Duck in Wenzhou is like turkey in America. All parts of the duck are put to good use, particularly as a soup base. Markets in Wenzhou feature dried pieces and parts of the duck and other animals, so there is no need to go out and find a whole bird.
source: http://www.china-memo.com/china-food-supermarket-1.html
The chef in charge can simmer the duck pieces for some amount of time before the actual hotpot festivity starts. Here is a typical home table with lettuce, different types of mushrooms, thin sliced pork, Chinese-style meatballs, scallions, different types of noodles. There is also a spicy sauce that diners can add to their own eating bowl, rather than make the common broth too spicy for some. The heat source is electric, a very standard home cooking appliance that can alternate between boil and simmer.
This is enough food for at least 6 people in this picture. Please always come to my home with a healthy appetite, particularly on hotpot night.
ducktongue 