In America, there is a sprawling estate in a bustling city. The estate is surrounded by high walls, creating a secluded world completely isolated from the outside. The Renaissance-style stone building is four stories high and occupies over 10,000 square meters, with 200 rooms in total. Every detail exudes not just nobility but the scent of money.
In a spacious hall, Osaji, invited by Azami, was holding a wine glass. The wine inside shimmered invitingly under the lights. He tilted the glass slightly, inhaling the aroma of aged grains. As the owner of the most influential food club in Japan, Osaji quickly recognized the quality from the scent and took a sip.
The wine slid down his throat, spreading a warm sensation that quickly filled his chest.
"Ah!" he exclaimed, "As expected of Lafite from 1982, the taste is perfect. I didn't expect the rising Nakamura Trading Company in America to be led by you, Azami!"
Osaji, a portly man, focused his gaze sharply on the man sitting opposite him, Azami.
"Nakamura was my former surname," Azami replied calmly, putting down his wine glass.
Hearing this, Osaji realized that everyone knew Azami married into the Nakiri family and that Nakiri was not his original surname. He was secretly amazed, understanding that the Nakiri family members were not to be underestimated.
Totsuki Academy.
WGO culinary organization.
Nakiri International Research Institute.
Nakamura Trading Company.
The Nakiri family's influence was behind all these major culinary institutions!
"This year, our Nakamura Trading Company has made great strides in America. Our exclusive investment in the 'Fun Gourmet' TV show has topped the ratings. Even our culinary school, Square Culinary Academy, recently dominated the top six spots in the national culinary competition. We have no competitors here.
"So, I plan to expand into the Asian market. As the owner of the largest food club in Japan, you, Kita, are the person I most want to collaborate with. Are you interested?" Azami asked straightforwardly.
"Kita, do I have a choice?" Osaji responded, knowing his limitations, resignedly.
Anyone could tell from Azami's words that he intended to shake up the culinary world in Japan, especially Totsuki Academy, by shifting the focus of Nakamura Trading Company to Asia.
Nakamura Trading Company had been highly influential in recent years. Its members could only be affluent individuals, tightly controlling the entire North American food industry. As a club owner, Osaji couldn't compete with that.
Choosing to work with Azami might not be bad; it could even benefit the club. No one knew what was discussed between Azami and Osaji that night, but it was clear that a new storm was brewing!
Over a decade ago, after being expelled from Totsuki Academy by the Director, Azami wandered the world. Eventually, he came to America, hoping to regain prominence in the culinary world and continue his ambitions and plans.
Using the trading company as a platform, he quietly expanded his influence, preparing for a future coup at Totsuki Academy to take control. He also aimed to consolidate the resources of Nakamura Trading Company and the Nakiri family to dominate the culinary world.
"Senior Saiba!"
"The path you couldn't finish, let me complete it."
After Osaji left, Azami stood by the window, gazing at the night sky and muttering to himself. He once believed in Totsuki Academy's system and worked even harder after Joichiro Saiba's mental breakdown and departure.
As a first-year in the advanced program, he became the second seat of the Elite Ten. As a second-year, he rose to the first seat, achieving heights even Joichiro Saiba couldn't reach, carrying the Totsuki flag alone.
In the end, to change Totsuki, he married into the Nakiri family, but just as he was about to make significant strides, Azami left home.
In his frustration, he placed his hopes on Erina. His extreme education of Erina displeased the Director, resulting in his expulsion from Totsuki.
A knock on the door broke his reverie.
"The door isn't locked, come in," Azami said.
A secretary wearing glasses hurried in with a report. "President, bad news. Several of our Nakamura Trading Company restaurants were destroyed by masked night chefs."
"Night chefs?" Azami frowned deeply.
He quickly regained his composure, his eyes flashing with excitement and anticipation. "It seems my plan needs to be advanced."
Erina, we'll reunite soon. I can't wait!
At 2 AM, the tavern closed.
Since Sonoka had to manage her Shunkatei restaurant during the day, Zane let her leave early to rest. Megumi also left after eating Sapporo miso ramen, needing to return to Totsuki's Polar Star Dormitory to catch up with Yuuki, Ryoko, and other dorm mates.
"Owner, if we have time in the future, we'll definitely return to this tavern. Will you treat us to your delicious curry again?" Natsume asked reluctantly.
Though they had tight schedules and wanted to return to Haubi Foods early, Zane's Japanese curry rice was so exceptional that they didn't want to leave even at closing time.
It was true that a talented and handsome chef like Zane could capture the hearts of these curry queens!
"Of course."
"At a tavern, customers can order whatever they like." Zane smiled.
"Good, that's enough for me," Natsume nodded, a slight smile on her lips. She then took Orie's hand and left the tavern.
[Ding-dong.]
[Host successfully signed in once.]
[Ding-dong, congratulations to the host for obtaining the special recipe 'Jade Flute Melodies,' special recipe 'Cloud Dragon Shrimp,' and ingredients: 20 lbs of beef kidney, 20 lbs of venison leg, 20 lbs of rabbit meat, 5 pig ears, and 50 lbs of lamb rump.]
With the tavern closed, the system's sign-in reward appeared again!
First, the special recipe 'Jade Flute Melodies.'
This dish, like the previous 'Moon Over the Twenty-Four Bridges,' is a refined version of grilled beef strips, using beef kidney as the main ingredient, mixed with lamb rump, pig ear, and rabbit meat. Each combination of two meats creates a unique flavor, totaling 25 variations. The dish, shaped like a flute, is thus named 'Jade Flute Melodies.'
A gourmet doesn't necessarily cook well, but a great chef is definitely a gourmet.
In 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes,' Huang Rong, disguised as a beggar, was looked down upon by a waiter. Thanks to Guo Jing's generosity, she ordered an extensive meal, showing her superior culinary knowledge.
This explains why her dish 'Jade Flute Melodies' won the admiration of Hong Qigong.
Next, 'Cloud Dragon Shrimp.'
As the name suggests, this dish uses shrimp as the main ingredient. In the classic 'Cooking Master Boy,' Liu Maoxing's Cloud Dragon Shrimp recipe involves wrapping shrimp in tofu skin to lock in the flavor, creating a burst of taste when eaten.
This unexpected effect helped him win against the Golden Mask's Fried Phoenix Tail Shrimp.
Receiving two special recipes at once is rare, and Zane couldn't help but feel excited.
To celebrate the addition of the new employee, Takumi, Zane decided to prepare red-braised oxtail.
First, he washed the vegetables: carrots, onions, and celery, chopping them into pieces. He minced the garlic.
He washed the oxtail, dried it with kitchen paper, and seasoned it with salt and black pepper. After marinating, he coated the oxtail in flour.
Frying the oxtail required skill. After frying, he sautéed the diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant. Then, he added the carrots and celery, continuing to sauté until the vegetables softened. He added a spoonful of tomato paste and continued to sauté.
He poured in 300ml of red wine and 250ml of broth, stirring the mixture. He added the fried oxtail, thyme, bay leaves, and rosemary, bringing it to a boil before simmering on low heat.
When plating, he added some vegetables, completing the red-braised oxtail with a balanced meat and vegetable combination.
The red-braised oxtail looked incredibly tempting, its deep red color from the meticulous cooking process. The texture of the oxtail was evident, indicating its high quality.
"Zane, are we eating this later?" Rindo, who hadn't left, asked eagerly.
"Hmm," Zane nodded.
Rolling his eyes, he said, "You're so shameless, staying here past 2 AM."
"Ha-ha, I'm just not full yet," Rindo blushed, realizing her shameless behavior.
While the tavern allowed customers to order freely, it also had a closing time. Rindo's stubbornness put Zane in a difficult position.
Finally, Zane invited her to stay for Takumi's welcome party.
"Zane, can I eat now?" Rindo asked, eyeing the oxtail stew.
Zane didn't reply, indicating his permission.
Rindo eagerly served herself a small bowl. The taste of the oxtail was rich and flavorful, with the tender meat melting in her mouth.
"Hmm?"
"Is the oxtail stew..." Rindo blinked as a more intense flavor spread in her mouth.
She guessed right; the oxtail stew had multiple layers of flavor from the various spices and seasonings, including tomato paste, red wine, bay leaves, and star anise.
Especially the thyme and red wine's richness, which made the dish even more complex.
The vegetables, including onions, carrots, and potatoes, added a refreshing taste to the stew.
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