If refinement means the minuteness of adjustments, the delicacy of touch required in flavoring and heating and the recognition and mastery of all the wide variety of inter-related factors which combine to produce the desired effect, then the cooking of China must rank as one of the most refined and sophisticated in the world.

It is well to keep in mind that China was already in its cooking prime in 750 B.C., when all other culinary giants were still living in caves (cooking wise).

One can prepare a Chinese banquet with the proper skills and very little material, unlike others who need fancy sauces, meats, etc. In my courses, I will teach techniques - not recipes as such and I am proud to say I've helped develop some very good Oriental cooks. This is my reward, just as this book is ten years of hard work and imagination. I dedicate this book to my students who are first my friends, then cooks.