Book 3 - Chapter 38 : Build Your Own Dinner - Part 1

= Sarah POV =

I followed Heather into the canteen, where everyone was already at various kitchen stations, bothering the kitchen staff with their orders. 

"Is this something that happens every Friday?" I ask, fascinated to see a completely different scene early in the morning when everything feels much more orderly. I suppose it was also because everyone was still half-asleep and filing in after clocking in for their shift either at the office or in the kitchens. 

"Yeah, over there you can choose your base, and then there is a selection of veg and fruits that you can select, and then take your tray to one of the staff who is still at their station and wait for your turn to make something for you. It's like a hot pot buffet, but you only get one bowl, and I hope the chef will accept your order. Good luck!" Heather laughed as she walked us to the table with all the bases. 

Various forms of dried noodles, bread, cooked rice and uncooked pasta were displayed. I grabbed a bowl, filled it with fusilli, and followed Heather to the veg and fruit table.

Heather grabbed two trays and handed me one, and I caught little bowls, which I gave Heather, and used mine to fill with fresh strawberries in the little fruit section. I then put some basil leaves, spinach and broccoli on my uncooked fusilli.

"Is this correct?" I asked Heather as she picked up her also ready tray.

Heather looked over and nodded " Looks good; I guess you want some stir-fried fusilli with broccoli chopped up and added to it?

"Eh, I thought it could be boiled and added to the side…" I said nervously. 

Heather laughed heartily, " Good luck with that; it's a one-pot dish, so whatever you give them goes in, one way or another!" 

I glanced over at Heather's bowl; she had stuffed rice, several slices of bread and a few tomatoes in her bowl.

"Well, what are you making?" I asked, really confused by her selection. 

"With any luck, Baked rice with a breaded base. If you see Ruby in the crowd, holler at her; she's the only one who will make what I like," Heather replied mischievously.

"And if you don't get Ms Ms. Jun?" I asked conspiratorially. 

Heather gasped and placed her hand over her heart " Well, I suppose I'll starve then; I can't imagine what monstrosity I'd get back if all this goes into a wok!" Heather laughed, and I shook my head; this would be interesting indeed!