Dining Chinese
Once again I found myself in a quandary while I pursued my endless search for excellent Chinese cuisine. Unfortunately, living among the wheat fields of Kansas, I am limited in my choices of discerning dining unless I drive at least sixty five miles in any direction but west. However this time my search promised a hunger sating reward and renewal in my belief that there is, indeed, a Shangri-La to be discovered in Mid Kansas. I elected to go to to a recently opened restaurant in the southern section of Salina. Driving into the parking lot of a newly constructed building I noticed a modern rather nondescript exterior, unlike the easily identifiable Asian eateries in large cities. As I entered through the massive, carved teak wood doors of what can only be described as a palatial Chinese restaurant I was immediately carried back to the year 1970, to the city of Tainan Taiwan, and the fond memories of my military year spent abroad. As I entered I was immediately inundated by the sights and ubiquitous smells of miscellany found only in Chinese food, art and culture.
China, is a country I have always considered to be encircled by mystery and at one time only available to the wealthy or the dubious person in exile. I looked around and marveled at the meticulous hand work of Asian artists who have created exquisite dragons and detailed fret work. Each booth and table was finished to perfection. I was ushered towards my booth by a petite, aquiline, hostess dressed in immaculate, crisp Asian regional attire. Her black hair smoothed closely to her head with a small strand hanging loose, perhaps denoting an ever so slight rebellion to the old world ways. I slowly walked through the restaurant and could not help but notice the other guests eagerly selecting and devouring small, but perfectly sized morsels of curious food, each in their own world of delight. My senses were quickly re-aligned as I am seated and given a massive menu providing an...