txolops Chapter 134 Free Tasting, Expectations at the Max
Chapter 134 Free Tasting, Expectations at the Max
5 PM, Yintai Plaza.
The city center is less crowded with commuters on weekends.
The bread cart and the electric tricycle were parked one after the other in their usual spot.
Lin Chen and Wang Hai opened the car door and began unloading.
"There are definitely fewer people in line today than on a typical weekday."
As Wang Hai unloaded folding tables and chairs from the trunk, he glanced around.
Normally at this time, there would be long queues in front of the stalls, but today there are only five or six familiar faces waiting by the flower bed.
"Office buildings are closed on weekends, that's normal."
Lin Chen responded.
He connected the gas cylinder to the tricycle, pulled the barrier tape into an S-shape, set up a queuing lane next to the flower bed, and then took a dry towel and wiped the iron pot inside and out.
Wang Hai carried the insulated bucket full of minced meat down and placed it at the far end of the condiment station, next to a large stack of small disposable tasting paper cups.
Tangtang hugged her little plastic basket and sat down on the small stool.
The little girl's two little pigtails swayed with her movements.
"boom"
Lin Chen turned on the gas valve, and flames leaped up.
"Alright, everyone, thank you for waiting. Get ready to serve the food!"
Wang Hai called out to the people in line.
At the very front of the line was Captain Zhang from the square's security department, who was wearing a uniform.
He was on duty on the weekend, and he rushed over to grab a bite before the mall got to its busiest time for lunch.
"Boss Lin, Wang Hai, you're right on time today."
Captain Zhang walked forward with a smile.
"Brother Zhang, are you still on duty today, even though it's the weekend?"
Wang Hai handed him a cigarette.
"That's right, the mall is crowded on weekends, and you can't leave."
Captain Zhang took the cigarette, tucked it behind his ear, and took out his phone. "Give me a fried rice and a bowl of mung bean soup."
"Okay, Brother Zhang, just a moment."
Wang Hai turned around and ordered food, "Brother Chen, one serving of fried rice."
Lin Chen nodded slightly.
A spoonful of oil is slid into the pot, rice is added, and the iron spoon is flipped around.
In less than three minutes, a plate of fried rice was ready.
Wang Hai packed the fried rice into a takeout box.
However, he did not immediately hand the bag to Captain Zhang.
Wang Hai turned around and pulled out a small tasting paper cup from next to the condiment station.
He opened the small insulated container next to him, scooped out a small amount of white rice, and placed it at the bottom of the paper cup.
Immediately afterwards, Wang Hai reached out and, with a "snap," unfastened the clasp of the large stainless steel insulated bucket and lifted the lid.
"Whoosh!"
A meaty aroma wafted out.
The aroma of crispy scallion oil and the rich fragrance of slow-cooked pork mingled together, filling the nostrils of the people in front of the stall.
Captain Zhang, who was standing in front of the stall, was looking down at his phone when he smelled the aroma. He suddenly looked up and took two deep sniffs.
"Wow! What's that smell? It smells so good!"
Captain Zhang looked at the insulated container in surprise.
Wang Hai didn't reply. Instead, he picked up a long-handled spoon, stirred it gently in the thermos, scooped up half a spoonful of the glistening red and oily meat sauce, and poured it over the white rice in the paper cup.
The thick broth instantly coats the white rice, its dark brown color is incredibly appealing.
Wang Hai handed the bag containing the fried rice to Captain Zhang, and at the same time placed the small paper cup containing the minced meat rice on the table.
Tangtang, who was sitting next to her, immediately took a mini plastic spoon from the small basket, stood up, and handed it over with both hands.
"Uncle Zhang, here you go!"
Tangtang tilted her little face up, her voice clear and bright, "This is a new dish my dad made, you can try it!"
Captain Zhang took the small spoon, looked at the small paper cup in front of him that smelled of meat, and was a little confused.
"Wang Hai, what's going on?"
Have you added any new dishes to your stall?
Captain Zhang pointed to the paper cup and asked.
"Brother Zhang, this is the secret meat sauce that our boss Lin simmered all morning."
Wang Hai pointed to the paper cups, "They just came out of the oven today, so I'm giving them away for free so everyone can have a taste."
Try it while it's hot.
Upon hearing that it was a free tasting, Captain Zhang didn't stand on ceremony.
He picked up a small spoon, stirred the mixture in the paper cup a couple of times, and then shoved a spoonful of it, along with the rice and minced meat, into his mouth.
The moment the minced meat entered his mouth, Captain Zhang's eyes lit up.
The pork belly melts in your mouth, and the meat juices coat the soft, sticky rice.
The lean pork cubes are tender and flavorful, becoming more fragrant the more you chew.
With the freshness of shiitake mushrooms and the base flavor of shallots, it has a rich texture and doesn't feel greasy at all.
Captain Zhang chewed a few times and swallowed.
This tiny bite was far too little; it not only failed to satisfy my craving, but it actually aroused my appetite even more.
"Wow, Mr. Lin! Your cooking is amazing!"
Captain Zhang stared at the large insulated container, immediately took out his phone and opened the QR code scanning interface, "Wang Hai, don't try to fool me with this little cup."
Hurry up and get me a big takeout box, one serving of this minced meat rice!
How much per serving? I'll scan your code directly!
Several regular customers behind Captain Zhang had been drooling from the aroma of the meat being served.
Seeing Captain Zhang's reaction, they all chimed in.
A young man in the second line poked his head out and said, "Boss, this smells amazing!"
"Give me one to try too!"
A young couple behind them chimed in, "Boss, let's skip the fried rice and get the minced meat rice instead!"
Faced with the urging of the others, Wang Hai's face lit up with a big smile.
He turned and glanced at Lin Chen, who was wiping the stove.
Lin Chen draped the rag over the bucket, looked up, and saw Captain Zhang and the guests behind him.
"Not for sale today."
Lin Chen's tone was crisp.
"Not for sale?"
Captain Zhang got anxious, "Boss Lin, there's still more than half a bucket left in your barrel!"
"Just be lenient and give me any box to pack some up, and I'll pay the normal price!"
"Brother Zhang, it's really not about the money."
Wang Hai stepped in at the right moment to smooth things over, saying, "This meat sauce is freshly made; we brought it out today so everyone can try it for free."
We didn't bring enough white rice.
Captain Zhang glanced to the side and, sure enough, there were no large buckets of hot white rice on the stall.
"Well... then just give me a spoonful of this minced meat sauce, that'll do!"
Captain Zhang pointed reluctantly to the box of fried rice he had just bought, "Pour this over my fried rice, I'll mix it in!"
"no."
Lin Chen refused outright, "Fried rice is already oily and smells oily."
The meat sauce also contains rendered fat.
Eating these two together is too greasy and ruins the flavor.
I don't sell things that don't match.
Upon hearing this, Captain Zhang sighed.
"So when exactly will your new dishes be available for sale?"
Captain Zhang smacked his lips, savoring the lingering aroma, and began to think about it.
Looking at the people in line, Lin Chen said, "Don't worry, everyone. The stall will still be selling them later."
"Alright, I'll wait then."
Captain Zhang shook his head helplessly, picked up his fried rice, and said, "You two are ruthless, using this tiny bit to whet people's appetites."
When it goes on sale, I'm definitely going to eat my fill!
"Alright, take care, Brother Zhang!"
Wang Hai smiled and waved.
After Captain Zhang left, Wang Hai packed fried rice for the next few customers.
Every time he handed out a serving of fried rice, he would take out a small paper cup, scoop out a mouthful of white rice, pour on a spoonful of minced meat sauce, and then have Tangtang hand him a small spoon.
"Everyone, we have new products at our booth, and we're offering free samples today! Come and try them!"
The same scene played out repeatedly in front of the stall for the next few hours.
"This meat is stewed until it's too mushy!"
"Boss, can't you really sell me one?"
"It smells so good! I'll bring my friends here next time and order this!"
"Boss, this is torture! You're only giving us this tiny bite for the sample!"
Every customer who has ever tried that small cup of minced meat rice has been completely captivated by its rich and delicious flavor.
Then, under Lin Chen's promise that "it will be sold again later," they all asked to place more orders, and in the end, they could only leave with expectations.
The insulated container was open, and the aroma of minced meat wafted in the early summer evening breeze.
Although it's the weekend, more and more people are drawn to the aroma of meat and the commotion at the stall.
The queue didn't shorten because of the weekend; in fact, it was much longer than when the stall first opened.
"Next, one order of fried rice and one sample of minced meat!"
Wang Haiqian was covered in sweat, but his smile grew wider and wider.
Lin Chen stood in front of the stove.
The iron spoon flew through his hands, his movements completely calm and collected.
This large bucket of minced meat sauce successfully raised the diners' expectations.