Chapter 2220: Chapter 2060: Do I Still Need to Teach You?
Unlike Xu Duoduo’s compass-like long legs, Secretary Zhang’s legs are not very long and thin; they even have a bit of flesh. However, the proportions are excellent. Her sweater covers the area above the absolute territory, but it’s so short it can’t cover everything, making Song Xiaodong wonder whether there are safety shorts beneath the leggings.
Using his years of driving experience, Song Xiaodong quickly concluded that the sweater acts as both safety shorts and a short skirt, so she definitely didn’t wear safety shorts.
In the blink of an eye, they arrived at Drunken Qinhuai. Secretary Zhang got out of the car first, helped Song Xiaodong open the door, and assisted him out. When they arrived, Secretary Zhang secretly sent a text message to the Deputy Minister, informing him that the person had been delivered.
So, when Secretary Zhang drove to the destination, the Deputy Minister was waiting at the door with a beaming smile. Seeing Secretary Zhang’s car approaching, he quickly came forward, extending his hand to Song Xiaodong.
You all have one advantage: change of face happens quickly.
"Ah, Mr. Song, how I’ve longed for your arrival. Was the road congested?" the Deputy Minister asked warmly, extending his hand to Song Xiaodong.
Song Xiaodong glanced at the Deputy Minister’s extended hand, then raised his head to look at the Deputy Minister’s face, examined him briefly, and decided to give face, extending his hand to shake the Deputy Minister’s.
The two shook hands, the Deputy Minister grasping Song Xiaodong’s hand without letting go, while his other hand pointed to the entrance of Drunken Qinhuai, saying, "Mr. Song, it’s cold outside, let’s go upstairs."
Song Xiaodong followed the Deputy Minister and Secretary Zhang upstairs.
Drunken Qinhuai specializes in Jinling cuisine. The so-called Qinhuai River in the sounds of oars and light reflections, the decor inside the establishment has an ancient fragrant charm, carrying the unique prosperity and softness of Jinling, being a tranquil retreat. Inside, they have storytelling performances and Hongshan Opera performances. The private rooms are enclosed by lacquered wooden and silk screens. The silk window panels are painted with various ancient artwork, and the lights inside the private rooms are all covered with intricately carved lampshades. The tables and chairs are made from nanmu wood, and even the tablecloth is adorned with a beauty painting.
Jinling cuisine, also known as Jing-Su cuisine, is a culinary style that extends from Jinling all the way to Jiujiang and is an important part of Jiangsu cuisine. As early as the Pre-Qin period, at the end of the Warring States period, Qu Yuan’s "The Songs of Chu" already recorded Jinling cuisine, extending from Sui and Tang dynasties to Ming and Qing, reaching its pinnacle during the Republic of China period, being favored by upper class celebrities.
Jinling cuisine primarily focuses on aquatic products, emphasizing knife work, and stewing, roasting, and braising. The flavors are fresh, tender, fragrant, and crisp, with visually pleasing dish presentations and diverse techniques suitable for both northern and southern tastes, gathering the best from various cuisines and adapting to taste preferences from all directions.
"Mr. Song, today we especially invite you to Drunken Qinhuai to taste Jinling cuisine. During the Republic of China period, Jinling cuisine was official cuisine, not much different from a state banquet. Please savor it." The three sat down as host and guests, with the Deputy Minister speaking to Song Xiaodong.
"Hmm, I don’t know, what’s special about Jinling cuisine?" Song Xiaodong settled in and asked the Deputy Minister.
The Deputy Minister looked at Song Xiaodong, then at Secretary Zhang, saying to Song Xiaodong, "Hey, actually, I’ve only heard about it. Although I’ve been here a few times and find it delicious, I don’t quite understand the specifics, hahaha."
Song Xiaodong laughed along.
After the laughter, the Deputy Minister looked at Song Xiaodong and pointed at Secretary Zhang, saying, "Though I’m not familiar, Secretary Zhang knows quite a bit about Jinling cuisine. How about we let Secretary Zhang explain it to you, Mr. Song?"
Song Xiaodong turned his head to look at Secretary Zhang, then turned back and said to the Deputy Minister, "Alright, Secretary Zhang, what can you tell us about Jinling cuisine?"
Chapter 2063: Change Dish Name Upon Tasting
Secretary Zhang glanced at Song Xiaodong and the Deputy Minister before speaking, "I’m not really an expert, but I do know a bit. Jinling cuisine focuses on knife skills and cooking techniques, with the flavor centered around salty, fresh, moist, and sweet. The cooking methods mainly involve stewing and braising. The taste is pretty light yet rich, the dishes exquisite and delicate, skilled in using vegetables, especially the Jinling Three Herbs and early spring’s wild variety."
"Oh? Jinling Three Herbs?" the Deputy Minister asked with interest.
"Leader, Jinling Three Herbs refers to Chrysanthemum Brain, Goji Tops, and Malan Head," Secretary Zhang introduced to the Deputy Minister.
"What is Chrysanthemum Brain?" the Deputy Minister asked again.
"Similar to tofu brain?" Song Xiaodong asked.
The three exchanged an awkward smile.
Secretary Zhang continued, "Chrysanthemum Brain is a type of wild chrysanthemum, a common wild vegetable not only edible but also medicinal. Residents in the Jinling Region often grow them around their homes, rich in nutrition, also having effects such as clearing heat and detoxifying, calming and sterilizing."
"As for Goji Tops and Malan Head, they’re essentially goji and malan respectively."
"Jinling cuisine during the Republic of China period was official cuisine, difficult to cater to diverse tastes. To accommodate the different flavors from north, south, east, and west, Jinling cuisine adapts to tastes from all directions, pursuing seven flavors and seven tastes, sweet and salty balanced, rich in fragrance and flavor, moderate and harmonious, oily but not greasy, light yet substantial," Secretary Zhang further explained.
"Are there any signature dishes?" Song Xiaodong asked.
"Speaking of Jinling cuisine, the most famous one is naturally the Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish," Secretary Zhang responded.
"Oh..." Song Xiaodong nodded.
"Actually, there’s another dish I think Mr. Song would definitely like," Secretary Zhang said with a smile, looking at Song Xiaodong.
"Oh?" the Deputy Minister asked with interest.
"What dish?" Song Xiaodong also asked.
"Beauty’s Liver," Secretary Zhang replied.
"Beauty’s Liver," Song Xiaodong softly repeated, reflecting on it. After a while, he added, "Of course I like beauties, but I only like living beauties. If you remove a liver to make a dish, no matter how delicious, I couldn’t bear to eat it."
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