We went to Chinatown last weekend. Where could we find some decent Cantonese cuisine? After finding a place to park, we walked two blocks and approached the extremely nondescript entrance of Chau Chow. Only a few moments passed before our waiter arrived to take our order. We couldn't wait to sink our teeth into the restaurant's famous Clams with Black Bean Sauce.

While we waited for the food to be served, I discreetly scanned the tables, just to take in the social atmosphere of the place. At a large round table, close to the exit, were five people. I guessed that they were college students celebrating their upcoming graduation. While they were engrossed with the slurping of noodles, the swallowing of rice, and the gulping of Tsing Tao, I glanced furtively to the table across from us. Two ladies, both in bright white nurse uniforms, were laughing and smoking. Our waiter suddenly appeared and set platters of food down before us. A moment was set aside before we attacked the glistening clams to reflect upon the painfully exquisite concept of the restaurant seating.