Regarding Sonoka's worries, Zane remained silent. Sometimes, too much comforting can actually make someone feel worse.
"Boss Zane, has your tavern become busier after expanding?" Sonoka, still drinking, couldn't help but ask in a soft voice, her eyes hazy.
"It's manageable, just like you. Not so busy that I don't even have time to drink water," Zane replied calmly.
"Need an assistant chef?" Sonoka's face flushed slightly. She lowered her head, unable to meet his eyes when she asked this.
"Yes! I've been looking to hire," Zane replied without hesitation.
"Then... then, can I be an assistant chef at your place?" she asked, her eyes wide with anticipation and longing.
"Why do you have this idea?" Zane was puzzled.
"Because I admire your cooking skills. Plus, my restaurant, Shunkatei, isn't doing so well lately, so I want to follow you and learn some management skills and techniques!" Sonoka's eyes were wide with hope.
Zane was surprised by her response. He never expected his usually distant neighbor to want to work as an assistant chef in his tavern. It made sense for Rindo and Erina to think about it because they were still students planning for their futures. But for Sonoka, who already owned a restaurant, it was perplexing why she would lower herself like this. Wouldn't it be better to focus on growing her own restaurant?
"Is it not possible? I thought as much. My skills would probably drag you down," Sonoka said, her heart sinking when Zane didn't immediately agree.
"You handle Shunkatei during the day and help out at the tavern at night. Can you manage?" Zane sighed and asked.
"Well, Shunkatei currently has two assistant chefs, five waiters, a cashier, and three cleaners. As the head chef and owner, my workload isn't too much. I just oversee the kitchen and the restaurant's operations," Sonoka explained hurriedly.
Every restaurant has different needs based on its cuisine. For example, Chinese restaurants typically require more staff. Shunkatei covers 400 square meters and, considering it caters to high-end cuisine, it's likely not cheap. Thus, her staffing might be conservative but adequate. Given her Totsuki Academy background, she should have an efficient team capable of running the restaurant smoothly.
"Alright, as long as I don't have to find you a room, I can agree," Zane said after a long pause, noting her determination.
"Really? Thank you! I'll do my best," Sonoka said, smiling warmly.
This agreement, even if just verbal, marked a significant change in her life's path. For the tavern, it meant that after nearly two months, they had finally hired their first employee.
"Don't worry about teaching, just don't cause trouble," Zane joked, shrugging his shoulders.
An assistant chef's main duties include preparing ingredients, washing and cutting vegetables, cleaning, and maintaining the kitchen. The specific tasks vary depending on the restaurant. For instance, Japanese restaurants require assistants who can handle fish and prepare sashimi. Due to the tavern's policy of letting customers order whatever they want, the requirements for an assistant chef here were more stringent.
However, given Sonoka's background as a Totsuki graduate, Zane believed hiring her as an assistant chef wouldn't be a bad decision.
Later, as they talked and drank, the night grew deeper and colder. Eventually, Sonoka, feeling the effects of the alcohol, bade Zane goodnight and went to bed.
[Ding-dong! Congratulations to the host for completing a special task: hiring an employee within a week.]
[Ding-dong! Reward: Special kitchen utensil, the Unbreakable Heavenly North Star Wolf Blade.]
Back in his room, Zane heard the system's notification. The Heavenly North Star Wolf Blade is known for its extremely cold temperature, perfect for preserving the freshness of bream, enhancing the flavor of dishes like the Frozen Sea Bream Iceberg to their utmost. However, the blade typically has a fatal flaw: it's single-use and then breaks. But the system's reward, the Unbreakable Heavenly North Star Wolf Blade, could be used indefinitely without any negative effects. This reward delighted Zane.
Now, with fresh bream and the Unbreakable Heavenly North Star Wolf Blade, Zane only needed a special knife technique: the Luohan Crystal Slice. Even without it, Zane could enhance the flavor of the Frozen Sea Bream Iceberg to satisfy Mana. However, mastering the Luohan Crystal Slice would be even better.
Exhausted people find great happiness in enjoying their favorite foods at a tavern. Even if the dishes are simple home-cooked meals and snacks, they can warm their empty stomachs, soothe restless hearts, and make quiet nights more comforting. Regular customers find Zane knows their favorite dishes, so even without saying a word, they receive their preferred meals. The tavern, though small, is filled with endless culinary possibilities.
The next night, the tavern was as busy as usual. Regulars were surprised to see a new assistant chef: Sonoka, the owner of the Shunkatei Western restaurant next door. Sonoka carefully scooped flour, avoiding spilling any, added water, and began kneading the dough efficiently. Once the water was absorbed, she continued kneading until the dough was smooth.
"Nice! You know the traditional three-water dough method," Zane commented, pleased with her skill.
"As a Totsuki graduate, I'm familiar with using flour in French and Italian cuisine, so kneading dough isn't difficult for me," Sonoka replied, happy to receive Zane's approval.
After letting the dough rest, it was time to roll it out. Sonoka used a two-foot-long rolling pin, handling it lightly yet effectively. Rolling dough requires strength and technique, but as a Totsuki graduate, Sonoka managed well. She rolled out thin, even dumpling skins.
"Now use starch flour and hot water above 80 degrees Celsius to make a different type of dumpling skin," Zane instructed, almost laughing at the bit of flour on Sonoka's face.
"Two types of dumpling skins?" Sonoka wondered but followed Zane's instructions.
If the dumpling skins were uneven in thickness or texture, it would be a flaw. Meanwhile, Zane prepared fresh shrimp, cutting and marinating them with seasonings. As the dumplings steamed, Sonoka, stealing glances at Zane, finally gathered courage to ask a question.
"Why are the proportions of flour, filling, and water so important when making dumplings?"
"Good question. The flour should be about 50% of the filling, with water being 59% of the flour. The filling includes meat, vegetables, and seasonings, and the flour is the dry flour before adding water. So, if the filling is 1000 grams, use 580 grams of flour and 342 grams of water. This makes the dough soft, easy to roll, and sturdy during cooking," Zane explained.
"Given we're using two types of dumpling skins and the flying effect relies on their different expansion rates when heated, the flour proportion is slightly less, around 48% of the filling."
"I see. So, while the principle applies, personal habits and the size and weight of the dumplings mean it's not entirely universal," Sonoka realized, feeling enlightened.
Watching Sonoka in deep thought, Zane felt pleased. Having an assistant chef was proving to be quite beneficial, especially one with her background. Although she might not have improved significantly in this short time, her talent and quick adaptation to his instructions made her a valuable "right-hand assistant."
As time passed, Zane swiftly opened the steamer to reveal exquisite shrimp dumplings rising like red dragons. Sonoka covered her mouth in surprise.
"Wow! I can't believe the dumpling skins I rolled could achieve this flying effect!"
Her eyes were glued to the soaring dragon dumplings, her excitement palpable. She knew replicating Zane's magical dishes was difficult, even if she understood the theory and method. Even Erina, with her God's Tongue, had tried many times without achieving the "flying dragon" effect.
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