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When the word got out about the new creation down at
Delbert Chin’s Gates of Heaven Chinese restaurant, the boys
naturally had to go try it out.
Not that the members of the Mule Barn truck stop’s world dilemma
think tank are really boys … at least not for many years now … but
they do have a boy-like curiosity about new things in our community.
Herb Collins told the coffee-drinking group about it, because his
wife went to the Gates of Heaven regularly with her girlfriends.
“I’m serious, guys,” Herb said.
Steve looked at him. “Delbert wouldn’t do that.”
“He did.”
Dud looked stunned. “Sweet and sour hamburgers?”
“Yep.”
“Wouldn’t that make people sick?” Steve said, looking at Doc.
“Nothing Delbert would cook would ever make people sick,” Doc
replied. “His kitchen is cleaner than a hospital surgery. But sweet
and sour hamburgers doesn’t … click?”
“Lunch, today?” Steve asked.
So the boys went to Gates of Heaven for lunch and they all ordered
the sweet and sour hamburgers. Delbert came out of the kitchen,
smiling.
“You boys don’t need ketchup or mustard with these burgers,” he told
them.
“They’re fine just like they are. I have pickles, though … you want
pickles.”
The burgers came, with a side order of those petrified noodles in
place of French fries, and the eating began. Delbert watched their
faces. He knew this was the Supreme Court of our valley when it came
to introducing something new to eat.
There were nods and there were inquisitive facial expressions.
[to top of second
column] |
“Well?” asked Delbert.
“Del,” said Doc, “your cooking is always wonderful ...”
There were concomitant nods around the table.
“ … but I think maybe I’ll stick to the sweet and
sour pork or shrimp.
Hamburgers need …”
“Ketchup?” said Steve.
“Mayo?” said Dud.
“Hey, they’re good, though,” said Doc. “I like the way the sauce
gets soaked into the bun.”
“That’s right.”
“Me, too.”
“Oh shut up,” said Delbert, heading for the kitchen.
[Text from file received from
Slim Randles]
If you want to
get Delbert’s recipe for sweet and sour burgers … shame on you..
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