Chapter 148 - Chapter 148: Chapter 148: Braised Snacks Shop 1 (1/2)
Chapter 148: Chapter 148: Braised Snacks Shop 1
Translator: 549690339 | r—
As for the other shop, Wei Ruo planned to open a delicatessen focusing on braised dishes.
Wei Ruo had observed that there were no good delicatessens nearby, and the people of the Government City had a certain interest in gourmet food. As long as the food tasted good, even if the prices were a bit high, it would sell well.
Xiumei asked Wei Ruo, “Miss, for the delicatessen, are you planning to have me run it?”
Then Xiumei murmured, “Miss, I wouldn’t mind being the boss, but if 1 have to run the shop, who is going to take care of you? I can’t just leave you, Miss. What will happen if someone tries to take advantage of you when I’m not around? I wouldn’t be able to bear it!”
“I can’t bear to let you run the shop, but in the beginning, I do need your help Once we’ve trained a good staff, we just need to master the recipe for the braised dishes, and then we can leave the work to the staff.”
The key to a good braised dish lies in the braising sauce. Wei Ruo had good sauce, good seasoning, and good recipes for braised dishes.
“That’s good then, being temporarily busy is fine, as long as you do not leave me alone in the shop!”
Compared to being the boss, Xiumei preferred to stay by Wei Ruo’s side and take care of her.
“I can’t bear to let you go either! Unless you get married in the future, I won’t allow you to go anywhere else!” Wei Ruo said.
“Who’s getting married? I’m not getting married! I will spend my entire life accompanying you, Miss!”
“Alright, alright, as long as you think that way, then well both remain unmarried for life.” Wei Ruo said with a laugh.
Then Wei Ruo took Xiumei back to the carriage, “Let’s go, we are going to be busy.”
The two returned to Tianqin Garden, and then Wei Ruo began making arrangements.
Just like before, all the matters regarding buying the shop, preparing the shop for its opening, were handled by Xu Zhushan, as Wei Ruo did not personally intervene in them.
Later, Wei Ruo and Xiumei borrowed the kitchen from the Tianqin Garden’s chef.
The chef of Tianqin Garden was initially reluctant to let Wei Ruo use their kitchen, not because they were worried she’d ruin it, but because they were afraid of neglecting their duties towards their mistress’ distinguished guest. If their mistress found out that her guests were preparing their own food, the kitchen staff would not be able to bear the responsibility if they were blamed for this.
Only after Wei Ruo explained that they needed the kitchen for business purposes, and not for their own meals, did the kitchen staff agree. The kitchen in Tianqin Garden was pretty large, several times larger than the one in the Military Prefecture. It was better equipped with various kitchen utensils and seasonings.
Wei Ruo and Xiumei were thrilled, as this saved them the trouble of purchasing various spices from outside.
So the two of them immersed themselves in the kitchen, beginning their study of braised dishes.
After two busy days, Wei Ruo and Xiumei finally created a braising sauce that satisfied them both.
“Miss, with this sauce, our braised dishes will definitely sell well!” Xiumei confidently said.
“Let’s start by braising some pig’s ears and tails.” said Wei Ruo.
The locals in this area didn’t consume much pork intestines or stomach, but they did eat pig’s head, tail, and ears.
These parts were relatively cheap, cost-effective, and once braised properly, their taste did not fall behind other parts.
“Alright!” Xiumei excitedly carried the clay pot filled with the prepared braising sauce into the kitchen.
The key to making good braised dishes was to ensure that they simmered for a sufficient amount of time. If it was too short, it wouldn’t work, so they decided to let it simmer overnight and serve it the next morning, ensuring the flavors were fully absorbed.