Hot Pot

I have to add a few things about the hot pot experience. First, I found out from a couple of our Chinese friends that a free manicure goes along with the meal. She gave us a "tip" though: you must sign your name to the list on your way in to eat so when you are done eating your turn will be up. She had to wait too long so passed up the manicure. I was disappointed that they don't do pedicures too. I don't think James mentioned that the pot was divided into 2 parts, one side normal, other side spicy. They dumped in about a quart of red hot sauce with the seeds to that side and sent the other quart home with us. It was spicy! After we all started sweating profusely they added more broth to that side. One more thing, when we needed to go to the WC we were escorted there, the water was turned on for us, soap put in our hands, and paper towels handed to us. Dr Li Hui said that was a first for her, me, too! This is the only restuarant from this chain in Tianjin but there are several in Beijing.
One thing we learned afterwards is that the Chinese person that asks you to go to dinner is the host and has to make sure you are enjoying yourself by waiting on you continuously. That is why we ate so much. She kept putting more food in our bowls and neither of us refused too much. We found out that you have to be very insistant in your refusal before they stop. We told her she is a true servant. Chinese people are taught how to do this and do it very well.