Meat!
On the grill, sizzling and steaming.
Coinciding with the scent of grilled meat, the customers' sense of happiness gradually increased without them even realizing it.
A bite of meat, a mouthful of rice, then savoring the deliciousness of the juicy grilled pork chop in their mouths, as if the entire world trembled, igniting a blazing flame in their bellies.
At this moment, due to the grilling, the entire tavern was bursting with energy.
"Ah~"
"This sake."
"Indeed, it's the taste that captivates my soul!"
As Gin quaffed with the Director, he let out a long exhalation after slowly setting down the sake cup.
His restless inner world slowly calmed down at that moment.
Then, he opened his eyes and glanced around the tavern, surprised to see that most people had ordered grilled meat!
Indeed, just by looking at Zane's tavern, it was apparent that there was a wide range of items available. From beer, sake, shochu, plum wine, cocktails, fruit wine and more in the drinks category, to dishes including grilled, fried, boiled, main dishes, and desserts.
At times, some customers even ordered a bowl of ochazuke or udon, seeming to only quit after thoroughly savoring their meal.
In a sense, Zane's tavern did not possess the characteristic neon-style vibe. Instead, it resembled a barbecue restaurant often seen in the Celestial Empire, both featuring a variety of small dishes and mainly operating at night.
"Owner."
"Is the signature dish here grilled meat?"
"No."
Zane shook his head and replied, "We don't have any signature dishes here."
"Customers can freely choose anything as long as we have the ingredients and I can make it!"
"As for the grilled meat, lately, with the slightly cooler weather and the start of the school season, it's just more preferred by everyone."
"From what you're saying, does your tavern have dishes even more delicious than grilled meat?"
Gin raised his brows, asking a somewhat foolish question since Zane had already explained the ordering rules. It was also inconceivable for an tavern like this to only serve grilled meat—a more diverse menu was a given!
"Yes."
"There are plenty of dishes more delicious than grilled meat!"
"For example?"
Gin curiously asked.
"The Crystal Phoenix. Currently, it's the most delicious dish I can prepare with the available ingredients!"
Zane responded without hesitation.
"Crystal?"
"Phoenix?"
Gin was stunned upon hearing the name of the dish. The two words represented auspicious, harmonious, and delightful meanings! Especially in the culture and tradition of the Celestial Empire, the phoenix was seen as a divine bird with the ability to regenerate and renew, and was one of the mythical beasts in people's hearts.
Meanwhile, the crystal was believed to possess magical powers that could bring good luck and health!
But combining these two words to form a dish, Gin had never heard of it.
"Okay, then I'd like a serving of the Crystal Phoenix dish!"
Ultimately, after hesitating for a moment, Gin faced Zane and made his request.
"Okay."
Zane simply replied.
Then, he turned to Senzaemon, and asked, "And what about you, Director?"
"From the name, is it a dish comparable to the Ascending Dragon Dumplings I tasted last time at this tavern?" the Director inquired with a flicker of thought in his eyes.
"That's right."
"This Crystal Phoenix dish," The Director continued, "Though the ingredients used are simpler than the Ascending Dragon Dumplings."
"But its taste, texture, and the visual effect of the final product are absolutely on par with the Ascending Dragon Dumplings!"
"Is that so? Then as you wish."
"OK."
"The two of you, please wait here."
After saying that, Zane turned and returned to the cooking station, and after a brief preparation, he started preparing the Crystal Phoenix dish.
...
So far, there have been no ancient books or records of the inventor of bean sprouts.
However, just by understanding the principles of the growth of bean sprouts, one can infer that bean sprouts were likely discovered and thoroughly promoted in the daily life of the working people.
When plant seeds germinate under certain temperature and humidity conditions, the grown root sprout is known as a bean sprout.
This process relies on the plant's own nutrients, is completely soilless cultivation, just like hatching a chick from an egg.
According to measurements, every 100 grams of bean sprouts contain 44 kcal of energy, 4.5 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbohydrates, 1.6 grams of fat, and 1.5 grams of dietary fiber.
They are also rich in beta-carotene, retinol, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron.
In short, buying a few dollars' worth of bean sprouts can definitely enrich the table, adjust flavors, and meet the nutritional needs of any customer!
Ding!
After a crisp sound resonated, Zane was seen gripping a versatile knife set from the Peacocks kitchenware set.
Upon closer inspection, the knife appeared exquisitely designed, with the handle depicting a peacock in full display and a mirror-like brightness along the blade.
Under the illumination of the light, his extremely handsome face was visible.
Finally, the points of light on the knife's tip continued to sparkle, as if showcasing the sharpness of this kitchen tool to the world!
"Let's begin," Zane, composed and relaxed, started preparing a potato on the cutting board.
Swish!
Swish!
Swish!
This dominant and sharp knife skill immediately caught Gin's attention.
However, just when everyone thought he was going to slice the potato, he suddenly changed his technique. He used the tip of the versatile knife to carve the potato chunks!
Yes!
Not cutting, not chopping!
Instead, carving like a sculptor.
"Carving?"
"He's actually carving a potato."
Gin was puzzled, "Carving a potato with a Chinese kitchen knife?"
This unique and alternative approach did puzzle him quite a bit.
"It's intriguing. I always thought his knife skills would be rough, exuding that astonishing speed and power!"
"Yet, unexpectedly, his knife craftsmanship can be so intricate, capable of delicately carving potato chunks with the tip of a kitchen knife!"
The Director, amazed, returned to his senses, deeply impressed.
Soon, Zane successfully carved the potato.
Then, heating the pan with oil, when the oil reached the right temperature, he swiftly added rock sugar.
Continuing to cook over low heat, adding boiling water until the sugar syrup bubbles up, then swiftly covering the shredded bean sprouts already mixed with minced meat, followed by a coating of sugar glaze.
Finally, with seamless movements, he assembled it into a phoenix named "The Soaring Phoenix."
"Hmm?"
"This... this dish... "
Gin, witnessing this scene, was so astonished that his jaw nearly dropped out of its place!
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