Whoosh! A flash of light.
From this bowl of not-quite-noodles dish, a light flashed. Although rare sights often provoke wonder, frequent sightings don't surprise, and by now, both Erina and Hisako had become somewhat immune to this phenomenon of luminous dishes.
In reality, fish-based noodles do exist, such as:
Macheng Fish Noodles,
Lianjiang Fish Noodles,
Yangjiang Fish Noodles,
Chaoshan Fish Noodles,
Changshou Lake Fish Noodles,
Shunde Fish Noodles,
Among them, Shunde Fish Noodles are unique for not using any flour at all. This dish uses flower carp available all year round, ensuring a constant supply of raw materials for making fish noodles. Only the flesh from either side of the fish's spine is used, as this part is the tenderest, yielding noodles with the best texture. The remaining fish bones are not wasted; they are excellent for making a deliciously sweet and savory fish broth used to cook the noodles. Due to the complex preparation, there's a saying, "Five pounds of fresh fish for just one bowl of fish noodles."
Of course, these fish-not-fish, noodle-not-noodle dishes, like the one Zane has created using catfish, squid, and snapper, are very similar!
After the glow faded from the bowl of not-quite-noodles, what made it drool-worthy was the creamy white fish broth. Just one look could greatly enhance one's appetite. A deep sniff revealed a rich and pungent aroma of freshness.
Erina then gently picked up a "fish noodle" with her chopsticks, noting the tiny squid core at the center of the noodle. Recalling how each catfish-made noodle was stuffed with a squid core, she felt a sense of admiration. Zane always took great care with every detail to perfect his dishes. For most people, facing such a daunting amount of work without a passion for cooking would likely be overwhelming.
Slurp! Slurp!
After that, Erina didn't think further and hurriedly ate the not-quite-noodles.
Pop! Pop! Pop! As soon as the noodles hit her mouth, each strand broke apart instantly. The intense elasticity seemed as if it would snap right out of her mouth.
"Hmm? This... this texture..."
Erina was momentarily puzzled. Despite her divine palate, she couldn't immediately discern the essence of this not-quite-noodle dish. She swallowed and continued to lift more noodles to her mouth. Her eating was still elegant, trying to make no sound while carefully tasting with her god's tongue.
When she first saw Zane turning catfish into noodles, Erina thought it was a good idea. However, catfish meat, unlike dough-made noodles, lacks the necessary chewiness and elasticity.
"Why is that? The flesh of catfish is indeed firm and elastic. But after being stewed at high temperatures, the flesh should become tender, lacking the springy texture of traditional noodles. Yet, Zane's not-quite-noodles..."
She chewed thoughtfully. Suddenly, her eyes sparkled, and a realization dawned on her. "I see. I was so focused on the catfish that I overlooked the squid core inside. The entire noodle dish, with catfish and squid combined into dual-flavored noodles, paired with snapper broth and snapper rolls..."
"Ah? All these ingredients are from seafood."
"It seems this bowl of not-quite-noodles is actually a bona fide seafood noodle dish."
Erina's analysis grew more astonishing. Without a doubt, such a dish was unprecedented in her experience. Even this bowl of not-quite-noodles, with its inherent creativity, was not inferior to the previous dishes like the Transmigration Spring Rolls or the Rising Dragon Dumplings!
The light protein of the egg, when merged with the catfish, highlighted a crisp and refreshing texture. Noodles! At their core, they represent the flavor of grains.
During the preparation of this not-quite-noodle dish, a type of rice wine was also added as a base flavor. Thus, the catfish noodles tasted quite similar to flour-made noodles.
Of course, the fish fragrance played a crucial role. This so-called fish fragrance is actually the aroma of fish sauce. In the Heavenly Dynasty, it is a very ancient traditional condiment. The earliest textual record dates back over 1400 years ago to the late Northern Wei Dynasty, penned by the agriculturalist Jia Sixie in his "Qi Min Yao Shu."
The general method involves removing the fish scales and guts from raw fish, then fermenting the fish to extract the liquid.
"Mmm, mmm! I definitely won't let all of you escape."
With several munches, Erina, quite engrossed, bit down harder.
"Delicious! It's really delicious!"
"The elastic catfish noodles instantly burst with a rich seafood
flavor as soon as they enter the mouth, spreading continuously."
"As for the fish sauce, it contains ingredients like ginger and pickled peppers that eliminate the fishy taste of the catfish, making the whole not-quite-noodle dish even more fragrant and tastier!"
"In summary, the entire bowl of not-quite-noodles really doesn't seem to contain any flour."
"But when eaten, it truly is a bowl of seafood noodles!"
After speaking, Erina slowly closed her eyes, feeling the faint fragrance lingering in the air, continually assaulting her nostrils. The rich, juicy, and mellow taste of the snapper broth, salty yet with a hint of unique sweetness, filled her mouth.
The catfish noodles, stuffed with squid cores and soaked in rich broth, were firm in texture and delicious in taste, capturing Erina's heart instantly! Initially, Erina ate slowly, not wanting to gobble it down. Gradually, she could no longer restrain herself and started to eagerly stuff her mouth.
Somehow, just the contact of the catfish noodles with her lips, the taste sliding between her teeth, almost drove her mad every time.
This permeation of various seafood flavors was simply... exhilarating!
Noodles! What's the most important thing about them? On this question, Erina would definitely answer: It's the chewiness and elasticity felt immediately upon slurping up the noodles; it's the sensation of the noodles trying to slip away, forcing one to chew vigorously!
Although, with her current god's tongue abilities, she still couldn't fully discern Zane's bowl of not-quite-noodles.
However, the vigorous noodles bursting with delight in her mouth, every time she recalled them, they were unforgettable!
Gradually, Erina entered a wonderful fantasy.
She imagined herself wearing a tight wetsuit, swimming leisurely in the cold ocean, now heading east, now west. The water was deep and shallow, and a group of "crown jewels of the sea" snappers suddenly surrounded her.
These snappers were lively and adorable. Their colors were rich—red, pink, yellow, even zebra-striped, all exceptionally beautiful.
Yes! A vision full of colors.
Flawless, transparent, pure, and tranquil, enough to melt her restless heart! Perhaps, for Erina, only Zane's every dish could provide such a broad insight and joyful mood like these groups of snappers!
...
"Is it gone? Have I eaten it all?"
Later, when she came to her senses and saw that she had eaten every bit of the not-quite-noodles, not a single noodle left. No, on closer inspection, there was still one drop of soup.
Seeing this, Erina's eyes involuntarily brightened. She couldn't wait to lift the bowl to her lips, gently shaking it, trying to let that last drop of soup slowly fall into her mouth.
Finally, licking her lips, she appeared quite contented.
And such eating manners nearly dumbfounded Hisako on the side! If the students of Totsuki knew that their goddess was like a dog, sticking out her tongue to lick a drop of soup from the bowl, they would all be thoroughly shocked.
"Zane, one bowl isn't enough. Can... can I have another?"
Afterward, a slightly recovered Erina, her cheeks flushed with a light red hue, looked earnestly at Zane, a mix of hope and nervousness in her eyes.
"Of course, just wait a moment."
Zane did not say much but nodded and went back to work.
...
Meanwhile, at the Shunkatei restaurant next door.
If Hisako had insisted on going to the alley despite Erina's objections, then Mana and her daughter Erina might have had an unexpected reunion.
But fate is such—it sometimes sneaks away when you're not paying attention.
As the proprietress of this Western-style restaurant, Sonoka was just staring blankly at Mana and Anne, probably still a bit puzzled in her mind.
After all, the restaurant was closed, so why would this group of commissioners suddenly visit her Shunkatei?
And Mana, the newcomer, was curiously observing her surroundings.
Finally, she scrutinized Sonoka with a discerning gaze and nodded slightly with satisfaction after a long moment.
This woman made a good impression on her.
Not very tall, but well-developed, also very pretty and pure.
"Anne tells me you are a former Totsuki graduate?"
Mana began.
"Yes, this officer, my name is Sonoka Kikuchi, I am a former... member of the 89th Totsuki Elite Ten!"
Sonoka said hesitantly.
"Your last attempt to get two Michelin stars didn't pass Anne's review?"
Mana, gently shaking the fan in her hand, exuded an aura of authority.
...
As the saying goes: Don't hit someone's face or uncover their scars.
Being publicly called out like this made Sonoka quite embarrassed.
In the end, she managed to calm herself and nodded straightforwardly.
"I don't know you are..."
Then she asked, somewhat puzzled.
It was clear that in facing this group of commissioners, Sonoka always felt constrained.
However, her appearance and demeanor did not displease Mana; on the contrary, she found her very sincere, so she replied with a light laugh: "Well, I am Anne's supervisor!"
"Then... isn't that the special commissioner?"
"Now, the only special commissioner of the WGO food organization, I remember, is..."
Although Sonoka had guessed a bit.
But when she truly knew the identity of Mana, she was still somewhat panicked, hurriedly standing up.
"Relax, we came to your Shunkatei because something happened on the way to the tavern."
Seeing this, Mana quickly signaled her not to worry.
"No, no, having such a person with the number one status in the culinary world visit this one-star restaurant is the greatest honor for me, Sonoka!"
Sonoka exclaimed with a mix of shock and joy.
"It's really embarrassing."
"As a commissioner, I've been to the neighboring tavern two or three times."
"Yet, I've never visited your one-star restaurant recognized by WGO!"
Looking at Sonoka, Mana couldn't help but sigh.
"Zane, the store owner, everyone likes him and respects him."
"After all, every dish he makes always makes every diner feel very happy and fortunate."
"He... he really is a very excellent chef!" Sonoka replied with a blush.
"Yes, his cooking, only those who have tasted it know how delicious and unforgettable it is!"
Mana slowly said.
...
Gurgle!
Gurgle!
Just then.
Perhaps missing Zane's cooking too much.
Mana inevitably felt hungry, and her stomach began making "gurgling" sounds.
"It's troublesome."
"I really want to taste Zane's cooking now..."
Mana's face gradually turned rosy, and her eyes began to blur.
Although she still hated ordinary dishes,
She couldn't go to the tavern right now, so she turned her gaze to Sonoka.
"Sonoka, can you make a dish for me to taste now?"
"Mana, you mustn't!"
Anne, hearing this, quickly stood up and interjected, "Even I find her cooking mediocre, let alone you."
"If you experience vomiting again after tasting bad food, then..."
"It's okay, I'll just eat a little bit."
Mana dismissed it casually.
Seeing Mana's increasingly flushed face, Anne felt sorry and finally relented, "Okay, just this once."
"Making food for a special commissioner to taste is like making me suffer too!"
Sonoka, hearing this, scratched her head awkwardly.
Her cooking couldn't even conquer Anne, let alone Mana.
"Just do your best with your cooking, no matter the taste, I can guarantee it won't affect your restaurant."
Mana, seeing her hesitation, reassured her.
"Alright, I'll do my best."
With that, Sonoka began to ponder.
Which French dish should she prepare to serve the WGO's special commissioner?
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