Hollywood for lunch

Big milestone for us.  We decided we needed something quick for lunch.  Our friend, Curt, recommended Hollywood (which is a fast food restaurant) about 1 block from our apartment.  He said it was the Chinese version of a Korean version of western food.  I didn’t fully understand what that meant, but I ran over for some takeout.  There were pictures of food pasted all over the store – bibimbap (Korean mixed rice), Teriyaki Chicken, Chicken-katsu (breaded cutlet), hamburger steak, eel and rice, rice omelette, curry and rice, etc, etc.  I was the only customer and two ladies stood behind a counter ready to take orders.  I called Tenille and described to her what was available.  She picked Chicken and Mushroom.  I took a deep breath, and stepped up to the counter to order.  I said, I didn’t speak very well (in my best Chinese)… The lady smiled and said something.  I was hoping it was something like "It’s ok."  What I really need to learn is, "I don’t speak very well, and I won’t be able to understand a word you say."  She whipped out a laminated menu with pictures and English on it.  I didn’t see the Chicken and Mushroom, so I walked over to the sign and started pointing at the chicken and mushroom.  She came over and waved her hand in my face, then turned the sign around.  I assumed that meant it was unavailable.  So, I substituted Teriyaki Chicken (a safe choice, I thought.)  I pointed to three different menu items saying the word "this", "this", and "this".  She nodded her head.  Then she pointed to the prices.  There were two prices.  My general rule of thumb is always pick the cheap one.  So that’s what I did.  I figured out, that she was saying, small or big.  I had ordered the small.  The entire order came to 70 RMB ($10).  I waited about 5-10 minutes, and they had a bag ready for me to go.  I brought it home, and it was probably the quickest we’ve made and eaten a meal hands down.  And the food was delicious. 
This was a turning point for me.  I can do this.  Cheap good food a block away from our house, and all I have to know for next time is the word for small and big.  It’s hard to describe the sense of empowerment from just being able to go out and grab some takeout.