"Finished, imperial dish Steamed Bear Paw, please enjoy."
Placing the freshly steamed bear paw on the dining table, Hoshino Sora wore a simple smile, then stood by to await the evaluation, which was the proper etiquette for a chef.
"Magnificent! The unique flavor of the bear paw has been perfectly preserved, full of wildness, and an intoxicating aroma!
The combination of bamboo shoots and mushrooms adds several more layers of umami, paired with the broth simmered for a long time from chicken and duck bones. These various levels of umami concentrated together truly make it worthy of being a Chinese imperial dish!"
One bite of Steamed Bear Paw is better than being an immortal!
His entire body tensed, muscles bulging, and an indescribable aura emanated from him. The tender bear meat 'burst' open in his mouth, and endless flavors spread throughout his oral cavity!
A wonderful sensation! Dojima Gin's eyebrows twitched slightly. Without adding any MSG or chicken essence, using only the most essential flavors of the ingredients to enhance the umami, the resulting taste and texture were completely different!
Simply put, dishes that use ingredients to enhance umami have richer flavors. For ordinary people, there might not be much difference, but for those who know how to eat, the difference is huge!
First is the layering. Dishes seasoned only with MSG taste very monotonous, with only one layer.
However, dishes made with chicken and duck for umami can reveal the inherent umami of the chicken and duck themselves, plus the fresh umami of bamboo shoots and mushrooms, forming incredibly complex layers!
This feeling was like a exquisitely woven basket, solid and without a single flaw, perfectly presenting the delicate and delicious bear meat dish!
"Very good. Compared to the Steamed Bear Paw I tasted at a banquet ten years ago, your Steamed Bear Paw is undoubtedly more complete!"
Closing his eyes and savoring the deliciousness brought by the dish, Dojima Gin gave a very high evaluation.
To be able to make Steamed Bear Paw to such a degree, it's hard to imagine that this is something someone who had not even touched bear meat two days ago, and had no understanding of it, could achieve!
Truly a genius!
"As long as you're satisfied, then have I passed the assessment?"
Looking at Dojima Gin, who was eating heartily in front of him, Hoshino Sora's expression remained unchanged as he gently asked a question, but he did not receive an answer from the other party, only a thumbs up.
After a while.
"As expected of the current Ten Elite First Seat's cooking, assessment passed!"
Although it wasn't an original dish, being able to elevate a dish created by an old senior to such a degree was also a very impressive feat!
The dish had no flaws in terms of taste or appearance. It was no exaggeration to say that it was the pinnacle of the Steamed Bear Paw dish!
"You flatter me."
Hoshino Sora nodded with a wry smile, not out of excessive humility, but because it was the truth.
Despite researching Steamed Bear Paw for two days and two nights, Hoshino Sora still hadn't managed to make this dish, which only a few people knew how to prepare, reach the golden level. This undoubtedly indicated that his skill and mastery were still insufficient.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Hoshino Sora pushed open the door and walked out, scanning the door numbers outside, and finally arrived at Tadokoro Megumi's assessment room.
Yesterday, he had promised her that they would have dinner together after the assessment, and now it was time to fulfill that promise.
He gently opened the door to the kitchen, Hoshino Sora did not disturb her, turning to stand silently at the doorway, watching Tadokoro Megumi working diligently at the cooking counter.
Kojiro Shinomiya obviously noticed Hoshino Sora's arrival, but he also didn't speak, merely standing with his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on Tadokoro Megumi.
What about Tadokoro Megumi?
At this moment, she was making Xingye Restaurant's signature dish, French Waterless Vegetables, meaning cooking a dish without adding a single drop of water, in order to perfectly showcase the inherent charm of the vegetables.
Remove the stems from the cabbage and cut it into wide strips, peel and cut the daikon and carrots into strips, roughly the thickness of a pinky finger.
After washing the mushrooms to remove dirt, remove the stems, and cut the tops into four pieces with a cross incision. Then take French sausages and cut a one-word flower pattern on both sides, cutting deep but not through.
Looking at Tadokoro Megumi's skilled movements, Hoshino Sora's face was filled with relief. This was her most Specialties dish, one she had practiced countless times to cater to customer preferences.
Cut the secret bacon into wide strips, then chop half an onion. The chopped onion must cover the bottom of the pot to prevent other ingredients from sticking and to enhance the flavor of the dish.
It must be said, these details are truly meticulous.
Heat a small pot with olive oil, then pour in the onion and spread it evenly. Layer in unpeeled potatoes, carrot strips, daikon strips, mushroom pieces, large cabbage strips, the sausage with the flower pattern, and bacon.
Once all the ingredients are arranged, add a little sea salt and black pepper for seasoning, finally place a bay leaf on top, cover with a lid, and simmer on low heat for about 40 minutes.
"Phew, you're here, Hoshino-kun."
Only after everything was prepared did Tadokoro Megumi notice Hoshino Sora standing at the doorway. She immediately wiped her hands clean with a towel and walked over to greet him.
And Hoshino Sora also walked up as Tadokoro Megumi greeted him, coming to stand in front of Kojiro Shinomiya and Tadokoro Megumi.
"Congratulations on becoming Far Moon's First Seat, Hoshino-kun."
Apparently, Kojiro Shinomiya had learned of Hoshino Sora becoming Far Moon's First Seat from somewhere. Seeing the other party approach him, he politely greeted him.
Far Moon's First Seat, no matter where it was, was an impressive identity, especially in the culinary world. Even Kojiro Shinomiya would show some respect.
After all, if you can be friends, no one would choose to be enemies.
Especially since Hoshino Sora was an outstanding individual who became an Elite Ten First Seat in his first year, his potential was naturally beyond words. Describing him as a once-in-a-millennium genius would not be an exaggeration.
"You flatter me, I was just lucky."
Hearing Kojiro Shinomiya's praise, Hoshino Sora humbly replied as usual.
"Tadokoro's skills have improved significantly under your guidance."
Upon hearing the reply and looking at the tall, handsome man in front of him, Kojiro Shinomiya turned to Tadokoro Megumi and said, with a hint of meaning in his words. From her recent actions, it was clear she had made significant progress after the practical training.
Even though she only made a very common French waterless vegetable dish, cooking is something where even the same dish, made by different people, will have completely different results.
The order of adding ingredients, the placement of ingredients.
It might seem like they can be placed anywhere, but there are deep intricacies involved. Proper placement and attention to detail can make the dish taste even more delicious.
These details can never be learned through verbal instruction alone; they are a skill that can only be mastered through subtle immersion and extensive practice.
"It's all thanks to Shinomiya-senpai's excellent guidance."
"Stop complimenting each other. Since you're here, you must have completed your assessment, right? Then sit down and try Tadokoro's dish with us."
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