The score was 3:0. Satoshi won against Nene Kinokuni with an overwhelming advantage!
Thus, both Team Shokugeki matches ended with victories for Erina and her group. Next up, there would be a Team Shokugeki match between Kuga and the new Elite Ten member, Akira, as well as a match between Erina and Rindo, scheduled for the following morning.
...
That night, the tavern was bustling with business. With its growing reputation and recognition of its culinary skills, it attracted a diverse range of diners.
Gin, who hadn't visited for a while, was surprised to see the place packed when he walked in. "Good evening, owner," Gin greeted Zane after recovering from his surprise.
"Huh? Isn't that Gin, the head chef of the Totsuki Resort?" Zane responded, surprised to see Gin. Given the current turmoil at Totsuki Academy, with the coup led by Azami, it was unexpected to see Gin here instead of helping in Hokkaido.
However, Zane chose not to question why Gin wasn't in Hokkaido. Instead, he warmly brewed a cup of fragrant tea and served it to Gin. "It's been a while since you last visited the tavern," Zane remarked.
"Hehe, yes, the recent events at Totsuki have kept me busy," Gin replied, examining the tea. The clear, pure tea resembled morning dew or a mountain spring, with a few floating foam flecks along the surface. The tea leaves floated gently, like a small boat drifting in the breeze.
Gin's gaze sharpened as he noticed something interesting. He took a sip, letting the tea swirl in his mouth before swallowing it. The tea flowed smoothly down his throat, warming him from within and bringing a subtle bitterness that gradually turned sweet.
As he savored the tea, Gin felt his restless heart calm down, soothed by the tea's gentle aroma and taste.
...
"Excellent," Gin exclaimed, savoring the tea. The experience of drinking this light, fragrant tea reminded him of the journey from desire to contentment, a reflection of life's deeper pleasures.
"Now, what would you like to eat tonight?" Zane asked, standing by.
Gin felt his stomach rumble and, despite a strong urge to feast, restrained himself. "I'll have a portion of Mapo Tofu," he decided.
"Okay, coming right up," Zane replied, heading back to the kitchen.
...
"Table 3, one boxed sushi."
"Table 4, a bowl of buttered rice and a bowl of beef ramen, the ramen is for takeout."
"Table 13, two servings of fried salmon and an extra-large Osaka-style okonomiyaki."
"Table 15, a portion of Mapo Tofu with three extra bowls of rice."
The cashier and server, Sonoka, handed over more than ten freshly placed orders to Zane.
"Hmm, interesting," Zane thought. The tavern was still being run solely by him, with Sonoka and Takizaki assisting as best they could. But could he manage to prepare so many dishes in such a short time?
...
The quality of both the drinks and the dishes is crucial for a tavern's success. Quality taverns often put effort into appetizers, using seasonal ingredients rather than mass-produced, easily preserved dishes. A good appetizer can quickly win the trust of guests and raise their expectations for the main dishes. Even a common dish like cold tofu, when made with quality ingredients, can be delightful, offering a rich soybean flavor and smooth texture, complemented by dashi soy sauce and bonito flakes. Such a refreshing dish pairs well with sake, helping to calm any inner restlessness.
Some taverns, like Zane's, don't have a fixed menu. The offerings change daily based on the availability of ingredients and the guests' preferences. Even the sake is brewed by Zane himself, creating a unique and intimate dining experience for the patrons.
...
As the orders piled up, Zane took a deep breath to relax. He quickly prepared the ingredients for the dozen dishes and set up ten pans. With a determined look, he unleashed a powerful aura, his body seemingly surrounded by a dark energy, giving him an intimidating presence.
"What... what is happening?" Gin, who had been lost in thought, was utterly stunned by the sudden change.
As a formidable aura emanated from Zane, the tavern seemed to transform into an ethereal space. In the darkness, Gin thought he saw a burst of flame, signaling something extraordinary was about to happen.
...
At that moment, Zane lit all the burners and placed the ten pans on the stoves, cooking all at once. With his "Silver Chopsticks Ten Pan Return" skill, he demonstrated a cooking speed that was both astonishing and intimidating. His coordination and control were beyond what most could comprehend.
He moved incredibly fast, stirring the dishes in all ten pans simultaneously with his silver chopsticks. The sight was mesmerizing, displaying an extraordinary rhythm.
"Is this even possible?" Gin wondered, his face turning pale. "Can someone really cook ten dishes at once?" The sight left him in awe, as Zane skillfully used his silver chopsticks as if they were a spatula, flipping and stirring the ingredients with perfect ease.
...
Zane added oil to a pan and heated it, then added minced pork, stirring with the silver chopsticks until it changed color and became slightly crispy. He then added spicy bean paste, stir-frying until the oil turned red, followed by minced ginger and garlic to enhance the aroma. He deglazed the pan with a bit of rice wine, added soy sauce for flavor, and poured in some water, letting the noodles absorb the broth.
He seasoned with salt and sugar, added a bit of dark soy sauce for color, and simmered for two minutes until the noodles softened and absorbed the flavors. He finished with a drizzle of sesame oil for fragrance and garnished with chopped green onions, completing the Mapo Tofu.
As the Mapo Tofu was finished, the other nine dishes were also plated. Gin was astounded to see all ten dishes presented before him.
...
Cooking ten dishes at once poses challenges with timing and technique. Yet, Zane managed to maintain perfect control over the heat and ingredients, flawlessly executing each dish. It was a feat that left everyone present in disbelief.
"This is unbelievable," Gin finally muttered, captivated by the sight and the aroma of the dishes.
...
In Japan, all spicy Chinese dishes are often labeled as "Mapo something," such as "Mapo Eggplant." To the Japanese, "Mapo" signifies a realm of spiciness. The dish "Mapo Tofu" is a classic Chinese dish known for its spicy and flavorful taste, combining tofu with minced pork in a spicy bean paste sauce.
Gin's initial impression of Mapo Tofu was that it couldn't possibly taste as good as some other dishes. But tonight, for some reason, he felt a strong craving for this dish.
...
Excitedly, Gin picked up a portion of the noodles with his chopsticks and took a big bite. The initial taste was a mix of savory and slightly spicy flavors, with the rich pork and smooth noodles creating a delightful harmony. Every bite was full of flavor, leaving him wanting more.
"This texture is incredibly smooth," Gin thought. "I assumed that cooking ten dishes simultaneously would lower the quality of each, but this Mapo Tofu alone is enough to satisfy me."
"The noodles absorbed the sauce perfectly, and the addition of pork provided a great texture. This dish is a wonderful example of classic cooking done exceptionally well."
As he finished the dish, Gin couldn't help but praise it.
...
The translucent noodles, the minced meat—everything about the Mapo Tofu was infused with a gentle, warming power. The dish had a slight spiciness but was also rich and flavorful, making it a common favorite in many Chinese restaurants in Japan. However, Zane's version was exceptional, far surpassing anything Gin had tasted elsewhere.
"Impressive! This is a dish worthy of high praise!" Gin exclaimed, thoroughly enjoying the meal.
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