When a waitress came forward to clear the table, she was surprised to discover a note under the plate.
She hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do, then carefully picked up the note and hurried to the kitchen, handing it to the busy owner—the head chef of this restaurant.
"Boss, a customer left a note after finishing their meal."
At the kitchen door, the waitress hurriedly pushed the door open, holding the note high in her hand.
"A note? Read it to me," the owner said, lifting his head and tilting it towards the waitress with a slight frown.
He was tall, about 185 centimeters, with well-defined muscles on his arms, and was currently busy processing ingredients.
"A note? A review of the restaurant? Don't tell me it's another complaint that our flavors aren't authentic."
"It's possible. We've already received two this month, both from old regulars. I'm surprised we still have any old regulars left..."
The conversation between the two caught the attention of the other chefs in the kitchen. They didn't stop their work, but their peripheral vision was fixed on the note in the waitress's hand, waiting curiously.
"Your roast meat, the rose fragrance is too strong. The petals turn black after roasting, leaving a bitter aftertaste. This is not what good roast meat should be.
I suggest you marinate the rose petals in sugar to make a rose syrup, and use it to replace the sugar in the roast meat marinade, or mix it with the marinade to allow the fragrance to penetrate evenly.
Add the rose petals during the final stage of roasting to avoid them charring at high temperatures, which would make the dish bitter or cause the fragrance to dissipate and lose its character."
As the waitress read out the contents of the note, the previously noisy kitchen instantly fell silent. Everyone looked at the restaurant owner with a strange expression, waiting for his response.
This rose roast meat was the owner's pride and joy. Whether the customers were satisfied or not, he was. To be criticized like this, and to have someone write a note specifically telling him to improve, was undoubtedly a challenge!
"It's certainly a very constructive suggestion. It's ninety percent similar to something I thought of last week but haven't had the chance to try yet.
This is a rare opportunity, so let's try it now."
The owner smiled, paying no mind to the hidden challenge in the note. Instead, he took out sugar from under the counter, preparing to make improvements according to Dylan's method.
He was certainly a prideful man and had originally wanted to curse them out after hearing the note, but after hearing their method of improvement, he changed his mind, merely saving face by claiming he had also thought of this solution before.
Nowadays, the restaurant's business was getting worse and worse. Despite a promotional wave online that attracted a lot of traffic, it also brought a lot of negativity.
Everyone was saying the roast meat in his restaurant didn't taste authentic. Even if it barely reached the level of a first-grade dish, it was still an unqualified roast meat.
Thinking of this, the owner's gaze became more determined. He took a deep breath and began to try the new recipe step by step, following the suggestions on the note.
Perhaps this note was the turning point he had been desperately waiting for.
After leaving the roast meat shop, Dylan, led by Chuan Weihua, went to eat Seven-Star Fish Balls and Shacha Noodles.
The shop was located at the end of a remote alley. If Chuan Weihua hadn't led the way, Dylan and the others would never have found it.
Surprisingly, although the shop was in a remote alley, it was packed with customers.
The owner was a man in his seventies, constantly busy in the kitchen. The aroma was ceaseless, and customers had to queue up to get their own food, with a limit of one order per person.
After about half an hour in line.
Dylan finally got to eat the Shacha Noodles and Seven-Star Fish Balls, and was then surprised to discover that the seemingly unremarkable dishes had actually reached the level of Special Grade Four-Star.
After they had eaten and drunk their fill, as they were preparing to leave, Chuan Weihua explained.
Thirty years ago, the owner was a formidable chef in charge of the provincial government's banquets, specializing in the dish of Seven-Star Fish Balls. Even though his skills had declined a bit with age, his Seven-Star Fish Balls were still among the best in all of Fuzhou.
And such a formidable chef would be included in the Fuzhou Local Food Chronicle, which was updated annually and circulated only among the Special Grade Chefs of major families.
This was also to facilitate the travels of Special Grade Chefs, allowing them to taste the highest level of cuisine wherever they went.
"You guys go back first. I'm going to check out the seafood market next."
Coming out of the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, as the surrounding crowd thinned, Dylan suddenly stopped. Facing the questioning gazes from Erina Nakiri and the others, he spoke after a moment's pause.
"In that case, why don't we go together?"
"I heard that the Fujian Youth Chef Competition is happening these few days. Since I have nothing better to do, I'm planning to participate. As a coastal city, seafood will definitely be a major focus."
Hearing Dylan's words, Chuan Weihua hurriedly spoke up, her eyes shining with excitement. She had originally planned to make her move tomorrow, but now that he also wanted to go to the seafood market, she could conveniently go along.
This was a perfect chance to see how a Special Grade Seven-Star Chef actually selects ingredients. Was his method the same as hers? She could learn a great deal.
"That's fine. What about you all?"
"Then let's all go together."
Hearing Dylan's words, Erina Nakiri and Alice Nakiri glanced at each other, then spoke in unison. They weren't about to let Dylan and Chuan Weihua be alone, lest another spark of love ignite.
Although they didn't mind Dylan being a womanizer, and even thought that having a few more sisters to share the burden was a good thing, there had to be a limit!
If he fell for every girl he met, even if Dylan's love for them didn't change, his energy would be spread too thin, and that was something they absolutely would not allow!
Thinking of this, seeing Dylan walking ahead, Erina Nakiri and Alice Nakiri quickened their pace to follow. Before long, they arrived at the seafood market.
As a coastal city, Fuzhou's seafood production was exceptionally abundant, which also gave rise to many famous seafood dishes. Seven-Star Fish Balls, Dragon Body Phoenix Tail, Chicken Soup with Sea Clams, and Eight Treasure Red Crow Rice were all very famous.
It was worth noting that even though it was now evening, the market was still bustling. Residents walked back and forth, selecting their favorite seafood.
"The fishermen in Fuzhou are very particular. Even just before closing, they ensure the seafood's freshness. After all, the diners here are extremely discerning."
Dylan stopped in front of a stall, his gaze sweeping over the seafood in the stall's tanks, his fingers lightly stroking his chin.
"Indeed. The color and elasticity of this yellow croaker are excellent. It's suitable for steaming or dry-braising; it won't taste bad no matter how you cook it."
Erina Nakiri bent down to examine a very lively yellow croaker in the tank. She squeezed the fish's body with her fingers, feeling its surging vitality, a look of satisfaction flashing in her eyes.
"And these swimming crabs, every single one is full of roe and plump with meat. It's the most succulent time of the season. I feel like I could make a pot of spicy crab!"
Alice Nakiri, on the other hand, was drawn to the swimming crabs nearby. She reached out to gently poke a crab's shell, then hefted its weight, and spoke with a hint of longing.
"Speaking of crabs, I happen to know a dish that's perfectly suited for them."
Standing behind Alice Nakiri, Dylan's mind conjured an image from the Loulin Ship: the ultimate crab dish made by Lei En, the Golden Crab Shells.
"Speaking of which, the theme for the Fujian Youth Chef Competition seems to be related to crabs. It's said that this autumn's crabs are the best quality in a decade."
Chuan Weihua came over at some point, a mysterious look on her face, and then began to chat with them about the theme of the Fujian Youth Chef Competition.
"Crabs as the theme? Indeed. I also feel that this year's crabs are plumper than in previous years. Not just in Fuzhou, but in Japan as well."
Picking up a swimming crab, Dylan's voice carried a touch of sentiment.
It wasn't just Fuzhou; the crabs from Megumi Tadokoro's hometown were just as plump, especially the Hanasaki crabs, a specialty of the Hokkaido region. Since her hometown bordered a small part of that area, they had some production as well.
The meat of the Hanasaki crab is firm, fresh, and sweet, with a rich flavor. Although they are smaller, their leg meat is substantial, and their unique flavor makes them very popular.
"After all, they both share the same sea. A bountiful harvest would naturally be the same for both."
Chuan Weihua said as if it were a matter of course. Japan and Fujian were separated by only a sea. Although the distance was considerable, it didn't affect the abundance of sea crabs.
"Crab growth requires suitable water temperatures and a rich food source. Autumn is the peak period for marine life activity, and food like small fish, shrimp, shellfish, and algae is very abundant.
Crabs feed heavily in the autumn, accumulating fat and protein to store energy for the winter, which is why they become incredibly plump and delicious.
However, a situation like this year, where every single one is on par with the finest crabs of previous years, is truly rare. But it's a good thing."
Nodding, Dylan gently stroked the crab's belly, feeling the rich roe inside, and couldn't help but look up at the owner.
He had originally just planned to look, but the crabs here were so good, and with the theme of the Fujian Youth Chef Competition, it would be a pity not to buy some to take back.
"The customer has explained the life cycle of the crab so thoroughly, you must be a formidable chef. In that case, I'll sell them to you at a 20% discount."
The owner, catching his gaze, went into sales mode. Recalling the conversation he had just overheard, he put on a hearty smile and directly gave Dylan and the others a 20% discount.
"Then we won't haggle either. We'll take all of these. Later, help us deliver them to room 303 at the 'Jin San Yuan' Hotel."
Seeing the owner's generosity, and thinking about Ikumi Mito and the others back at the hotel, Dylan decided not to be stingy and bought the entire lot to take back.
Of course, they couldn't carry so many crabs themselves, so after paying the deposit and instructing the owner to deliver them to the Jin San Yuan Hotel, they left.
After that, the four of them bought some more seafood, then went to the vegetable market to buy some leftover vegetables before finally returning to the Jin San Yuan Hotel.
Since Chuan Weihua had told him the theme was likely crabs, Dylan definitely had to give Erina Nakiri and the others some special training.
Otherwise, if his apprentices were eliminated in the first round, wouldn't he become a laughingstock?
That was something he would absolutely not allow to happen!
Nine o'clock at night.
After eating and drinking their fill, the girls gradually returned to the hotel from outside, while Dylan was resting in his room.
"Master Dylan, did you call for us?"
Hurriedly pushing open the room door, Megumi Tadokoro was slightly out of breath.
Behind her were Yūki Yoshino and Ryōko Sakaki. The three of them had run to his room, speculating the whole way about why Dylan had summoned them.
"Ah, you're here. We were just waiting for you."
Alice Nakiri stood with her hands behind her back, smiling at the three newcomers. In the room, the girls had each found a spot, some chatting, some resting with their eyes closed, and one was even teasing a crab.
"Yes. Let me tell you all why I called you over.
See the cages over there? Those are swimming crabs I just bought from the seafood market. This year's crabs are growing very well, the best in a decade. The theme for the selection trials is very likely to be crabs.
Megumi, Erina, Alice, and Hisako, you are the stars tonight.
The four of you will each use the crabs before you to create a dish. I will then use that dish to analyze and explain in detail the problems you currently have.
Anyone else who wants to try can give it a shot. I've bought plenty of ingredients, so don't worry about them running out. After you take your ingredients, cook in your own rooms, and I'll come by to critique each of you afterward."
The Fujian Youth Chef Competition was the day after tomorrow. Time was relatively tight, so Dylan was even making use of the evening hours.
"Understood."
"Alright, I'll start right away."
With a chorus of replies, Megumi Tadokoro was the first to start picking out crabs. She quickly entered her cooking state, her eyes filled with seriousness.
Hisako Arato and Alice Nakiri were a step behind her, but they also quickly went to the cages to select suitable crabs.
Erina Nakiri wasn't in a rush; instead, she went to Dylan's side and asked, "As long as the dish is related to crabs, can I make anything I want?"
"Mhm, you can make anything you like, but it has to be a dish where crab is the main ingredient, not just a flavoring."
Hearing Erina Nakiri's question, Dylan nodded, not placing too many restrictions on the type of dish.
"I understand. I already know what I want to make, but I'm missing some ingredients. I'll start after I call someone to deliver them."
Having received confirmation, Erina Nakiri immediately took out her phone and made a call, getting the Nakiri family's procurement department, which had arrived in China ahead of time, to swing into action.
"I'll head back to my room then. My family specifically sent a molecular gastronomy machine to my room. I'm going to make a molecular dish this time."
After selecting a few plump swimming crabs, Alice Nakiri said a word to Dylan, then left his room and walked straight to her own.
"As for me, I have pretty much all the ingredients I need. I can start now."
Watching Erina Nakiri on the phone and Alice Nakiri grabbing her crabs and heading to her room, Megumi Tadokoro and Hisako were much simpler, using whatever ingredients were available on the spot.
"I'll just make a simple Swimming Crab Miso Hot Pot."
"Goji berries, astragalus, red dates... hmm, the ingredients for making a crab meat claypot are all here."
As they spoke, the two began to work. After ending her call, Erina Nakiri also came forward to process the crabs, so that she could start cooking immediately once her ingredients arrived.
Seeing that the seeded contestants had made their choices, the other girls also came forward, picked out a few crabs, grabbed some vegetables, and then returned to their own rooms to cook.
_____
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