At the Totsuki Culinary Academy.
Becoming one of the top ten of the Academy is very challenging.
It requires comprehensive qualities and abilities, as well as long-term effort and dedication.
Therefore, strong individuals like the 89th period's second seat Sonoka Kikuchi and the 91st period's second seat Rindō Kobayashi are considered top-notch!
Hence, Erina has always approached them with respect and reverence.
She is even willing to interact with them as a "junior."
However, an inconspicuous tavern deserves the praise and commendation of these two strong individuals!
This naturally created a sense of anticipation in her heart.
But she also thought that if there were instances in this world where commoner cuisine could surpass noble cuisine, then her culinary beliefs from these years would instantly crumble.
But regardless, since she's already here, she might as well taste the food here!
...
After contemplating for a moment, Erina sat directly next to Rindō Kobayashi and began to assess the proprietor in front of her.
Her first impression was of his erect and confident demeanor.
He appeared to be around 20 years old like Rindō Kobayashi, but surprisingly stood over 1.8 meters tall, with a well-proportioned and streamlined figure.
In the soft lighting, his features appeared more delicate, and his deep bright eyes occasionally flashed with wise radiance.
Moreover, his smile was always warm and friendly, as if it could light up everyone's soul.
So much so that Erina couldn't help but be stunned for a moment!
"Um."
"You're the owner here, right? Can you... recommend any dishes?"
Subsequently, she turned to Zane and inquired.
Because she was a first-time customer, she was completely unaware of many things about this tavern.
Moreover, she had rarely been to taverns before, as in her impression, such places didn't seem to have anything delicious.
So, helplessly, she had to ask Zane to recommend some dishes.
"Hamburger."
"Fries."
"Chocolate brownie."
"These are the dishes I recommend to both of you!"
Upon Erina's appearance, Zane couldn't help but feel surprised, but it was also within reason.
Recalling the original plot, she especially rejected these low-cost commoner cuisines.
As a result, Zane, after some thought, suddenly brightened up and quickly recommended these Western fast food dishes to her.
"Huh?"
"This is a tavern."
"How... how could you have this hodgepodge of Western fast food?"
Upon hearing this, Erina's face showed a look of shock!
What was he doing? A tavern is supposed to be a place focused on alcohol, with snacks as a side dish. Although the tavern's dishes have strong local characteristics, different taverns have their own unique signature dishes, reflecting local customs and gastronomic culture!
For example:
In taverns in Tokyo,
you can savor fresh seafood and various Japanese-style barbecue.
While in taverns in Osaka, you can enjoy rich hotpot and tempura results.
How could anyone think of such things?
To her surprise, Zane's suggestion of these Western fast foods seemed unimaginable!
...
"Why?"
"Is there a rule that taverns can't sell Western fast food?"
Watching Erina's shocked expression, Zane responded with a question.
"It's not that there's a rule, it's just that Western fast food is more focused on convenience and affordability."
"Yes, affordability is most important."
"Do you think by bringing out these Western fast foods, you can satisfy my exceptional God Tongue?"
"I just want to remind you that you better bring out your best dishes; otherwise, your tavern may not be able to stay open tomorrow!"
Erina replied with a somewhat "good-natured" tone.
"Don't worry."
"A mere God Tongue doesn't require me to bring out the most delicious dishes!"
"Hmph, you said it. Don't regret it later."
Staring at Zane, Erina clearly felt very aggrieved.
At the same time, in her heart, she secretly thought: I must show him, no matter what kind of dish he makes, I will definitely give it a negative review and ruin his reputation.
Upon hearing these words, Zane did not continue to respond.
He knew that when dealing with this kind of normally arrogant girl, he could only use the most unexpected dishes to make her genuinely appreciate it.
So, he rolled up his sleeves and returned to the cooking station, preparing hamburgers, fries, and chocolate brownies!
...
"It's strange, why would you recommend these ordinary Western fast foods to Erina?"
"Hamburgers and fries are the favorite foods of children, but for academy students like us, they are relatively less appealing."
"Also... eating chocolate brownies late at night?"
"I don't get it."
"I just don't get it!"
Watching the entire process, Rindō Kobayashi was confused.
It was only by picking up some yuzu liquor and taking a small sip, then feeling a bit downcast, that she murmured to herself.
Even though she found Zane's actions a bit irritating.
But she had a vague feeling that Zane wasn't making these Western fast foods!
There was a possibility that he might be using the common ingredients of the tavern to improve these hamburgers, fries, and chocolate brownies.
To achieve an unexpected cooking effect that would satisfy Erina.
After all, to satisfy the God Tongue, he had to use these unusual cooking methods.
"Hopefully."
"I hope his cooking will surprise everyone."
After thinking for a moment, Rindo could only lift her head and start looking forward to Zane's next performance!
...
First, prepare some white bread.
Then put it in a blender, mix thoroughly until it becomes slightly larger breadcrumbs than bread flour.
Then, using a frying pan, fry these breadcrumbs.
Evaporate all the moisture inside, making it the color of beef!
"White bread?"
"Blended into breadcrumbs, and then fried?"
"Are you sure you're making hamburgers?"
You see, frying bread will gradually evaporate the remaining bit of steam inside, and even form a layer of water film on the surface, which will significantly affect the overall taste of the hamburger.
As a result, Erina, who had been expecting something, furrowed her brows, feeling very disappointed!
"No!"
"White bread."
"It's not suitable for making hamburger buns, what I want to make... is a beef patty!"
After saying that, Zane couldn't help but smile lightly.
"What?"
"Using bread to make beef patties, you... this is..."
Erina was stunned for a moment, then thought of a possibility, feeling surprised!