Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
If more than a half, we’re taking him to the hospital this evening.
I looked further down the table.
Barbara Whiskers gazed around and lazily flicked her tail.
The staff began to place small plates in front of each of us, including Barbara Whiskers. That was when she perked up and got on her feet. Honestly, she looked as if she might judge this whole competition by herself.
Under the table, Moni rubbed my thigh.
I turned her way. “What are you doing, sexy?”
“Sexy?” She grinned. “That’s my new nickname?”
“One of many.”
She gestured at Barbara Whiskers. “She’s so cute. I think I’m going to get a cat for Lotus Blossom.”
I shook my head. “No. You need puppies. One for you and each of your sisters.”
Jo leaned forward and jumped into the conversation. “Fuck yeah. Pit bulls.”
“No.” Moni shook her head. “I was thinking cute little poodles.”
I frowned. “Poodles are shitty guard dogs.”
“I have tons of guards. I don’t need my pet to help.”
“I’m getting you huskies.”
Jo bobbed her head. “Huskies are dope.”
Moni rolled her eyes. “You two have no taste in dogs. Lotus Blossom should have cute little poodles running around with blue bows in their hair.”
“Alright! Alright!” DJ Hendrix put on some music. “Let’s check out the Gap Band’s ‘Outstanding’ as we begin!”
The song came on and several people were dancing in their seats. Even Aunt Suzi and Chloe clapped their hands.
Minutes later, a staff member hurried up to the stage and set up the microphone.
Then finally DJ Hendrix began to lower the music and the crowd quieted as Chef Foo stepped forward, exuding a calm confidence that only a seasoned chef could.
“Okay now!” Moni clapped her hands. “Go Chef! Go Chef!”
“Eh, cousin! What the hell?!” Banks yelled from his grill, but there was no anger on his face. In fact, amusement blazed in his eyes. “I know you’re not rooting for my competition. That’s how it is?”
“That’s my chef!” Smiling, she shrugged. “I have to show respect.”
Banks pointed to her. “Don’t you forget your blood out here in the East!”
“Boy, bye!” Moni laughed and clapped her hands some more. “Come on, Chef Foo, for the win!”
Banks snorted, but that grin never left his face.
Chef Foo smiled warmly at the audience and took the microphone in hand. “Thank you, Mountain Mistress.”
“Don’t call little Moni that!” Aunt Betty waved her hand. “The girl head was always big! We don’t need it to get any bigger!”
Some of Rowe Street Mob as well as Aunt Betty’s friends laughed.
Jo snickered. “I see Aunt Betty on that Yak now.”
I quirked my brows. “Yak?”
Moni whispered, “Cognac.”
“Aww. I see.” I checked Aunt Betty and she lifted a glass full of brown liquor.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Chef Foo’s voice rang out smoothly, “thank you for including me in this competition—”
“But are you single?!” Aunt Betty yelled. “Asking for a friend?”
And with that one of her friends, blushed and tried to hide behind another.
“Oh my God.” Moni shook her head. “This is about to be a hot mess.”
“Shiiiitt, I need a microphone.” Aunt Betty high-fived Gunner who was also drinking a large glass full of brown liquor. “Motherfuckers need to be writing me a check for my performance.”
DJ Hendrix got on the microphone. “Alright, everyone. We’re hungry, so let’s show some respect and keep it down.”
Aunt Betty laughed but said nothing else.
Moni whispered to me. “No more cookouts.”
On the stage, Chef Foo spoke. “Today, I have the honor of sharing with you three dishes that represent the rich history and flavors of Chinese barbecue.”
My stomach growled.
Chef Foo looked off into the crowd. “Many have no idea how central barbecue is to Chinese cuisine. It's not the briskets and pulled pork many are used to in the States, but something deeply rooted in the culture—an experience more than a meal.”
Moni leaned Jo’s way. “He’s going to be cooking for us now. Can you believe that? We have a chef.”
“Listen,” Jo held up her hands to high-five Moni. “Your hoeing knows no boundaries.”
Moni didn’t high-five her. “Keep saying that, me and you are going to fight tonight.”
Jo laughed.
Chef Foo spoke. “My first dish today is Siu Yuk.”
The staff began to pass out Chef Foo’s three dishes to us.
The smell hit me before I even saw the food. It was intoxicating—smoky, savory, and complex.
Mmmm.
When I finally looked down at my plates, I was blown away by the presentation. The colors were vibrant—golden roasted pork, bright orange cuttlefish, and rich, deep hues of duck meat. All of them had been paired with an exciting display of seared vegetables. Each dish looked like a masterpiece.
Chef Foo continued, “Siu Yuk is roasted pork with a classic, crispy skin.”
Many in the audience were eating and groaning in pleasure.
“This is a Cantonese favorite, known for its crunchy exterior and tender, juicy meat inside.”
“Damn.” Jo already started eating. “I’m about to ask him to make this every night.”