On the second day, in the Central Area, the Spicy Sichuan Cuisine Restaurant secured second place with an absolute advantage, with only a small gap remaining from first place.
Soma Yukihira's Chinese Stall's ranking slightly increased, currently reaching 36th place (out of 40), barely breaking even.
After the broadcast ended, Hoshino Sora closed the restaurant door.
He chose not to return with Alice and the others, but instead stayed behind alone in the kitchen to ponder.
The so-called ultimate dish must be one that makes customers feel happy, and its taste must also reflect the chef's personal style, so that others know it's your dish the moment they taste it for it to be considered a success.
In addition, one must also consider the target audience and portion size, as his restaurant was located in the Central Area, with a diverse customer base and varying taste preferences.
Simply put, if one were to run a common small restaurant with the same set of practices as a high-end restaurant, that common small restaurant would surely go out of business before long.
It might not go out of business, but business would certainly be poor.
Even an invincible ultimate dish must consider these factors.
After all, the Moon Feast Festival is not a competition where judges are guaranteed to taste your dish. There are too many variables. If the dish doesn't reach the diners' mouths, everything is futile.
No, I have no clue at all!
To create a non-spicy Sichuan Cuisine from scratch is a bit too difficult for Hoshino Sora at the moment.
Forget it, in this situation, it's better to think about how to improve work efficiency. As long as the efficiency is higher than Kuga Restaurant next door, their turnover can easily surpass them tomorrow!
However...
Looking at the freshly printed Far Moon newspaper in his hand, Hoshino Sora's brows furrowed. The first place in the Gaotai Area was still "Dark Cuisine," and it had already opened up a gap of more than double the second-place Akikubo Momo.
This was undoubtedly incredible.
It must be known that most of the Totsuki Ten Elite are in the Far Moon Gaotai Area, enjoying extremely high prestige both inside and outside Far Moon, and customers in the Gaotai Area mostly come for them.
Under such circumstances, Dark Cuisine being able to lead the Totsuki Ten Elite by more than double in sales is undoubtedly incredible, even more absurd than a beggar suddenly becoming richer than the wealthiest person.
What kind of dish could achieve such an effect...
Such a question arose in his mind. Hoshino Sora left the restaurant and headed towards the so-called High Platform Area. After crossing a road, the huge difference between the poor and rich areas made the young man's body tremble.
The area was bustling with activity, every person dressed in formal attire, clearly adopting the mannerisms of high society. Compared to the Central Area, which gradually closed after 6 PM, the High Platform Area was just entering its operating state at night.
"Tsk... every store feels so expensive." Walking alone in the High Platform Area, Hoshino Sora's expression was subtle as he looked at the scene before him. For some reason, he felt out of place here, with a strange sense of detachment.
"That's... Erina's restaurant." He scanned his surroundings, searching, but unfortunately, he couldn't find the so-called Dark Cuisine. Instead, he discovered Erina Nakiri's restaurant, with the words "Eri Nai" on the sign particularly dazzling.
"Excuse me, customer, you didn't make a reservation... Hoshino-kun? Is there something you need here?" Hisako Arato's expression was somewhat surprised as she saw Hoshino Sora appear at the entrance.
"I'm not eating, I just came to say hello to you all." He waved his hand awkwardly. At this time, Erina Nakiri's restaurant was full of customers, tables laden with delicious food, and waiters bustling back and forth, appearing incredibly busy.
Moreover, in this environment, only one set of tables and chairs was left, placed in the corner of the restaurant, impeccably clean, but never used by customers.
Hoshino Sora knew that it was specially reserved by Erina Nakiri for Saiba Joichiro. This guy, like her father, greatly admired Soma Yukihira's father.
"I see, then I'll go call Erina-sama."
"No need. You seem very busy with so many customers. I just came to ask you something. Do you know where the 'Dark Cuisine' restaurant in the Gaotai Area is?"
"I haven't specifically looked into it, but I once heard a customer mention that the restaurant seems to be in a small alley. It's truly impressive that it can attract so many customers in such a place!" Hisako Arato's eyes showed a hint of admiration. Being able to attract so many customers in a secluded alley undoubtedly proved the strength of Dark Cuisine, absolutely unfathomable!
"In a small alley, got it." Having obtained useful key information, Hoshino Sora left without disturbing Erina, who was working in the kitchen. Compared to the Central Area, the High Platform Area was relatively smaller, and he could explore it all in less than half an hour.
Looking at the long queue outside the alley, Hoshino Sora silently walked to the end of the line. An hour later, he reached the front of the queue and was invited into the restaurant by the greeter.
"Come this way." The dining area was a private room. Although the room was small, it was very clean. The waiter left directly after bringing him in.
"Huh? Where's the menu...? Do I not need to order?" Just as Hoshino Sora was wondering why the waiter hadn't given him a menu, a dish was served.
"This dish is complimentary. If our dishes suit your taste, you may stay here, and we will continue to serve you. The price of each dish will be noted behind the plate. If you find the price unsuitable, you can choose not to eat and leave directly. Afterwards, a dedicated staff member will clear the table." After placing the dish in front of Hoshino Sora, the staff member left directly. Hoshino Sora was just bewildered. What kind of new business strategy was this?
It should be known that the people who came here were all from high society; it was impossible for them not to afford a meal. Was it an inverse psychological trick? Saying that they could leave if they didn't have money would make them too embarrassed to leave instead.
PUA method?
Hoshino Sora's thoughts were complicated, but if it was just like this, it was unlikely that this restaurant would have so many people. So, there was only one truth: the problem lay with the dishes.
What kind of dishes could keep so many customers?
This question once again appeared in Hoshino Sora's mind, so he picked up his chopsticks. In front of him was a dish of strange-flavored chicken slices, made with chicken breast and seasonings.
It was a very classic Sichuan Cuisine appetizer.
The first bite was incredibly tender, followed by a numbing, spicy, and sour sensation. Various flavors converged on this small piece of chicken, providing an extremely high level of taste enjoyment.
"Was this cooked by simmering in water?"
The portion of the dish was very small, only five slices, but as an appetizer, it was already enough. To make chicken breast so tender, it must have used the cooking method of white-cut chicken.
Heated, simmered in water.
A very good dish.
"Sir, this is the second dish of today's set meal, Stir-fried Dual Crisps."
Chinese meal service does not have a strict order. Of course, skilled Master Chefs will arrange the order of dishes, but it was clear that this restaurant did not have a particularly skilled Master Chef.
Although every dish was very delicious, they could not be connected. The taste of one dish could not enhance the next.
A classic successful example here is soy milk and fried dough sticks.
This was not a set meal; it was simply one dish after another brought to the table, nothing more.
But even so, the deliciousness of the dishes themselves made it impossible to stop. The flavors created by exquisite cooking techniques were enough to compensate for the lack of rhythm.
No wonder there were so many customers here. This level of cooking had already surpassed ordinary students, and even some of the Totsuki Ten Elite. Every detail was handled just right.
A very classic taste.
With a satisfied smile on his face, Hoshino Sora welcomed the increasing number of dishes. Anyway, before coming, he had already exchanged enough song tickets, enough for him to eat to his heart's content.
"Stir-fried Prawns, this color, it's amazing!"
While marveling, he tasted the delicious dishes. The portion of each dish was very small. If it were a restaurant in China, it would be beaten to death, but here, it seemed just right.
Because it had to adapt to the high society here: exquisite plating, small portions, and high prices.
To put it in a high-EQ way, it was to reduce the portion size to give customers the opportunity to taste a variety of dishes.
To put it in a low-EQ way, it was stinginess.
However, to be fair, the gap was truly obvious when mature Chinese Cuisine directly confronted Western Cuisine in the Gaotai Area. It's not that Western Cuisine was bad, but he personally preferred Chinese Cuisine more.
From taste to texture, he felt that Chinese Cuisine was invincible.
He entered in the evening and left in the early morning. As the last customer to leave, Hoshino Sora tasted all the dishes in this restaurant.
His body also glowed faintly as a result, which was proof that his Chef's Heart and Gourmet Cell were digesting the dishes, and also the real reason he insisted on tasting all the dishes.
Learning by observation.
Then he came to two conclusions.
First, the Master Chefs of this restaurant cooked whatever they were interested in, with no discernible pattern whatsoever.
Second, this restaurant was very likely opened by Chinese people. So far, it was 80% similar to his guess. It must be said that this was a dangerous sign.
"You guys go to sleep first, I'm going back to Yōbi Dormitory today."
Hanging up the phone, Hoshino Sora was about to leave when he was stopped by a thin man.
His expression hardened, Hoshino Sora put his phone in his pocket, and his fist clenched slightly, but quickly relaxed again.
"Is there something you need from me, sir?"
Many titles flashed through his mind, but none seemed appropriate. Hoshino Sora was silent for a moment, then finally looked at the man in front of him and spoke with a calm expression.
He was unfamiliar with this person, a completely new face, but the other party exuded a unique aura that made him feel that he was not ordinary.
"How do you find the taste of our restaurant's dishes?"
Looking at the elegant young man in front of him, Lixin asked with a smile.
"Your dishes?" Hoshino Sora asked back, feigning ignorance.
"It's the dishes from 'Dark Cuisine'."
"It's pretty good in Neon. No wonder it can attract so many customers. The taste is classic but too rigid. For me, it's just average, not particularly amazing."
Understanding in his heart, Hoshino Sora evaluated rationally. These dishes were naturally very delicious, but they lacked distinctiveness.
Taking Master Mao's Sichuan Cuisine dishes as an example, although they used very traditional methods, he incorporated his own improvements. This not only made the taste better but also gave it a strong personal style.
Making people know it was his cooking with just one taste.
Innovation.
That's right, that's it!
Although the dishes in this restaurant were incredibly delicious, they lacked innovation, severely lacked innovation!
"Average, you say? It seems your taste is quite discerning, then why did you eat at our place until early morning?"
Hearing Hoshino Sora's words, Lixin's smile faltered, then he said with a forced smile. He had originally come out to ask for feedback because the other party spent a lot, but he didn't expect to get such an answer.
It was subtly annoying.
"Because I wanted to see if you had any dishes that would surprise me, but clearly, I was a bit disappointed."
Facing Lixin's questioning, Hoshino Sora said indifferently. To put it harshly, he could reach the level of these dishes if he was willing to learn for three or four days.
The difficulty in cooking is not replication, but innovation.
Yes, innovation!
In that golden-level Boiled Fish, there were spices he had never seen or heard of, and those spices didn't exist in any cookbooks either.
This was undoubtedly a brand new field, a field unknown to outsiders.
He had once asked Mao Jinyu about this, but the other party simply brushed him off with a phrase about trade secrets.
Hoshino Sora had a premonition that the secret of the golden level might lie in those spices...
Or perhaps, sufficient innovation?!
"If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving."
Hoshino Sora thought, then looked up and said, not bothering to indulge Lixin, and left directly.
Lixin stepped aside, but his eyes were cold as he stared at Hoshino Sora's back, deep in thought.
At this time, all the restaurants in the Gaotai Area had closed, and there were few people on the streets. Hoshino Sora quickly left and headed towards Yōbi Dormitory.
After last night's madness, Hoshino Sora knew that he couldn't stay with those women, otherwise, he would definitely make mistakes.
"Oh, right."
Replying to messages on his phone, Hoshino Sora suddenly noticed a familiar name among his contacts.
Xiang Ling.
[Far Moon is holding the Moon Feast Festival. If you're free, could you come and help me? I'll pay you for your work]
When you need help, you ask for help. Hoshino Sora had no special reservations in this regard. He only knew that he had to win and do his best to get the mission rewards!
If it was the Spice Inequality, would he then know the spices Master Mao used that day?
Sending the text message, he put his phone in his pocket, and Hoshino Sora headed towards Yōbi Dormitory.
——
Third day.
Dozens of tables and chairs appeared outside the Spicy Sichuan Cuisine Restaurant. Xiang Ling was invited to Hoshino Sora's kitchen and was given a cooking station, and a new round of trials began.
"Can someone tell me why all my customers went over there?"
"Sorry, Master Chef, I... we don't know what happened either."
Looking at the Spicy Sichuan Cuisine Restaurant, which was full of customers outside and inside, Kuga Terunori's expression was puzzled. More than half of his customers had been taken away!
Hearing his voice, his bald apprentice beside him immediately stroked his head and said nervously, but they really didn't know what happened!
That restaurant was attracting their customers at an astonishing speed, and in an instant, it had lured away the customers who were originally queuing at their restaurant...
"Delicious! This Spicy Sichuan Cuisine is truly suitable for all ages, especially this Camphor Tea Sesame Duck Fillet. It's too fragrant! One bite after another, I just can't stop!"
"Please rest here. Just call me when you've decided what you want to eat."
Shiina Mahiru gently helped the old man to a seat and said patiently. This service attitude was in stark contrast to Kuga Restaurant next door, which started rushing people out after twenty minutes.
In terms of taste, there was no qualitative difference between the two restaurants.
Of course, Kuga Restaurant was still fully seated, but there were noticeably fewer customers waiting in line. Its momentum also seemed less strong than on the first day, like a sick tiger.
On the other side, Yukihira Soma's stall was surrounded by people. His pepper cakes and zai zai noodles were widely praised, and his sales had truly turned a profit. However, with this trend, he would definitely not be able to win against Kuga Terunori.
The strength of one person was still too weak...
Looking at the crowded Spicy Sichuan Cuisine Restaurant, Yukihira Soma's eyes showed a hint of envy. If he had so many helpers, he would probably have surpassed Kuga Restaurant long ago.
Unfortunately, he was alone...
"It seems you're in a tough battle, I can barely watch it anymore, Soma Yukihira."
As he was thinking this, a thin figure appeared behind him, and at the same time, a familiar voice came from his ear.
"Takumi, what are you doing here? Where's your stall?"
His expression revealed a hint of surprise. Looking at the Aldini brothers who appeared in front of his stall, Yukihira Soma couldn't help but ask curiously.
"I left it to the other classmates in the class. If you absolutely need my help, I'm not unable to lend you a hand."
"Ah, I'll help you cook the noodles."
Isami said this while holding the noodle strainer, and this action directly interrupted Takumi's 'spellcasting,' putting him in an awkward situation.
"Hey, wait, Isami!
Listen, Soma Yukihira, you challenged Kuga Terunori. If you don't accomplish anything and lose so disgracefully, I won't forgive you."
Stepping forward, Takumi looked at Yukihira Soma, whose face seemed a bit dejected, and said with cold eyes. He didn't want to see this guy lose so disgracefully.
"Ah, Soma Yukihira has started too."
Taking a brief break from the restaurant, Hoshino Sora looked at the Kuga Restaurant, which was clearly losing ground, and Yukihira Soma, who was just starting to emerge, and couldn't help but sigh.
In the current situation, he was basically guaranteed to win first place in the Central Area. So now, his target was the Dark Cuisine restaurant in the High Platform Area, which had about three times his sales volume.
According to yesterday's newspaper sales statistics, Kuga Restaurant and Eri Nai Nakiri's restaurant had similar sales, while there was a significant gap with Akikubo Momo.
The main reason for this was the price of the dishes.
In the High Platform Area, one dish could sell for one song ticket, and a set meal would be hard to get for less than ten song tickets, making it a truly high-end game.
However, he also had an advantage, which was the girls working for him in the kitchen, and...
"Yo, you're finally here!"
"Here, according to our bet, I'll help you."
Looking at the tall Mimasaka Subaru in front of him, Hoshino Sora took the key he handed over.
Since his defeat in the Commercial Street last time, Mimasaka Subaru had changed a lot, becoming much more honest. He also returned the knives he had taken from other students. This time, he came to assist at Hoshino Sora's request.
As he spoke, Mimasaka Subaru nodded at Hoshino Sora, then stepped into the Spicy Sichuan Cuisine Restaurant.
Hoshino Sora only glanced at him, then lowered his head and began to ponder.
His opponent was Dark Cuisine. According to last night's practical experience, they served one dish every eight minutes, with an average price of 1 song ticket. That's 7.5 song tickets per hour.
Assuming they served 10 customers simultaneously and worked for ten hours, that would be 750 song tickets per day. However, yesterday their sales reached over 1000 song tickets.
Clearly, they were serving 15+ customers simultaneously and had more than three Master Chefs.
Akikubo Momo, in second place, only had 497 song tickets.
Eri Nai Nakiri, in third place, only had 380 song tickets.
Kuga Restaurant in the Central Area, affected by him, had sales of 400 song tickets yesterday, while his sales were around 350 song tickets, but that was without setting up an outdoor area.
At this rate today, he could at least earn over 800 song tickets by the end, but this was far from enough...
The price difference is still too significant.
As for extending business hours, to be honest, after 6 PM, the number of customers in the Central Area is less than half of what it was earlier. At most, we can extend working hours until 8 PM; after that, customers become pitifully scarce.
Calculating the figures on his fingers, if he went all out, it wouldn't be difficult for him to surpass the Dark Cuisine's turnover, provided that the opponent remained fixed in place.
However, judging by the trend, it seemed unlikely.
This was because restaurants in the High Platform Area were almost all reservation-based, which led many customers who came by reputation but without reservations to give their business to "Dark Cuisine."
The higher the opponent's reputation, the more people came.
This was Hoshino Sora's biggest frustration; his heart was filled with resentment towards this Dark Cuisine.
If it weren't for it, he should have easily received all the rewards.
I must introduce a new dish!
With a decision made, Hoshino Sora returned to the kitchen. Although adding a new recipe temporarily was somewhat unreliable, in the current situation, it was all he could do.
Add a dish that looks very cool.
Lamp Shadow Beef.
This was a completely pre-prepared dish, requiring preparation in advance. The beef needed to be sliced thinly, coated with a secret sauce, and air-dried. Before serving, it only needed to be baked in the oven and then immersed in a special flavored oil before being served.
In fact, simply put, it was beef jerky. It got its name because it was as thin as a cicada's wing and translucent. The texture was somewhat like potato chips, very crispy, and the taste was also very fragrant, with the main flavor coming from the seasonings.
It was a dish designed to elevate the dining experience.
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