Can a chef really rule the world? This is a question no one can definitively answer.
Even people like Joichiro Yukihira, Mana Nakiri, and the Director couldn't dominate the culinary world with their abilities alone!
In the Director's eyes, he definitely hoped Zane would join Totsuki Academy. This way, Erina could be saved.
He always believed one thing: if they could utilize the Nakiri family's resources, Zane could lead the culinary world into a new, unprecedented era within three to five years!
Unfortunately, Zane wasn't interested in this path.
...
The Director had considered whether Totsuki Academy could collaborate with Zane in some ways.
For events like the dormitory training and the Autumn Elections, they could invite him as a judge.
Or they could use family connections and resources, like Gin Dojima's Totsuki Resort, Eizan Etsuya's business acumen, HUB Food Company's ingredients, and Kitajo Food Club.
Could these people and resources be sent to the tavern?
Yes! For various reasons.
But mainly, Zane didn't want to rely too much on external help.
Thus, there was never an opportunity for cooperation between the two parties.
Now, with the hands-on training approaching and the tavern being understaffed, sending interns could foster collaboration!
The clever Director wasn't willing to miss this chance, so he came to the tavern tonight.
...
"The tavern indeed needs more hands right now."
"I'd be more than happy to have some interns help out."
Without much thought, Zane agreed.
"Great, then Totsuki and the tavern have reached a cooperation agreement."
Knowing Zane didn't refuse this time, the Director was both surprised and delighted. He eagerly stood up and extended his hand for a handshake.
Zane was taken aback but then shook hands with him.
Thus, in the presence of Erina and others, the tavern finally reached a cooperation agreement with Totsuki Academy!
...
Speaking of glutinous rice, the first thing that comes to mind might be rice dumplings.
That sticky, sweet, and soft feeling can make anyone drool just thinking about it.
But in reality, glutinous rice can be used in many ways. One simple snack is glutinous rice balls.
Zane put glutinous rice flour into a bowl.
He gradually added warm water, kneading as he went, until the dough formed.
Depending on the flour's water absorption, he adjusted the water and kneaded the dough until smooth, then divided it into equal parts.
He prepared purple sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced them thinly, then steamed them.
Once steamed, he mashed the sweet potatoes, adding milk and sugar, mixing until smooth.
After sifting it once, it formed a soft filling. He divided the dough into three parts, adding green tea powder to one part and kneading it evenly.
He added different fruit powders to the other two parts.
He boiled water in a pot, added the dough balls, covered, and cooked until they floated.
He removed them and rinsed them with cold water.
Then he skewered them, drizzled with honey, and sprinkled with shredded coconut for texture.
...
Girls love sweets, which is understandable.
However, the Director, who was already old, ordered glutinous rice balls after drinking wine.
This puzzled Zane, but he followed the rule of allowing customers to order whatever they wanted. Considering the Director's health, he slightly reduced the amount of purple sweet potato.
"Wow!"
Jun Shiomi: w(Д)w
Unexpectedly, Jun Shiomi, seeing the glutinous rice balls, gasped and covered her mouth.
"So round and cute."
"And the glutinous rice balls come in different colors—yellow, purple, and white..."
It was clear that this dessert was a mix of glutinous rice, corn, and purple sweet potato!
The sweetness and freshness, the soft and smooth texture, all attracted attention.
Who would have thought?
Just moments ago, he made the wild, spicy Tom Yum soup.
Now, he swiftly switched to a cute and delicate snack like these glutinous rice balls.
Seeing the Director enjoying them, Jun Shiomi couldn't help but swallow her saliva.
The glutinous rice balls looked like chubby babies wrapped in colorful blankets, waiting to be kissed and touched. Truly...
Irresistible!
...
"Zane, I'd like some glutinous rice balls too."
Jun Shiomi, who had just finished the Tom Yum soup, hurriedly asked.
"Can you still eat?"
Zane was surprised.
"Yes!"
Jun Shiomi nodded.
"Wait a moment!"
Since she insisted, Zane returned to the kitchen and started making more glutinous rice balls.
Soon, a plate of glutinous rice balls was placed in front of her. Jun Shiomi eagerly picked up a skewer and took a bite.
"Ah... mmm..."
"These glutinous rice balls are so delicious, chewy and soft, sweet but not cloying. They're amazing!"
Clearly, the sudden texture and flavor of the glutinous rice balls thrilled Jun Shiomi: "The filling is filling, the glutinous rice is glutinous, the softness is soft, the sweetness is sweet, and the fragrance is fragrant..."
"I thought they'd be sticky, but they're so smooth and not at all cloying."
"Hmm? Purple sweet potato?"
"Oh, that's why! The purple sweet potato's fluffy texture balances the glutinous rice's softness."
While eating the glutinous rice balls, Jun Shiomi closed her eyes to savor the taste. She then opened her eyes, surprised and delighted.
If she had known nothing about Zane before, these dishes and drink had convinced her:
This man!
He's incredibly talented!
...
"Professor Shiomi, here's some double-skin milk."
"The owner made it specially, saying that while the glutinous rice balls aren't sticky, they can be a bit dry."
"So, to enhance your dining experience, he made some double-skin milk."
"Don't worry."
"The double-skin milk is free!"
As Jun Shiomi was lost in thought, Megumi, under Zane's instruction, brought a bowl of double-skin milk to her with a gentle smile.
"Double-skin milk?"
"Such thoughtful service. Is it really free?"
Hearing this, Jun Shiomi's eyes widened, and she smiled even more.
Though she didn't lack money, this small gesture made her like the tavern even more!
"Yes, it's free."
Megumi confirmed.
Then she took another bowl of double-skin milk to the Director.
...
In the late Qing Dynasty, a farmer's son named Ho Shisan in Shunde, Daliang, made a variation of water buffalo milk one morning. An old friend bought the recipe and opened a stall.
It became very popular locally and gradually spread.
So, why is it called double-skin milk?
Because the process involves heating milk, cooling it to form a skin, then breaking a small hole in the skin to pour out the milk, leaving the skin in the bowl.
The milk is mixed with egg whites and sugar, then poured back into the bowl and steamed.
This forms another skin, hence the name:
Double-skin milk!
Taking a bite, the warm milk cloud enveloped the fragrant nuts, making it delicious.
Chewing brought out the nutty flavor, a warm and nourishing experience.
White, smooth, sweet, with a strong aroma of milk and eggs.
When eaten, it felt smooth and had an exceptionally delicate texture.
What seemed like a simple bowl of double-skin milk tasted incredibly luxurious!
"The double-skin milk has a sweet top layer and a smooth bottom layer, like mint jelly."
"But the flavor is rich with milk, lingering in the mouth."
"Very tender."
"Very smooth."
"One spoonful feels like a spring breeze."
"I've never had such wonderful double-skin milk in my life!"
At this moment, to Jun Shiomi, the free double-skin milk represented more than a taste; it symbolized the unique warmth and hospitality of the tavern!
...
Night had finally deepened.
The silver moonlight began to shine through the treetops, illuminating the vast land.
The tavern, open until 2 AM, was about to close.
Initially, Jun Shiomi hadn't planned to come.
She was dragged here by Ryo, so she came in with a "might as well try" attitude.
She hadn't expected Zane to make mulled wine, prepare Tom Yum soup with limited ingredients, and explain spices perfectly!
Finally, the glutinous rice balls and double-skin milk made her realize Zane's extraordinary skills.
Yes!
She was still too inexperienced.
This tavern was so unique, so full of warmth and kindness!
In the end, like other first-time customers, she left happy and content.
...
Serving dishes.
Taking orders.
Clearing tables.
Sweeping, mopping, setting up utensils...
Occasionally helping Zane with washing vegetables and cutting meat to speed up the cooking.
Megumi was always busy, making Erina, who wanted to persuade her to return, temporarily relent.
Maybe?
Letting her stay in the tavern wasn't bad.
At least Megumi looked genuinely happy!
"Zane, before I leave, I want to thank you again."
"Erina and Alice are the future of the Nakiri family, and only you can guide them properly."
"Before coming to the tavern, I kept thinking of ways to convince you."
"I didn't expect you'd agree so readily."
The Director expressed his gratitude before leaving.
"No need for thanks. Having interns here is mutually beneficial. Honestly, sending just your two granddaughters isn't enough!"
Zane shrugged, nonchalant.
"Well, it's late. We'll take our leave."
The Director adjusted his clothes and left the tavern.
Erina reluctantly followed
, glancing back at Megumi.
"Miss..."
Megumi felt a pang of sadness seeing them leave.
...
[Ding!]
[Host successfully checked in once.]
[Ding!]
[Congratulations, host, for acquiring new recipe: Zao Liu Fish Fillets, new special recipe: Plum Fried Rice, and new cooking tool: Po Jun Knife.]
Every region's unique culture accumulates over time, among people in the streets, spread by vendors.
This vitality is fascinating.
But social media is rapidly eroding these cultures, making them fade.
As a young man far from home, Zane most missed his favorite foods.
He especially loved fish, particularly the dish called Zao Liu Fish Fillets.
Zao Liu Fish Fillets.
A local dish from Shandong, China, part of the Shandong cuisine.
The dish features tender fish fillets, sweet and fresh, with a fragrant aroma, always favored by gourmets.
The word "Zao" refers to the fragrant marinade made with Shaoxing wine, osmanthus, and other ingredients.
Thus, the fish fillets cooked in this way are fragrant, tender, and delicious, perfect with rice.
...
As for Plum Fried Rice.
It comes from the protagonist, Liu Maoxing, in "Cooking Master Boy."
Despite needing only a few ingredients: plums, eggs, green onions, and rice, it's a delicious fried rice with a unique sour-sweet flavor.
In the original story, many chefs presented their best dishes, but none satisfied the jaded magistrate.
Finally, Liu Maoxing's Plum Fried Rice conquered the magistrate's taste.
In short, these two dishes would enrich the tavern's menu.
With Zane's culinary skills, he could make most dishes with his eyes closed and still get great reviews.
But having more recipes would definitely boost the tavern's business.
Then, there's the new cooking tool:
The Po Jun Knife!
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