Chapter 182: An Unsuccessful Evaluation
"Hello, Hikigaya-kun, I'm Utaha's mother, Rika Kasumigaoka," said Mrs. Kasumigaoka.
"Hello, Aunt Rika. I'm Utaha's boyfriend, Hachiman Hikigaya," Hachiman replied, and they exchanged formal introductions.
"Mom, how is Dad's preparation for today's evaluation?" Utaha asked, noticing the tension between them, and she affectionately took her mother's hand.
"Your dad is well-prepared. But, Utaha, why did you come here today?" Mrs. Kasumigaoka asked calmly, looking at her daughter.
"Hachiman and I felt a bit hungry after playing, so we thought of coming here to have dinner with Dad," Utaha explained. "In addition, today is the star rating evaluation, and Hachiman is quite skilled in cooking, so I thought maybe he could lend a hand."
"Oh, does Hikigaya-kun know how to cook as well?" Mrs. Kasumigaoka appeared surprised.
Given the traditional backdrop of Japanese society, it was uncommon for men to have culinary skills beyond professional chefs. Most Japanese men, after work, typically relaxed by watching TV and sipping tea while waiting for their meals.
"I do have some cooking knowledge," Hachiman modestly replied.
Hearing his words, Utaha discreetly rolled her eyes.
If Hachiman's culinary expertise amounted to just "some knowledge," then most chefs worldwide must be novices in the kitchen.
"Well, in that case, you don't need to help. Utaha, why don't you both take a seat, and I'll have your dad prepare something for you," Mrs. Kasumigaoka suggested, taking Hachiman's modesty at face value. She called a waiter to escort the two to their seats and then headed toward the kitchen herself.
Seeing his own mother leave, Utaha subtly twisted her waist against Hachiman, clearly not pleased with his earlier modesty. Hachiman merely shrugged in response.
The same waitress named Misa came over and escorted them to a dining table next to the floor-to-ceiling window. Separated by only a layer of transparent glass, outside was a bustling shopping street. The location was quite good, with a view of the splendid city lights right outside.
Soon, Mrs. Kasumigaoka herself wheeled a dining cart over. She placed two covered dishes in front of them, followed by a few Western-style side dishes.
"You may start eating."
"Thank you, Aunt Rika," Hachiman expressed his gratitude and then lifted the covers on the dishes. He was greeted by a faint aroma of wine.
Inside, there was beef, carrots, and potatoes in a reddish-brown broth.
"Oh? Beef Bourguignon."
Seeing this dish, Hachiman's lips curled into a smile. He was quite familiar with this dish and had even prepared it at home for Komachi a few times.
Although it looked similar to curry, Beef Bourguignon was a classic French home-cooked dish. In the original plot of Food Wars, the first dish the main character, Soma Yukihira, made when he entered in the class of Chapel-sensei and met Megumi Tadokoro.
"Hikigaya-kun, you also know this dish?" Mrs. Kasumigaoka looked at him in surprise. After all, this was a French dish, and very few outside of professional chefs could distinguish it from curry.
"Yeah, I made it for my sister at home before," Hachiman smiled and nodded.
"I see. Please go ahead and eat. I have some other matters to attend to," Mrs. Kasumigaoka nodded and then turned to leave the table.
At this point, Hachiman shifted his focus to the dish in front of him.
The dark brown pieces of meat, orange carrots, and white potatoes floated in the reddish-brown broth. Judging by appearance alone, it looked quite good.
Now, it was time to taste it. He scooped up a small piece of beef and placed it in his mouth. As he bit down, the juices from the meat flowed out, and the savory flavor filled his mouth.
Well, it's not as good as my own cooking, but it's quite decent. In terms of Totsuki standards, this would be at the level of the third-year Totsuki student made.
"How is it, Hachiman?" Utaha asked nervously.
"Good. The taste is quite satisfying. Normally, a dish of this level should pass the assessment at a regular star-rating restaurant without any issues," Hachiman replied calmly.
"That's a relief."
Hearing his response, Utaha breathed a sigh of relief, and she began to savor her own dish. She had a lot of confidence in Hachiman's culinary skills.
As Hachiman relished his meal, he believed that there would be no need for him to intervene this time.
Unbeknownst to him, Erina was en route to the restaurant.
While the couple indulged in their delicious dishes, a sleek black car arrived outside.
The car's door swung open, revealing two young and strikingly beautiful women, both wearing glasses.
The girl with golden hair shimmered in the sunlight, her violet eyes sparkled with an otherworldly allure. A strand of her hair even hinted at elf-like pointed ears. Her regal demeanor left no doubt—this was Erina.
The other girl was none other than their devoted secretary, Hisako.
"Romantic Starlight, this is the place, Erina-sama," Hisako confirmed, glancing at the restaurant sign.
"Alright, let's begin the evaluation."
Flipping her golden locks, Erina took the lead, striding confidently into the establishment.
Upon their entrance, Misa, positioned at the restaurant's threshold, naturally extended a warm greeting.
"I'm sorry, but..."
"We are the judges for today."
Erina's words cut through any further explanation from Misa.
"Huh?" Misa couldn't help but be surprised by the interruption.
Under Erina's guidance, Hisako produced their official judge identification.
Once the documents were confirmed to be in order, Misa promptly escorted them to the restaurant's second-floor dining hall.
Erina inspected the interior of the second-floor restaurant and nodded to herself.
Yes, the environment here is quite lovely and suitable for star-rated restaurant evaluations.
The two of them took their seats, and Erina, with a serious expression, initiated the discussion.
"Alright, we will now commence the culinary assessment."
"Yes," Misa replied and swiftly returned to the kitchen.
Not long after, several signature dishes were brought to their table.
French onion soup, escargot à la bourguignonne, orange foie gras, beef bourguignon, and finally, a dessert - Mont Blanc chestnut cake.
After tasting each of the five dishes, Erina set down her utensils.
"Please summon your head chef."
"Understood."
Upon hearing her words, Misa hurried back into the kitchen.
Before long, a middle-aged chef with a dignified countenance, dressed in a white chef's uniform, approached their table. He appeared to be the head chef of the restaurant and also happened to be Utaha Kasumigaoka's father.
As he reached the table, the middle-aged chef offered a slight bow.
"I am the head chef of this restaurant, Hiroki Kasumigaoka."
Observing the chef, Erina remained composed and began to speak calmly.
"Head Chef Kasumigaoka, I will now declare the evaluation results."
"Today's evaluation result is—"
"Unqualified!"