Chapter 45 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, the problem could not be solved. 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 came first, and then we were dumbfounded and served them one by one: braised large yellow croaker, dry-stir-fried green beans, stewed tofu with mushrooms, and fried chicken with green peppers!

The chopsticks flustered for a while, and 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 all kinds of classical Chinese musical instruments hanging on the wall, and there were a few large old drama photos. My wife and I are quite experts in this. I'm not familiar with it, but the 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 Chinese custom of greeting, 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 of the Taiwanese embassy in Jordan. In 1975, Jordan broke off diplomatic relations with Taiwan and established diplomatic relations with the mainland. He did not return to Taiwan. He stayed and opened a Chinese restaurant. It has been twenty-five years. I asked him, why would someone of his stature choose to open a restaurant?He said that since he has decided not to go back, he must always 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 King Hussein and Queen came here to dine and were 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 by yourself?He said: After serving you, eat again.He easily used the word waiter, 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?It was a question with an expected answer, but his answer was unexpected: no, not very homesick.For me, home is wherever my wife is; for my wife, home is wherever my aunt has been with her since I was a child.We are very adaptable, easy to make friends and never 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 building a hometown in a foreign country. No wonder you have collected so many symbols of traditional Chinese culture.I pointed to the musical instruments and film photos all over the wall, and said.

There is no need to collect the play photos, they are my wife.He hastened to explain. your wife?I was a little surprised, she acted very professionally, how could that be? Learned 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, but the house is too messy and simple, so I'm afraid of being neglected." November 4, 1999, Amman, Jordan, overnight at Arwad Hotel