The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1900-08-15

in proportion, with a most Intelligent face
and magnificent teeth, which are frequent
ly seen to advantage in an attractive
smile. His eye lights up instantly at any
little Joke on the part either of his visitor
or of himself. His manners are cordial,
anc he shakes hands with earnestness
that savors more of the English custom
thar the more fippant American style.
! When questioned as to how Chinese
cookery compared with American cookery
! In healthfulness and taste, the Minister
said
/ II think the manner in which Ameri-
cans have their food prepared. and espe-
cially the way in which they eat their
II eats, is perhaps more nealtnful than in
China but when 1t comes to question of
which tastes best, there we have you.
We would not be content to eat, for In
stance, Leg of mutton simply boiled.
With 1t We would have cooked some vege-
table which would impart its flavor to the
meat and have the whole dish highly sea-
sbned and garnished with cucumbers or
something of that sort. So with all OF
our meats. We would not care for them
cooked alone, as you enjoy them. That
is We would not like such a preparation
as a constant thing. We want variety
We like plenty of oil and good things
mixed with our heavy dishes.
Personally, / enjoy American cookery
very well. and am especially fond of GER
tain of your dishes, but If l had to make
a choice of one or the other method an6
forever after abide by 1t. 1 should select
the Chinese mode, just because of thai
very variety of condiments which to ms
is a lack in your cooking. The French
method of cookery is more like the Chi.
nese than any other, and our cooks have
learned many cunning recipes from
French chefs employed in great houses IL
China.
II remember years ago. when a French
chef was a novelty in China, very cele-
brated one was imported by one of oui
great men. One of his kitchen help was
a remarkably bright young Chinese lac
who quickly caught on to the French
mans tricks. In short time he was
exceedingly proficient and knew as mucl
of French cooking as did the Frenchman
and could combine with it his knowledge
of how best it could be applied to NEE
the highest Chinese taste. Now that Chi
nese boy is much looked up to man IL
his line. He employs many assistant!
Whom he has taught, and who find EN-
Enjoyment as cooks in large establish
ronts. He personally goes about from
one house to another, giving the fina
touch to special dishes which are to b.
served.
1.-The diet differs in different parts O
China, naturally. More oil, for instance
will be used in preparing food in one par
than In another Certain dishes great ia
'vcrites with the people of one locality vii
be unknown in another, but wherever on
goes in China there is much variety In tn
preparation of whatever products
meat, vegetables or fruit are obtainable
!, OF course, the poorest people use rice
! great deal, it taking the place of brea
in this country, but with it they hav
, quantities of fish, both salt and rive
fish, of which my countrymen are exceed
ingly fond. Then they have pork, an
twice a month always special feasts, a
, which chicken and other things not s
regularly eaten are served. These feast
,, OCCUR even with the very poorest classes
and at such times special drinks are pre-
, pared. The poor drink an excellent whit
wine made from rice, which is considere
most healthful. The standard Chimes
, dish for the poor Is therefore rice, an
the standard drink for the poor is mad
, | from rice, but the standard Is subject
many variations.
In the matter of fruit for instance, W
are away ahead of your country. We hav
/, all of your fruits, and many addtiona
. kinds. There was a time when strawbei
: lries We're not common, but now the
. grow very well, and in quantities.
1--WE have fruit in its perfection, and
4 variety known as Lai Chez, which Is NOR
: delicious than any other that l ever tas
t ed, and of which you know nothing ur
: less you've travelled in China. You ca
r get dried Lai Chez In England, but, {
e Icourse, 1t is nothing to be compared
O the fresh fruit. Our ginger Is proverbs
a for its delicacy and the way we presery
: lit.
d THE Chinese laborer whether in til
n field. factory or shop, fares well in ii
O matter of food. Every worker is provit
h ed with good food by his master. an
# docs not have to provide In that way #
n himself out of his own earnings. He ca
d lin his masters house, and of his master
8 food which is served to him In gres
l. abundance. If he has family he looi
latter them out of his earnings.
8 1.-THE Chinese are not a nation given
,e drinking especially, but little rice
d Iother wine is served every evening. 1t b