In the Tavern, no matter what drink you have, eel rice is always the most common choice.
However, at Zane's Tavern, more complex dishes are offered, with soy-glazed cod being a standout example.
Typically, the cod is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce for saltiness, miso for umami, and honey for sweetness.
The fish is marinated until the flavors penetrate the flesh, making the grilled cod incredibly delicious.
"This tastes great; you used a low-temperature slow-roasting method."
"This method preserves the tender texture of the cod and locks in the juices, maintaining the fish's natural flavor."
"But because cod is quite fatty, it can feel a bit greasy, so... oh, I see."
"Using aged mandarin peel juice from China to complement the cod is a perfect match!"
The buttery cod meat melted quickly in his mouth, with the rich marinade spreading across his palate.
The Director, enjoying the soy-glazed cod, sighed contentedly.
Indeed, only in the Tavern could he find such relief and pleasure from his fatigue.
...
Meanwhile, Mana Nakiri was eating her second, smaller portion of magical Mapo tofu.
Despite having already tasted it, her God Tongue did not feel repelled or bored.
Instead, the unique "six flavors in one" experience compelled her to keep devouring it.
Thinking back, it must have been at least ten years.
Since Mana lost interest in any cuisine, the Director and his daughter had no opportunities to eat together and chat.
So tonight was a precious moment for the Director and his daughter to dine together.
However, seeing Mana eat so ravenously, the Director was astonished and shocked as he ate his soy-glazed cod!
From childhood to now, he had never seen his daughter so obsessed and delighted with a dish.
"Am I dreaming?"
"An entire plate of Mapo tofu, really eaten clean?"
Seeing the plate licked clean and Mana's bulging stomach, the Director's eyes nearly popped out.
Even though he had witnessed Zane's cooking and believed it could conquer the God Tongue, seeing Mana's reaction still felt unbelievable.
...
A gentle breeze stirred.
The napkins on the table fluttered.
Then the wind grew stronger, causing the curtains to billow.
Gradually, the wind intensified, like a fierce beast.
Howling and roaring, it made the whole Tavern creak and groan.
Sitting next to Mana, the Director could barely keep his eyes open against the strong wind, exclaiming in surprise, "This... this is the skill of Pulse Transmission!"
Suddenly, the wind stopped, and everything returned to calm.
Just like with the previous Comet Fried Rice, Fiery Ice Snapper, and Arhat Vegetarian Dish, the magical Mapo tofu had also conquered Mana.
Yes, right under the Director's nose, it had conquered his daughter!
If someone had told the Director over two months ago that a Tavern's cooking could break the God Tongue curse and cure his daughter, Mana, he would have laughed it off.
But tonight, the astonishing scene before him made him both happy and excited.
"I worked tirelessly for ten years, launching the [Jade Generation Plan] at Totsuki at all costs."
"All for the hope that someday, there would be a dish that could conquer Erina and Mana."
With that, the Director downed the remaining half bottle of sake in one go.
In his few remaining years, this was the scene he most wanted to see.
After all, to him, nothing was more important than his daughter and granddaughter breaking free from the God Tongue curse!
...
Late at night, at noon.
The beautiful night was finally coming to an end.
Reunited, father and daughter naturally had much to say.
"Zane, as I leave, I want to thank you on behalf of the Nakiri family."
"If it weren't for your cooking that could conquer the God Tongue and cure Erina and Mana, the tragedy from ten years ago might have repeated!"
After paying the bill and preparing to leave, the Director lowered his stature and thanked Zane.
"You're too kind. I'm just a Tavern owner."
"When customers come here to eat, I naturally serve them the best dishes to satisfy them."
Zane shrugged and replied.
"No matter what, you solved a problem that has plagued the culinary world for years."
The Director said with a profound look.
"Father, are you going back to Totsuki?" Mana asked softly, standing up.
"Yes, I didn't expect to see you here again today."
"But seeing you so obsessed with a dish makes me happy."
"The regret is that you and Soe both refuse to take over the family business or become the head of Totsuki."
"But I respect your choice and understand your thoughts."
"As your father, I couldn't find a way to break the God Tongue curse over the years, only helplessly watching the ten-year tragedy unfold. Thinking about it makes me..."
"No, in my heart, you are always a qualified father. I am the one who is an unqualified daughter and mother!"
Mana felt deeply guilty hearing this.
"Enough, saying more will only make it harder."
"Take care of yourself, Mana."
Knowing that speaking more would make it harder for both of them, the Director sighed, focusing his gaze on Zane with mixed emotions.
On one hand, he admired Zane's character and talent.
On the other hand, he regretted that such an excellent person was not his grandson.
...
Time flew by.
Mana, Anne, and the Director all left the Tavern one after another.
As Zane finally had a moment of rest, he used the remaining beef, cabbage, and carrots in the Tavern to make some dumplings.
The dumplings were crispy on the outside.
Then, with a bite, the soft and juicy filling burst out!
The distinct feeling of the fresh beef filled his taste buds.
Even the minced cabbage and carrots enhanced the beef's flavor and texture.
Sonoka, who hadn't left yet, exclaimed, "The owner's cooking skills are always top-notch!"
"Sonoka, the Tavern will be closed for a day tomorrow. Take this time to rest."
Zane looked at her and said calmly.
"Closed for a day?"
A tired Sonoka was surprised.
The Tavern was running well, why suddenly close for a day?
"Don't ask too much, just rest well and don't overwork yourself!"
Zane said with a slightly cold tone.
Understanding Zane's reason, Sonoka's heart warmed.
She knew Zane did this to prevent her from exhausting herself with continuous work.
"Why are you staring at me without eating?"
Zane asked, puzzled by her lingering gaze.
Sonoka blushed and stammered, "No... nothing. I just realized that cooking can truly bring happiness."
...
[Ding!]
[The host has successfully signed in once.]
[Ding!]
[Congratulations to the host for obtaining the culinary skill: Suspended Cutting.]
A dumpling supper ended in a peaceful atmosphere.
As Sonoka returned to Shunkatei, the system's sign-in reward appeared again.
This time, the reward was not a recipe, but a cooking skill Zane hadn't expected: Suspended Cutting.
Suspended Cutting involves cutting ingredients while they are suspended in the air.
Previously, during the Don Research Society incident, Ikumi Mito used this technique to handle A5-grade beef in her cooking duel with Soma.
However, the system's version of Suspended Cutting is a more challenging traditional method specifically for handling anglerfish.
Due to the slippery gelatinous mucus covering anglerfish, it's difficult to handle on a cutting board, so professional chefs use suspended cutting to dissect it.
But suspended cutting is unstable.
Chefs must skillfully cut the dangling, swaying fish.
Moreover, anglerfish have unique body structures, requiring chefs to be familiar with their anatomy.
Overall, this suspended cutting method is daunting without years of experience.
"A skill specifically for anglerfish?"
Zane was stunned by this unexpected reward.
...
Tomorrow at 7 AM.
On the third day of the training camp, at a location that could accommodate over a thousand people.
All students, assigned numbers, arrived at their breakfast stands.
As tourists gradually arrived and each stand had a group of supervising examiners to prevent cheating, the test began.
"Erina, are we fated, or are we just destined to be rivals?"
Seeing her cousin at the next breakfast stand, Alice was a bit surprised, then clenched her fists, eyes full of excitement and challenge.
"Fate? More like your bad luck."
"Wait and see, I'll make you regret it with my cooking."
Erina, calm and composed, replied.
But if you looked closely, you'd see a hint of disdain in her eyes.
"Hmph, I won't regret it!"
"I'll do my best to beat you in this breakfast test and make you taste defeat."
Alice tightened her gaze, then quickly took out eggs and a bunch of equipment to prepare molecular cuisine.
...
After baking the ladyfingers, trim the edges for a neat shape.
Cool, coat with syrup, and add some frozen mousse to the ladyfingers.
Whip egg whites, mix with egg yolks, and coat the chilled mousse-coated ladyfingers with the egg mixture, forming a hemisphere.
Quickly bake at 180°C for 5 minutes.
The aroma fills the air as it's taken out and plated.
Heat a small amount of rum, and evaporate some alcohol to prevent strong flames.
Upon serving, ignite the heated rum, and pour over the omelet for a second heating.
Controlling the amount of rum and alcohol, the omelet burns for only ten seconds, creating an impressive ice and fire scene, and attracting tourists.
"Wow!"
"The omelet is on fire."
"Incredible, I didn't know an omelet could be made this way."
"Mom, I want the omelet."
"Sure, sweetheart, one enough?"
"Enough, thank you, Mom, you're the best..."
As a little girl carried her plate with the flaming omelet, her eyes sparkled.
Eagerly, she cut the omelet, watching the yolk and mousse flow, mixing with the unique hollandaise sauce, releasing a rich aroma.
The girl, amazed by the sight, quickly took a small bite of the omelet, enjoying it.
...
The taste and texture were indescribable.
Perhaps due to limited vocabulary, the girl could only express her delight.
She chirped excitedly, "Mom, it's so good~"
Seeing the girl's reaction, more people bought the ice and fire omelet.
This Western-style breakfast, with its dramatic presentation and elegant appearance, captivated the tourists.
And the taste, even more, convinced them!
The surprise of biting into it, feeling the sudden texture, and the sensation of the melting yolk entranced many.
"What's happening? Why is your breakfast different from the omelet last night?"
Nearby, Alice was puzzled.
But gradually, she seemed to understand, her eyes widening in realization.
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