Chapter 27 cave feast

Yesterday, when we were waiting at the border between Israel and Jordan, because the customs of the two countries had announced that passengers were strictly prohibited from bringing any food, we were starving under the scorching sun and surrounded by swarms of flies.Discussed with the Jordanian customs, went to their staff cafeteria to buy some raw cucumber wrapped in thick bread, and each person could not get one. Of course, this did not solve the problem. Arriving in Amman at night, I can only think of any place to fill my stomach, even the poorest meal will not be considered.For this small kingdom in the desert, we have already prepared the bottom line to bear.

However, when the car passed by a quiet side street, I saw a big red lantern, and the joyful red light clearly illuminated four Chinese characters in seal script: Chinese Restaurant! At that time, in our hearts, this was really a desert spring.I hurried in, and the few waiters I saw were all Jordanians, and they served in English, but our voice attracted the chef, and when he spoke, he spoke with an authentic Beijing accent.So, a cup of jasmine tea started, and then we were dumbfounded and served them one by one: Braised large yellow croaker, Stir-fried green beans, Braised tofu with mushrooms, Stir-fried diced chicken with green peppers!

After the chopsticks flustered for a while, the mood became flustered: Where is this?Who did we meet?Was it a cave feast arranged by the Count of Monte Cristo to surprise us on purpose?Looking around, I saw various classical Chinese musical instruments hanging on the wall, and a few large old opera photos. My wife and I are quite experts in this, such as "Shiro Visits His Mother" and "Chunxiang Troubled Learning", The actors are not familiar with each other, but their skills are top-notch. Before the above article, the protagonist appeared.A very energetic Chinese old man, with a straight figure, a black suit, a red tie, and a southern accent with a little Sichuan accent.According to the custom of Chinese greetings, we asked him where he was from, and he said he was from Dianbu, Dongxiang, Hefei, Anhui.

His name is Kuai Songmao, he is seventy-one years old, and he used to be a colonel and military attache at the "Embassy" of the Taiwan authorities in Jordan. In 1975, Jordan broke off diplomatic relations with Taiwan and established diplomatic relations with the mainland. He will not return to Taiwan, but stays to open a Chinese restaurant , it has been twenty-five years. I asked him why a man of his stature chose to open a restaurant?He said that since he has decided not to go back, he has to find something that is most suitable for Chinese people, and he cannot do other things that local people can do.But it is really difficult to open it. In Jordan, where can I find the raw materials and seasonings for Chinese cuisine?

Fortunately, a Shanghai chef from the embassy did not leave and helped him. After the chef retired, his apprentice picked him up. The current chefs are all recruited from the mainland.Twenty-five years later, this Chinese restaurant is second to none in Jordan, and has opened a higher-level branch in the United Arab Emirates, and the business is booming.Even HusseinTaiwan translated Hu ShengThe king and queen also came here to dine, full of praise.80% of the customers are Jordanian Arabs, 20% are European and American tourists, and very few Chinese. As he spoke, he was used to wiping the plates with a napkin, paying attention to the specific needs of each customer from the corner of his eyes, and swiftly moved over a water glass and a bottle of pepper.I asked: "It's so late, have you had dinner yourself?" He said: "You can eat after serving." He used the word "serving" easily, making us ashamed to face his age.Strangely enough, his gallantry did not detract from his pomp one bit.Where is the panache?In the shape, in the eyebrows, in the tone, in the words, in the respect for all customers.

I asked again, do you feel homesick after living in such a remote place for decades?This is a question with an expected answer, but his answer was unexpected: "No, not very homesick. For me, home is where my wife is; for my wife, where is my aunt who has been with her since childhood , where is home. We are very adaptable and easy to make friends, and we are not lonely anywhere. We smell the aroma of vegetables and food shipped from China every day. Guests from all over the world come to me to taste Chinese food. I am in A foreign land makes a home." "No wonder you have collected so many symbols of traditional Chinese culture." I pointed to the musical instruments and theater photos all over the wall, and said.

"There is no need to collect the play photos, they are my wife." He explained quickly. "Your wife?" I was a little taken aback, "She's acting very professionally, why?" "I learned it from her mother. Her mother's name is Yao Guxiang, her stage name is Yao Yulan, and she is Mrs. Du Yuesheng's wife." "So, you are Mr. Du Yuesheng's son-in-law?" I asked, and he nodded. If this kind of discovery is in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei, San Francisco, I would just ask a few more questions out of curiosity, and I wouldn’t be too surprised, but this is Amman deep in the desert!Therefore, I have to take the liberty to ask, allow us to visit his house tomorrow and see Mrs. Kuai?

Mr. Kuai's eyes lit up, and he said, "It's my honor. My wife must be happier than me. It's just that the house is too messy and simple, so I'm afraid of being neglected." November 4, 1999, Amman, Jordan, overnight at Arwad Hotel