詳しい紹介
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I went to Hunter & Rou's private kitchen, recommended by Qiqi. She has been in Dali for over a decade, knows the custom dishes of various restaurants well, and has a local perspective. Restaurants that just fool tourists can't escape her criticism. She said at the time: "It's not cheap, but I feel it's worth it after eating."
I went with Xiaojing, bringing our dog. We originally considered not bringing him into the courtyard in case it would be disruptive. Rou was very warm-hearted and said: "If he doesn't make a fuss, bring him in. They would be sad in the car." Their family loves dogs very much, and they have cats and dogs at home.
I'm not a food industry expert, I only rely on my feelings. This family courtyard restaurant, from the food to the environment, the details of the decor, the atmosphere of the courtyard, and the host's personality and temperament, is all excellent. Sitting in the courtyard to dine is relaxed. The host even grows microgreens themselves, which not only provides fresh ingredients but also adds a sense of life.
Later I visited again, and it happened to be lunchtime. Hunter was busy in the kitchen, Rou was serving and introducing dishes, and when there was a gap, she came over to chat with me. After lunch, Hunter also came over, and we talked about life there, as well as the dogs and cats. They are an interesting family. Also, from working in large hotels, to running a restaurant in the city, to moving to Dali for a new life, they have rich experiences.
An excerpt from my daily record on 2024.10.05:
I picked up the power bank. Right next door to his house is Hunter & Rou's private kitchen, and my van was parked right at their door. Both buildings are traditional courtyard estates. I had dined there earlier and had a great impression, so I thought I'd stop by and say hello before leaving. Approaching noon, it was exactly the time for lunch service, and I could hear guests talking inside. Pushing open the courtyard gate, I saw Rou preparing to serve the meal, while Hunter was busy in the kitchen. I greeted Rou and told her I happened to be passing by. She was delighted and asked me to come in and sit for a while. Since I knew she wasn't just being polite, I didn't decline and sat down at the table in the courtyard myself. The table was under a lush green trellis, with several clean, light blue fabric curtains hanging around, and on one side was a multi-tiered shelf with microgreens.
Hunter was busy in the kitchen the whole time, while Rou made the most of the gaps between serving to come over and chat. In the end, I sat until the guests left, and then lingered a bit longer. Hunter worked as a Western cuisine chef in a high-end hotel, and Rou was in management. Due to various reasons, they came to live in Dali and became neighbors. Probably like many people who move from the city to Dali, they were tired and wanted a different lifestyle. Hunter said: "The first half year was fine, but later you feel bored with nothing to do." They gradually started a private kitchen, starting from entertaining guests, friends, and online friends. Rou said: "If I were to measure it by restaurant standards, I wouldn't be fully satisfied." "Maybe if I followed fine dining standards completely, it would lose the sense of life. I like the way your home is now; it has more of your own character."
The restaurant has been running for over a year and is very popular. When Qiqi introduced it to me, she said: "Although it's not cheap, you'll feel it's worth it after eating," which is high praise. It also matches my belief: if conditions allow, one should create such a business service, because everyone wants their creation to be worthwhile. This beautiful courtyard, two people who work seriously and have their own unique traits, and professional culinary skills—when combined, have unique value and are a form of creation. Guests who can appreciate that value will feel it's good.
Not long ago, after their child was born, Rou said they originally planned to close down, but later felt the child was well-behaved enough that they still had the energy to do lunch only, stopping dinner service. Apart from their own life arrangements, they cook for 15 days a month, a pace that suits them.
Hunter and Rou have two dogs, one of which is 18 years old. It still goes to the mountains for five or six kilometers and moves nimbly. Hunter said: "Since coming to Dali, it's probably in a better mood, so it's easy to live long."
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