Szechuan Sampler

THE BLURB:
The performer hands four authentic menus from different
Chinese restaurants to a participant, informing, "We're
going to take a virtual tour among these dining
establishments, sampling selections from each place until
we've ordered a four-course meal: an appetizer, main dish,
side dish, and dessert. Note that each restaurant has a wide
variety of selections and all at different prices, yes?" The
participant agrees.

"You will be the host for our culinary caper," explains the
Mentalis, "so hand three of those menus to folks you will
invite to join you. And this, (placing a letter-size card in
full view) is our gift certificate for the expenses, tax and
tip included."

Once the menus are distributed, the 'host' is instructed,
"As our gastronomical guide, you may choose a dish from any
course on the menu - we don't have to go in order. Which
course shall it be? ("A side dish")"

The performer takes out a pad and marking pen and, after
inquiring which item is being ordered, writes it down and
asks, "How much is it?" The amount is openly written down on
the pad.

All of the others each choose a different course and item
from their menus with each name and price duly recorded in a
column on the pad. "I'm certain that each of you will
agree," reminds the Mentalist, "that if you had chosen a
different course, the selection ordered would have varied
and the price would not be the same, correct?" All the
participants agree.

"Let's determine the total bill," suggests the performer,
holding the pad in full view as he adds the price of each
freely selected item. "It appears the dinner will cost
$23.45. Not bad for a party of four. Let's see how much of
that amount the gift certificate covers."

The gift certificate is turned around and is seen to be
printed with the amount $23.45!

This routine comes with professionally designed and printed
menus, all of them (except the paper takeout menu) are
glossy coated for years of use. In addition, each menu has
hidden cues for some of the most outrageous (and definitely
un-PC) gag lines you could possibly imagine, which turn the
effect from mere mental magic into belly-spitting
entertainment.

Szechuan Sampler is ready to go - no setup is required. The
routine uses no forces, no gimmicks, no stooges, and nothing
added or taken away. If you are working a repeat show, you
may rest assured that the final total will be different.
It's the perfect 'packs flat, plays big' presentation that
you can perform right away.

MY COMMENTS:
This is, and has always been, a fun routine to do that can
be quite powerful and I, for one, am incredibly glad that
it's available again. It's also quite easy to do and,
perhaps, can be categorized as "self-working." The
difference between this and the original version is that
some of the menus are now smaller and thus more portable
(they can be packed easily in a briefcase or a large manila
envelope). Also, the menus have a clever crib to help you
remember the gags that Larry and Lee have provided. Of
course, you don't have to use these "non-PC" lines. That
depends entirely on your stage persona, of course. You also
get one double-sided 8.5" by 11" sheet with the instructions.