I did a project in Hot Springs SD in November- off season for that little town. All of the tourist spots and cafe’s were closed. The only places to eat were the Subway sandwiches attached to the gas station, a burger/wing bar food joint and a little Chinese restaurant on the edge of town. My first night I opted to try the Chinese place and of course when I walked in it was the usual gloppy buffet of various shades of brown and orange with a smattering of happy Caucasians chowing down on orange chicken and friend rice.
The menu was more of the same. When the waitress came over (turned out she was the owner) she asked if I wanted buffet. I told her I am not from there, and I wanted real Chinese food- I said “I want what you eat”. She asked - you want real Chinese food? I said yup. She immediately said “ you want hot pot”.
Ten minutes later she brought me a large clay bowl with noodles, broth, 3 different kinds of meat and fish, green onions, mushrooms and a few other things I couldn’t identify- it was fabulous! I ate there for the rest of my trip, every night, and she brought me something different and delicious every time.
Sometimes you just have to let people know you are interested and they will open a new world to you.
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