A cold cup of sake and a satisfied sigh made Natsume speak slowly, "As expected of a former Totsuki graduate, their culinary skills are top-notch in all of Japan!"
Hearing this, Sonoka covered her mouth and laughed softly. Since she had been at the tavern, she had often heard such praise and comments. Thus, she had become somewhat accustomed to it.
"Natsume, you flatter me too much. Now, I am just a helper at the tavern," Sonoka replied modestly.
"Well, the last time I came here, I was puzzled why someone with such influence in French cuisine would work in this small tavern," Natsume said. Her words still carried a hint of confusion. However, after tasting Zane's curry last time, she might have found some answers.
French cuisine is renowned in Europe, surpassing Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and even the high-class Russian cuisine, which evolved from French culinary techniques. The process of making French dishes is meticulous and complex, requiring many fresh and precious ingredients. Many of these ingredients are in short supply.
Presentation is crucial in French cuisine, with aesthetic considerations being an essential aspect of the final plating. Hence, chefs skilled in French cuisine are often very talented. It's not an exaggeration to say that the absence of Sonoka in the realm of French cuisine in Japan would be a significant loss. This chef, known for her gentle demeanor and remarkable culinary skills, is indeed impressive.
---
Modern restaurants aiming to be "invincible" have started using Marvel movie-like genetic modifications on food, causing them to mutate. For instance, molecular gastronomy dishes are often unrecognizable from their original forms. While these high-standard modifications are essentially abnormal, transforming food into something spectacular requires substantial investment.
The most common method is "genetic modification," applying popular technology concepts to various foods.
Beef brisket, meticulously stewed to tender, juicy perfection, falls apart with a gentle pull, revealing its intricate fibers. The curry sauce, smooth as silk, glides over the tongue with a hint of spice and rich aroma, transporting one to an exotic land.
Savoring it slowly, the curry's richness and the beef's flavor intertwine, creating an indescribable deliciousness with each bite, like a feast for the taste buds. Additionally, the side dishes for the curry beef are equally impressive. Pairing it with a steaming bowl of rice allows the curry sauce to permeate each grain, infusing them with a deep curry flavor. A fresh vegetable salad on the side adds a refreshing touch and balances the richness.
---
As night fell and the Sendawara sisters, Natsume and Orie, left, the tavern officially closed for the night.
Sitting in a black car on a brightly lit road, Orie opened the window, letting the cold wind blow across her face, causing her bangs to dance. She felt conflicted about Zane. Knowing that his heart was not with Haubi Foods left her with a faint sadness.
"Sis, it seems the rumors are true! With Zane's abilities, he really could win over Mana, the top figure in Japan's culinary world!" Orie said, turning to her sister with a complex expression.
"It's not just her. Even Totsuki graduates like Sonoka and Ryoko willingly work as helpers at his place. That tavern may not be as simple as we think," Natsume nodded, her expression serious.
They had conducted many investigations, only to find that much information about the tavern was vague. For example:
When did Zane, originally from China, come to Japan? Which culinary academy did he graduate from? Why are his culinary skills so impressive? And why do WGO officials frequently visit his tavern?
---
"Sis, you're right. Visiting the tavern again, Zane's performance surprised me! Just tonight's curry beef hot pot alone," Orie said excitedly, her eyes shining. "The more I learn about him, the more I like him!"
"Ding dong!"
"Successfully checked in."
"Ding dong!"
"Congratulations to the host for obtaining new recipes: Explosive Twice-Cooked Pork and Giant Panda Magic Mapo Tofu!"
With the system's announcement, Zane's tavern officially closed for the night.
---
The new recipe, Explosive Twice-Cooked Pork, is a dish from "Cooking Master Boy" made by the protagonist, Liu Maoxing. In the original story, Liu Maoxing prepared this dish during a "heat control" competition against a member of the Dark Cooking Society.
This dish is similar to regular twice-cooked pork but differs in the use of an intensely heated iron wok to cook the ingredients quickly. This method imparts a spicy, slightly sweet flavor. The pork is tender and melts in your mouth, complemented by the crispy cabbage, creating a superb texture. Currently, the only stir-fried dish in the tavern is scallion beef, so this new recipe is sure to bring a refreshing change.
---
Next is the Giant Panda Magic Mapo Tofu. Liu Maoxing created this dish during his final match against Shaoan on the Dragon Phoenix Culinary Battleship. Due to an enemy's sabotage, Liu Maoxing had a sudden inspiration and made tofu with a black and white layered effect using pork fat and a special Mapo sauce. When the mold was lifted, the tofu was cut into pieces as if by magic.
The white tofu balances the spicy heat on the tongue, while the black sweet tofu highlights the spiciness, creating waves of flavor that attack the palate. Unlike the previous Magic Mapo Tofu with six flavors, the Giant Panda Magic Mapo Tofu introduces a new taste: sweetness.
Made from black beans but similar in texture to white tofu, this black tofu has great elasticity, a tender texture, and a fragrant sweetness.
---
Morning arrived quietly. The horizon in the east began to brighten, slowly illuminating the pale blue sky. A new day was dawning from the distance.
"Alright."
"This is my new dish," said Alice, an intern at the Midnight Diner, as she presented a freshly made dish.
Looking closely, the new dish was a fried egg. It was a single-sided fried egg, with a distinct separation between the yolk and the white. The edges were free from the usual browning, and the egg white was perfectly intact. A spoon revealed the egg white was still semi-liquid.
Clearly, this semi-cooked "egg" might create a visual hurdle, but tasting it revealed that the egg white was actually yogurt and the yolk was expensive caviar.
---
"Zane, try it and see if I've improved during the internship," Alice said, stepping forward.
"Alice, you've only been interning at the tavern for a couple of days, and you're already eager to improve?" Zane, having just finished his breakfast dessert, looked at the molecular dish in front of him and fell into deep thought.
Compared to Erina, Alice had a different "flavor." Though also a young lady, she lacked the arrogance and capriciousness of Erina, instead showing more of a mischievous yet genuine side. Moreover, Alice's sense of competition wasn't as strong. Her constant desire to challenge Erina's position stemmed more from rivalry than a genuine hunger for victory.
Despite her playful nature, Alice's confidence, calmness, and ability to quickly recover from failure were qualities Zane admired. Unlike Erina, who suppressed her emotions, Alice's feelings were more apparent, showing her joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness openly.
After the success of the Autumn Selection, Alice did not become arrogant but was eager to grow stronger and make progress. Initially surprised by Alice's new dish, Zane quickly understood her motivation.
---
"Hmm!"
"The delicate skin bursts with mango juice, mimicking an egg yolk. This molecular dish made from yogurt and mango is indeed a pleasant surprise."
After tasting a small bite of the "fried egg," Zane recalled the flavors. The mango yolk, unlike other fruits, had a faint fragrance when held close to the nose, making Zane nod in appreciation.
"So, the magic of this molecular dish lies in its appearance, resembling a fried egg while delivering the flavors of mango and yogurt."
"The secret behind this magic is the base ingredients of sodium alginate and calcium chloride," Zane said, turning to Alice.
---
"Yes, I used sodium alginate and calcium chloride in this dish," Alice admitted, slightly surprised by Zane's analysis.
"Indeed, a creative idea," Zane continued, "but you seem to have forgotten something, Alice."
"Due to the high acidity of mango juice, you need to adjust the pH to ensure the reaction between sodium alginate and calcium chloride proceeds smoothly."
"So."
"Typically, sodium citrate is added to the mango juice as an acidity regulator."
"But this approach, while aiming for realism, often overlooks the essence of the ingredients."
---
Listening to Zane's explanation, Alice fell into deep thought. Eventually, she frowned and asked, "So... what should I do?"
"Try adding popping candy!" Zane suggested after thinking for a moment.
"Huh?" Alice looked puzzled.
"You don't know what popping candy is?" Zane laughed. "You must have lived such a privileged life in Northern Europe that you're unfamiliar with some common things."
---
In the original storyline, Alice didn't even know about seaweed. This lack of common knowledge often became her Achilles' heel.
"Popping candy contains carbon dioxide that vaporizes when heated in the mouth, creating a popping sensation," Zane explained. "Adding popping candy to your molecular dish can enhance the texture and sweetness."
"By leveraging the unique properties of popping candy, you can add a new dimension to the dish."
"Also, Alice, I
understand your desire to improve after the Autumn Selection."
"But there's a saying in China: 'Haste makes waste.'"
"It means everything should be done gradually, and rushing things will often result in failure."
"Huh?"
"Haste makes waste?" Alice pouted. "What nonsense! Erina's culinary skills have always been superior to mine. Not only that, she surpasses me in every aspect. Even in terms of emotions, I lag behind her. How can I not be anxious?"
Despite her internal complaints, Alice obediently nodded, "Oh, I understand."
---
Perhaps Alice was indeed too eager at the moment. However, during the residential training, Erina's performance in the breakfast challenge left a lasting impression on her.
Remembering it felt like a knife stabbing her heart, filling her with a strong sense of unease and crisis.
In truth, Alice envied Erina. With the God Tongue talent, Erina had secured the tenth seat in the Elite Ten while still in elementary school. Unlike Alice, who didn't even know if she'd have a spot in the next Elite Ten.
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