Leaving Shunkatei, Nakiri Erina seemed somewhat absent-minded.
She still couldn't understand how skewered meat grilled on bamboo sticks at a roadside stall could surpass expensive French foie gras in taste and quality?
She really wanted to discuss with Sonoka the differences in texture, taste richness, and to prove her point!
However, Sonoka just replied: "You haven't even tried tavern cuisine. How can you be so confident?"
This left Erina speechless!
"Miss, it's still drizzling outside, let's get in the car quickly!"
Seeing Erina lost in thought, Hisako reminded her.
"Okay, I got it."
With those words, Erina took light steps towards the car to leave the Shunkatei restaurant.
But as soon as she stepped into the car, she furrowed her brows slightly and turned her gaze back to the adjacent tavern.
When she first arrived at the Shunkatei, she probably hadn't noticed the existence of this tavern, so she hadn't paid much attention!
Now, after taking a closer look, she realized that this night operating tavern was quite different from what she had imagined.
"Hisako, the tasting work for today is done, and I don't have anything else to do if I go back now."
"So, I've changed my mind and want to visit that tavern next, to see if it's truly like what Sonoka mentioned, whether commoner cuisine can surpass noble cuisine!"
After saying this with a hint of skepticism, she discreetly walked into the tavern.
Hisako, trailing behind, was a bit surprised as she had not expected Erina to change her mind suddenly.
However, she didn't say much and just quickly followed Nakiri Erina inside.
Inside the tavern, from the exterior, it looked simple yet distinctive!
The storefront wasn't large, with only two wooden doors, each about 2 meters wide.
Despite being made of wood, there were no visible marks or cracks.
Above the door, there was a small signboard light with a simple design, indicating the tavern's name and specialty.
Every night at exactly 7 o'clock when the tavern was preparing to open, Zane would go first to light up this signboard light!
Upon entering the tavern, the first thing that caught the eye was the bar counter.
Made of sturdy wood, finely processed and polished, the bar counter looked very durable!
Although it wasn't possible to precisely measure the height of the bar counter with the eyes, it should be between 1 to 1.5 meters.
This height allowed diners sitting at the bar counter to face the chef and watch the process of food preparation.
The interior decor was also unique, different from other taverns, with walls and ceilings painted in a light yellow color, giving a sense of stability and mystery.
On the walls, one could even spot some decorative items like traditional paintings.
Additionally, inside the tavern, there were lanterns and paper lantern decor, adding a warm and romantic atmosphere to the entire space!
As Erina entered, she noticed that every diner could chat loudly.
Laughter and cheers constantly filled the air, and even in the corners, some diners were singing and dancing.
Their performances often caught the attention and cheers of other diners.
Clearly, the lively and carefree atmosphere surprised Erina at that moment!
...
"Miss, is this place really a tavern?"
Also gazing at the tavern, Hisako couldn't help but ask in amazement.
She couldn't believe what she was seeing and couldn't understand how such a small tavern could bring such joy, making every diner here wear a happy smile!
Shocking!
It's just too shocking!
Could it be that this tavern has a mysterious charm that captivates the diners?
"Sis, what are you doing here?"
The surprise in Hisako's voice didn't snap Erina out of her thoughts.
She noticed the diner sitting at the closest spot to the cooking station, munching on octopus takoyaki was the current representative of the strongest female student from the Totsuki Culinary Academy. Huh?
What's going on?
The second seat of the Top Ten is here?
"Oh, it's Erina!"
Swallowing her last bite of takoyaki, Rindō Kobayashi followed the direction of the voice.
Upon realizing that it was the young lady from the Nakiri family, Rindō Kobayashi couldn't help but be stunned!
She then grabbed another large octopus takoyaki, took a big bite, and nonchalantly asked, "So, are you here for a meal too?"
"Huh?"
"Sort of!"
"Well, I came here tonight to try the cuisine at the Shunkatei."
"Then I heard from Sonoka that the tavern's dishes can rival, no, even surpass her Western cuisine at Shunkataei."
"I came in here with mixed feelings, half-believing and half-doubting."
Noble lineage.
Possessing the God Tongue.
Coupled with Azami Nakiri's "extreme education," it left a profound psychological shadow on her childhood!
As a result, under many influences, Erina's personality is somewhat extreme.
Especially in her treatment of commoner cuisine, she often shows a disdainful attitude.
Because of this, in many people's impressions, she is a genius girl from the Totsuki Culinary Academy, but at the same time, she's like a thorny rose that no one wants to approach.
Of course, when facing Rindo, she also knows how to restrain her inherent pride and display a calm and casual demeanor.
"Ah, well... you've come to the right place. The food at this tavern is really good. It might even conquer your God's Tongue!"
With her mouth full, Rindo continued to savor the octopus takoyaki.
Her bright eyes suddenly rounded, after casting a brief glance at Erina, she couldn't help but laugh.
...
As the second seat of the Top Ten.
She was very aware of the power of the God's Tongue.
It is because of the existence of the "God's Tongue" that the Nakiri family holds an unshakable position in the entire Japan's culinary and gourmet world!
After all, with just one word, Erina can judge and decide the future careers of all chefs.
This supreme influence is not something anyone can compare to.
So in many people's eyes, the God Tongue is an ability that makes everyone envious and jealous.
At the same time, using cuisine to conquer the God Tongue has also become the dream of all chefs.
However, after so many years, no one has been able to make Erina truly satisfied with just one dish!