparisons and too much stimulation.

“As a result, consumers lose their ability to appreciate certain flavors and constantly seek more intense ones.

“As the food and beverage industry continues to use intense flavors to excite consumers’ taste buds, a vicious cycle would form. As a consumer, I would definitely want to eat ‘more delicious’ food. However… I think that does not match the philosophy behind Chinese cuisine. “Chinese cuisine is about neutrality. Each dish has its place, with every ingredient having its unique taste. Strive to bring out natural flavors and infuse flavor to those that lack it. There is no one-size-fits-all in food. Cater to the individual’s palate…”

“Simply put, every ingredient should have their own unique taste. When trying to match various ingredients, the chef has to make sure that their natural flavors blend well and not try to forcefully blend them together using artificial flavors.

“A single dish also should not remain the same for too long. Instead, the chef has to match the dish to each consumer’s special requests.

“That’s why our restaurant is constantly trying to balance those two factors. We want to keep the food’s original flavors without adding artificial flavoring or additives, make our food nutritious and healthy, and continuously improve the taste of our dishes at the same time.

“Take the Steamed Chinese Cabbage in Supreme Soup that both of you had today, for example. There’s a saying that cabbage is still the most delicious among all vegetables. Although it’s a very common ingredient, as long as you cook it with care, you could still make it as desirable as other precious and uncommon dishes.”

Jia Nuo accurately translated the message that Lin Canrong was trying to convey, causing the two ladies to nod profusely.

Jessica was listening very intently. If she had heard these words before today, she would have scoffed and acted like she had not heard it. She would write it off as an excuse for Chinese cuisine tasting worse than modern Western cuisine. However, after eating today’s dishes, she could finally understand the rich and philosophical concepts she was hearing now.

‘Steamed Chinese Cabbage in Supreme Soup’ completely embodied what Branch Manager Lin had been saying about the competition being which dish could taste blander. No modern artificial flavoring had been added, and the soup looked extremely clear. Yet, its blandness also contained an exquisite taste. Elena nodded. “Branch Manager Lin, your words make a lot of sense. They’ve been of great help to me. Thank you! How do you view the difference between Western and Chinese cuisine, Branch Manager Lin? Which do you think is better?”

Lin Canrong smiled. “Deliciousness is subjective. Everyone’s taste is different. I don’t think there’s a need to say that one is better than the other.

“Every dish has its roots in its culture. What’s more, Western cuisine seems to be more acceptable to the rest of the world now because Western culture has been more widely accepted.

“Many people are also content with a smattering of knowledge about Chinese cuisine. They judge the food based purely on how intense the flavors are. Obviously, they would be reviewing Chinese cuisine based on the wrong system, and it would be impossible for them to arrive at the right conclusions.

“The beauty of Chinese cuisine has to be understood against its specific cultural backdrop. It’s not just food to satisfy one’s appetite, but it’s also an expression of thought and philosophy. “Take a very common dish, Dongpo Pork[1], for example. If you don’t understand its historical background, it would be no different from ordinary braised pork. “However, if you know the story of Su Dongpo, the reason why he invented this dish and even saw the beautiful scenery by the West Lake in Spring… then, the meaning of the dish would be different altogether.

“Only one who has read Su Dongpo’s poems and seen his calligraphy can taste Dongpo Pork; otherwise, one would only be eating ordinary braised pork.

“Many Westerners don’t understand these and review Chinese cuisine according to Western standards. Of course, they would arrive at the conclusion that Chinese cuisine is worse than Western. However, that would be an obvious mistake.

“Going back to your initial question… “I don’t think it’s wrong for modern Western cuisine to pursue an exquisite taste by controlling quantities. I also don’t think that it’s wrong for Chinese cuisine to focus on its culture.

“Our restaurant does not discriminate against either style but strives to understand every single dish while providing a taste that would best appeal to and suit our diners.”

Jia Nuo elegantly and concisely translated Lin Canrong’s speech while fully capturing the meaning behind every word.

Elena nodded profusely. At last, she sincerely said, “I see! Branch Manager Lin, you have a deep understanding of food indeed. I’m amazed!”

Jessica was moved as well. “I will get rid of my prejudice against Chinese cuisine. So it’s not that it tastes horrible, but that other Chinese restaurants do not measure up.”

Lin Canrong smiled. “Not at all. I am just a struggling student, trying to understand the extensive and profound food culture.”

Elena said, “Branch Manager Lin, I am actually a food blogger. Can I write everything that I experienced today on my blog? You have a unique understanding of the food and beverage industry, and you’ve given me a whole new perspective.” Still smiling, Lin Canrong nodded. “Of course, you can.”

After sending the two foreign friends away, Jia Nuo wiped the sweat from his forehead. “Branch Manager, those two don’t seem like ordinary people. It’s a good thing that you make us memorize the details of every dish, or I might have made a fool of myself.

“Still, your final speech about the difference between Chinese and Western cuisine and culture was very well-put. I could see that our foreign friends were fully convinced.”

After a moment of silence, Lin Canrong said, “Actually, I only recently realized that by chance. Coincidentally, it came in handy today.” Jia Nuo was stunned. “You only realized that by chance? Branch Manager, that sudden realization really came at the right time, right?”

Lin Canrong looked stern. “It looks like a coincidence, but in reality… it was planned.

“I looked for Boss Pei earlier, intending to open a new branch, but Boss Pei rejected my suggestion. After that, I went back to think hard about what Boss Pei thought Ming Yun Private Kitchen’s role was.

“Subsequently, I understood. Ming Yun Private Kitchen is a unique restaurant that pursues quality over quantity. It’s meant to provide the best experience for all diners.

“The best experience, by nature, cannot be copied. Boss Pei kept emphasizing that Ming Yun Private Kitchen cannot set up another branch but has to spend as much money as possible on improving details. “I kept trying to find gaps to fill so that every aspect of this restaurant could be perfect. Our restaurant would not give foreigners special treatment. Instead, we will treat every customer equally and provide the perfect dining experience for all.

“Today, we only hosted two slightly pickier diners from overseas, but this means a lot because we have passed the test. As long as we take every day as our first day, treat every customer as our first customer, and value every diner’s feedback; we will become the best.

“I learned all of those things while reflecting on Boss Pei’s intentions, including the difference between Western and Chinese cuisine, as well as current developments in the food and beverage industry.

“I think that we can only fulfill Boss Pei’s expectations of Ming Yun Private Kitchen by working hard to meet this same standard!”

[1] This is the traditional braised pork belly.