"Flowing Light Cuisine… This might be the only chance in my lifetime to taste a dish of this level!"
Hearing Madame Xianglan's words, the three judges on site finally came to their senses. Feeling the fragrance wafting through the air, their faces revealed expressions of longing.
Because the ingredients were only fruit, the air was filled with a rich, fruity aroma, along with a bright touch of sweet and sour, making one feel uncontrollably excited.
"May we have a taste?"
The old man looked at the dish before him and swallowed. Although his heart was filled with extreme desire, he still raised his head and cautiously asked Dylan.
"This was made for you to eat in the first place, so of course you can."
Dylan spread his hands, telling them to taste it quickly before the sauce cooled. Ever since they learned he was a Seven-Star Special Chef, the change in these people's attitudes was a bit too drastic, wasn't it!?
Is the status of a Seven-Star Special Chef really that high…
Ripples stirred in Dylan's heart, but he maintained a calm expression on his face, then pushed the dish forward slightly, completely displaying it before the three of them.
Although the surrounding contestants were equally eager, wishing they could rush forward and snatch the dish away.
But they were, after all, first-class chefs, and knowing the importance of this competition, they all forcibly restrained themselves, not rushing up and making a scene, to avoid leaving a bad impression on the judges.
Of course, this was mainly because the main ingredient of this dish was fruit, so its aroma wasn't overly intense. Had it been other ingredients, they would have swarmed it long ago!
Even though it was a competition, even knowing that rushing up would lose them a lot of impression points. But in the face of Flowing Light Cuisine, all beings are equal.
"But this dish is truly exquisite. If I hadn't seen just now that there was no fish on the cooking station, I never would have imagined this was cooked with fruit!"
The middle-aged man couldn't help but sigh. A good chef isn't necessarily a master carver, but a master carver is usually a good chef. From this, one could already see the clues.
"I wonder what it will taste like…"
Madame Xianglan was the first to extend her chopsticks, picking up a piece of the Fruit Squirrel Fish and putting it directly into her mouth, closing her eyes at the same time to carefully savor its flavor.
"The sourness of the orange and lemon and the sweetness of the honey have reached a perfect balance after being stir-fried and blended. It's neither too sweet nor overly sour, a refreshing taste experience!"
The sweet and sour taste on the tip of her tongue made Madame Xianglan let out a soft moan. She began to praise it eloquently, her face filled with incomparable satisfaction.
"The fruity aromas of the pineapple, green apple, and cantaloupe progress in layers. It has both the passion of tropical fruits and the freshness of temperate fruits."
The middle-aged man crossed his arms and gripped his shoulders tightly, his five fingers digging deep into his muscles, his face showing a suppressed and restrained emotion. The rich flavors made it difficult for him to control himself!
"The cantaloupe's texture is delicate and soft, melting in the mouth, simulating the tender mouthfeel of fish. The pineapple's fiber is just right, providing a chewiness similar to fried fish, while its sweet and sour pulp blends perfectly with the sauce. The sauce's thickness is just right, coating the surface of the fruit, bringing a warm sense of satisfaction upon entering the mouth."
The combination of these flavors is almost indistinguishable from real squirrel fish. And because it's all made with fruit, it naturally carries a rich, fruity fragrance!
The old man stated his conclusion, his face full of amazement. It was hard to imagine that the squirrel fish before him was made entirely from fruit!
"What an incredible dish! Fruit Squirrel Fish… taking several fruits that are theoretically impossible to make into squirrel fish and creating the taste of squirrel fish!"
Madame Xianglan's face was very red, it was unclear if it was due to the deliciousness of the dish or because the Leader was in front of her. At this moment, even her gaze had become somewhat dazed.
"It's more than incredible, it's a simply subversive dish! Before tasting it, who could have imagined that this squirrel fish was actually made with fruit, and was so delicious!"
The only old man among the judges was also somewhat lost in thought. When he came back to his senses, he looked at the Fruit Squirrel Fish before him and praised it without reservation.
"The flavor would be even better if it were chilled. After all, the ingredients used are all fruits. If needed, you can also put it in the refrigerator and eat it as a cold dessert."
Seeing the few of them scrambling to quickly finish the Fruit Squirrel Fish, Dylan finally spoke up helplessly.
How did they finish it in less than a minute… Can't you be a little more civilized!
Not all fruits are suitable to be enjoyed as a hot dish. Treating this Fruit Squirrel Fish as a cold dessert would undoubtedly be more appropriate.
It was just that because the few of them were in a hurry, they didn't even wait for Dylan to say this before clearing the dish in the blink of an eye.
"What a pity, it's already finished…"
Hearing Dylan's words, the middle-aged man's hand paused. Looking at the plate before him, which only had some sauce left, a look of regret appeared on his face.
"Such a shame…"
Madame Xianglan felt the same. It was already so delicious when hot. If, as Dylan said, the temperature was lowered and it became a cold dessert, just how delicious would it be?!
"Sir, please come with me. I'll take you to see the President of the Fujian Chefs' Federation."
Seeing that the dish had been finished, the old man looked at Dylan and made a gesture of invitation with his hand, preparing to take him to see the president.
"Alright, lead the way."
Dylan did not refuse. After his identity was revealed, it was no longer appropriate for him to remain in the contestant area. It would be better to leave and go have tea with the federation president.
Compared to the Guangdong Chefs' Federation's four Heavenly Kings, the Fujian Chefs' Association is divided into one President, two Vice Presidents, and below them, eight Hall Masters, with each Hall Master specializing in a different field.
Although the naming of the 'Halls' is a bit playful, each Hall Master is a genuine Five-Star Special Chef, following a master-disciple inheritance system.
The two Vice Presidents are veteran Six-Star Special Chefs, and the President is Fujian's only public Seven-Star Special Chef, with a great reputation in the country.
Only an existence like this is qualified to sit and discuss culinary arts with Dylan!
Passing through the competition venue, the two arrived at a simple courtyard where a chubby old man was sweeping. Seeing someone approach, he immediately narrowed his eyes.
"Xuan Qing, is this that young Seven-Star Special Chef? Are you sure you're not mistaken? The intel said he was young, but isn't this a bit too young!"
"That's right, he is Dylan. I saw him create a Flowing Light dish with my own eyes, without a single trace of falsehood. The youngest Seven-Star Special Chef in China!"
His gaze swept back and forth over Dylan. Although he already knew his age, the shock of meeting him in person still struck him to the core.
The other party was about the same age as his great-grandson, yet he could surprisingly create a dish of the same level as his own. How could this not astonish him!
"Truly, heroes emerge from the young! To think that in my lifetime, I would see a twenty-year-old youth become a Seven-Star Special Chef. It makes me wonder if I'm dreaming."
His gaze swept back and forth over Dylan. Seeing his calm and unperturbed expression, only offering a faint smile, Jin Dafu couldn't help but nod to himself.
Putting everything else aside, just this calm, composed, and effortless demeanor was enough to make one feel that only a truly skilled chef could exude such a unique aura.
"Senior Jin, you praise me too much," Dylan said very humbly. "This junior was merely fortunate enough to achieve a little something; I really don't deserve to be called a 'hero.' Your accomplishments and prestige in the culinary world, Senior, are what we of the younger generation should aspire to."
Dylan spoke with great humility, not forgetting to engage in some commercial flattery, which made Jin Dafu burst out laughing.
"I like what you're saying, kid, but I'm not flattering you, I'm being sincere. Don't be too modest, you have every right to be proud!"
Faced with Dylan's attitude, Jin Dafu felt even more appreciative.
Not arrogant, not rash, even with such strength at this age, he always maintained a humble attitude. This was extremely rare.
Putting himself in Dylan's shoes, if he had achieved such accomplishments at Dylan's age, his nose would probably have been in the air long ago. And no one could have told him otherwise!
After all, a Seven-Star Special Chef already stands at the pinnacle of the culinary world's pyramid. Apart from the extremely rare Eight-Star chefs, they have no rivals!
"It's not modesty, I just feel I still have a lot to learn."
"I heard that your skills in the field of black pork cuisine are the best. I was wondering if I could ask you for some advice regarding black pork dishes?"
Dylan had inquired before coming. Jin Dafu, the President of the Fujian Chefs' Association, was extremely skilled in meat dishes, with black pork being his greatest strength.
And recently, he had become interested in black pork. Compared to regular pork, its meat is more tender and its flavor is richer.
"Black pork cuisine? You've come to the right person! Of all the meats in the world, my favorite to eat is black pork!"
"Let me tell you a few of its advantages for now. Black pork's fat is evenly distributed, and its meat is firm yet elastic. Its mouthfeel is more tender than regular pork."
"Furthermore, due to the longer growth cycle of black pigs, more flavor substances accumulate in the meat. When cooked, the aroma is overwhelming and the taste is rich and mellow."
Seeing Dylan ask about his area of expertise, Jin Dafu immediately pulled him to sit on a stone bench in the courtyard and personally poured him a cup of hot tea.
And the old man who was earlier called Xuan Qing just glanced enviously at the teapot a few times before leaving. He still had to serve as a judge.
"According to the advantages you mentioned, black pork would be very suitable for dishes like meat buns and char siu…"
Dylan stroked his chin, quickly constructing dishes in his mind. From this perspective, some dishes that highlight the original flavor of the meat itself would be very suitable for black pork.
"Have some tea."
In response to Dylan's words, Jin Dafu just smiled, placed the teacup filled three-quarters full in front of him, and gestured for him to drink.
"This must be the so-called Wuyi Rock Tea. The leaf tips are twisted, like the head of a dragonfly, the color is iron-green with a brown, oily sheen, and the inner quality is lively, sweet, clear, and fragrant…"
Looking at the tea leaves in the pot, and then at the Wuyi Rock Tea before him, if there were no surprises, the tea steeped inside should be Da Hong Pao.
Because the Rock Tea brewed with Da Hong Pao has a bright orange-yellow color, a rich and complex aroma, with floral, fruity, and unique mineral notes.
"Does little brother Dylan also enjoy tasting tea?"
Jin Dafu looked at Dylan with some surprise, seemingly not expecting someone so young to be so knowledgeable about tea. After all, young people nowadays don't like to drink tea, preferring Western coffee. But upon remembering that the other party was a Seven-Star Special Chef, everything made sense again.
There's no such thing as a great chef who doesn't like to drink tea.
"With such a distinct 'rock bone and floral fragrance,' it's the finest among oolong teas. It would be hard not to notice."
Dylan smiled and shook his head, then picked up the teacup before him and took a sip of the tea inside.
A region's environment nurtures its people, and tea, in some respects, can also reflect a region's character.
"The taste is mellow upon entry, with a strong, sweet aftertaste and a long-lasting throat rhyme, as if one can feel the weight of the Wuyi Mountains' rocks and the spiritual energy of nature…"
Feeling the delicate flavor on the tip of his tongue, Dylan's brow relaxed, and an expression of enjoyment appeared on his face.
"This tea was from the first harvest this April. The quality is also the best of its batch. Only three jin and six liang were produced, and I shamelessly asked for six liang."
Hearing Dylan's evaluation, Jin Dafu laughed heartily, feeling very proud. He then also picked up his cup and took a sip.
"Speaking of which, why did you come to Fujian? It can't be just to participate in a youth chef competition. That kind of competition should be meaningless for you, right?"
Putting down the teacup, Jin Dafu's expression suddenly became serious as he inquired about Dylan's purpose for being here.
"I brought my students here. They've always stayed in a small place and haven't seen many skilled chefs. I thought I'd take this opportunity to give them some pressure."
Faced with a question that was almost an accusation, Dylan wasn't annoyed, but simply explained his reason for coming. There was nothing to hide.
"Students? During the time you were away from China, I heard you went to Japan's Totsuki Academy. No wonder there are a few Japanese contestants this time."
Hearing Dylan's words, and connecting them to his one-year disappearance and the rumors among high-level chefs, Jin Dafu showed an expression of sudden realization.
"That's right. Mainly because my fiancée is still there, so I had to go take care of her. I wasn't at ease leaving her alone at Totsuki."
"A fiancée? Nurturing her from a young age? Are young people nowadays planning marriage so early…"
Learning Dylan's purpose, Jin Dafu breathed a sigh of relief. Having a young powerhouse of the same level suddenly appear in his territory really put a lot of pressure on him!
As long as he wasn't here to stir up trouble, anything else was fine. He was getting old and couldn't handle too much excitement.
Unfortunately, his disciple had a car accident some years ago and couldn't be saved. A generational prodigy of a Special Chef died an unnatural death, and his grand-disciple had not yet matured.
If not for that, he would have retired long ago. Why would he cling to the position of president, doing thankless work every day.
"If you're just here for the competition, then Fujian welcomes you. I hope you can achieve good results."
"Don't worry, my students are not weak."
"My grand-disciple will also be participating in this competition. We'll have to have a good match then."
Thinking of his grand-disciple, the person who would take up his mantle in the future, a smile appeared on Jin Dafu's face.
"There will definitely be a chance!"
Dylan also smiled, raised his teacup, and took a sip, carefully savoring the flavor. He was very confident in Alice Nakiri's strength.
The current Alice Nakiri could even hold her own against a Three-Star Special Chef!
This Fujian Youth Chef Competition is the perfect opportunity for her transformation!
_____
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