In reality, a "bread roll" can be thought of as a type of sandwich, consisting of two long pieces of bread with various fillings in between.
Objectively speaking, North American food culture might be considered somewhat limited compared to the rich and diverse history of Chinese cuisine.
Ronan's thoughts often wandered back to the unforgettable flavors of Chinese food. However, when it came to exploring different cuisines and their unique tastes, Ronan had an open heart.
These were flavors he had only been able to "taste" in books before, and now he had the opportunity to experience them firsthand. Ronan couldn't contain his excitement.
The mailing address abbreviation for "New Orleans, Louisiana" was "NO" and "LA" respectively. The city was often affectionately referred to as "Nola," and it had a unique charm, much like its name.
The same uniqueness applied to its food culture.
To the average person, a "roll" might simply be seen as a sandwich, but to those in the know, it required a more nuanced explanation.
"...you should know that Nola's rolls are Southern, right?" Ronan spoke with utmost seriousness.
Faced with Ronan's intense focus, Cliff was at a loss for words. He nodded in agreement but was clearly puzzled. Cliff glanced at Maxim and Ollie for help, but neither of them paid him any attention, as one was engrossed in the menu, and the other was captivated by Ronan's words.
"Nola's rolls are slightly over-baked to capture the faint aroma of toasted wheat, preserving their original chewiness while also creating a crispy outer layer that leaves a delightful flavor on your lips and teeth. Even the texture of each bite is distinct when your teeth sink into it. It's not just an ordinary sandwich."
As Ronan spoke, he pursed his lips and then swallowed, his excitement evident in his focused expression. It seemed that even the weariness around his eyes had momentarily lifted, replaced by a palpable eagerness to try these flavors.
"You see, if you choose the grilled beef roll, the charred beef will release its rich juices, seeping into the layers of vegetables."
"Many people underestimate the role of cabbage. Some even pick it out deliberately, but that's an amateur move. The crisp and sweet taste of cabbage not only balances the richness of the meat without overpowering the beef's original aroma, but it also adds layers of crunchiness."
"The tender beef, the crispy cabbage, and the soft, fragrant bread ensure that you experience a delightful variety of textures and a progression of flavors with each bite. The first layer is the beef's savory juice, followed by the cabbage's sweetness, and finally, the beef itself. Each layer offers a different kind of sweetness, all wrapped in the rich fragrance of wheat—a true culinary delight."
"After you've savored each layer, there's a fresh aftertaste that's light but not greasy, allowing you to savor it even after you've finished."
As Ollie listened, he couldn't help but start salivating. He cleared his throat and turned to the waiter, "Hold on, I'd like to change my order."
Rather than placing his order immediately, he inquired, "Ronan, how does the crayfish sausage roll compare to the roast beef roll?"
"The crayfish sausage roll is more adventurous," Ronan replied, his hesitation stemming from not having tried it but being able to imagine the taste based on the ingredients.
"Crayfish itself has a unique texture and the sweet flavor of freshwater fish, distinct from beef. When paired with sausage—especially if it's a grilled sausage with thin skin and a juicy interior—the texture becomes chewy, almost creating a symphony with each bite."
Ronan then looked at the waiter, wordlessly asking about the choice of sausage.
"We have chosen German-style sausages, which won't burst. However, if you'd like to try something different, we could opt for Nordic-style sausages, which would provide a distinct flavor," the waiter replied, wearing a broad smile. It was evident that he appreciated Ronan's detailed analysis and felt a connection with him.
Ronan contemplated this carefully, as if he were pondering the most significant decision of his life. "I'll go with the crayfish sausage roll."
If it had been crayfish season in the Magic City, Ronan would have been curious to see how crayfish were prepared in New Orleans.
He had initially assumed that European and American cuisines didn't particularly favor crayfish, but now he was eager to challenge that preconception.
In the past, Ronan had relied on his ears and imagination to explore the world through Braille books, radio broadcasts, and television shows.
Now, he had the opportunity to experience it firsthand, connecting real experiences with the images he had stored in his mind. The feeling was indescribable in words.
"I'll have the roast beef roll!" Ollie quickly changed his order in excitement.
Maxim, who had listened attentively but remained dispassionate throughout, chose...pizza.
Ignoring the incredulous looks from Ollie and Ronan, Maxim said solemnly, "I just really like pizza. Haven't you figured that out by now? I'm quite particular and only eat what I enjoy."
The waiter collected the four menus and then warmly addressed Ronan, "Welcome to Nola."
He winked, and there was a sense of camaraderie in his words. It was evident that Ronan's previous analysis had made a favorable impression on the establishment's owner.
Ronan returned the smile, rubbing his hands together to express his anticipation. His happy face showed no signs of fatigue.
With their orders placed, the band members were free to savor the bar's ambiance. They had transitioned from being performers on the stage to being members of the audience below.
This change in perspective had lightened their spirits, and they could now relax and enjoy the moment.
At this point, the bar's occupancy had reached 70%, and it was gradually entering the dinner rush. The band that had just performed always garnered more cheers and applause, lending an animated atmosphere to the bar.
While the quality of the performance might not have matched that of Kings for a Day, the bar had become more vibrant than before.
It was no wonder the opening band was affectionately dubbed "The Warm Up."
Nevertheless, the band continued to receive friendly glances from the other guests. They realized that these were the musicians who had delivered a fantastic performance just moments ago.
As a result, many patrons offered smiles and applause, conveying their appreciation. Some even approached the band to offer words of praise.
"Wonderful performance."
These simple words were enough, akin to saying "Good evening" or "Hello," and became the band's unique greeting for the night. It was the most rewarding response for the one-day kings.