The Scrutable Feast: A Guide to Eating Authentically in Chinese Restaurants-1977

"Have you wondered why the Chinese patrons in your favorite Chinese restaurant seem to be eating food that is not on your menu? As you probably suspected, the Chinese-language bill of fare is totally different from your English-language version. A wide gulf exists between the true Chinese food and the standard "Chinese-American" cuisine served in most restaurants. The idea for this book emerged over a long period of time during which the author escorted groups of people to Chinese restaurants and ordered dinners for them in Chinese fashion, that is, by writing in Chinese. On many occasions she wondered how anyone who did not read Chinese might order the same authentic dishes. This guide is her answer. *The Scrutable Feast* effectively removes the language barrier to great Chinese dining, allowing the reader to order true Chinese cuisine without knowing a single word of Chinese. Just take this book to your favorite Chinese restaurant. Then, make your choices from the English descriptions in the book and indicate them to the waiter by pointing to the Chinese characters beside each dish. Simply by pointing to the Chinese characters, you can obtain the finest and most varied selection available in any Chinese restauant..." - The Scrutable Feast: A Guide to Eating Authentically in Chinese Restaurants - Dorothy Farris Lapidus Published 1977, Dodd, Mead & Company, New York Softcover. Approx. 6x9in. 247pp. In Covers show some wear; otherwise in decent vintage condition.