In the culinary world,
the quality and origin of ingredients are often considered crucial factors in determining the deliciousness of a dish!
However, this issue is not that simple.
Because the concepts of "noble ingredients" and "common ingredients" have never had clear definitions.
Generally speaking, noble ingredients usually refer to those rare, expensive ingredients that come from special environments or have unique historical backgrounds, such as caviar, black truffles, saffron, Kobe beef, and so on, which are among the most typical examples!
Nowadays, with the development of the culinary era,
the role of food is no longer just for sustenance; it has increasingly become a key to enjoying life and healing the soul!
Therefore,
in Erina's perception,
high-end cuisine made with rare ingredients is a luxury, representing nobility and status.
It has even become a class symbol, satisfying the pursuit of gourmet food for many elites like her!
Take, for example,
the home-cooked dish of stir-fried tomatoes and eggs.
No matter how delicious it is, Erina would not give it a second glance.
Because it's like a stone never turning into gold; it cannot give her psychological satisfaction.
Similarly, it's a pipe dream that a skewer costing less than 100 yen could surpass an expensive French foie gras in public opinion!
...
Unconsciously,
the night gradually deepened, and a light rain began to fall outside!
Sosuke, the Izakaya Shopkeeper and Chef, gradually became busy.
Today, Rindo appeared on time at the Izakaya as usual, and her arrival added a bit of liveliness to this warm atmosphere!
One bottle of yuzu fruit wine!
Two servings of spicy clams!
One bowl of rice ball ochazuke!
Five extra-large takoyaki!
With a large appetite, she took a seat closest to the counter after ordering these dishes.
She saw that the bottle of yuzu fruit wine before her, with its golden color and a hint of light green, was very enticing.
Taking a sip, she could feel the unique aroma of the wine, rich with yuzu fruit flavor, and also emanating some alcoholic notes!
Then, she could taste the rich yuzu fruit flavor, which was deeper and more complex than ordinary yuzu juice!
Undoubtedly, the taste of this yuzu fruit wine was refreshing, even intoxicating.
"Phew!"
"What a treat, what a treat!"
"The Izakaya's wine is truly satisfying!"
Exhaling a mouthful of murky alcoholic breath, Rindo, at this moment, expressed her lingering enjoyment.
Then, she looked up and gazed affectionately at Sosuke for a few moments.
Seeing him wiping a kitchen knife with a clean cloth, she couldn't help but be mesmerized by his serious and focused demeanor!
Jealousy!
Admiration!
Affection!
Excitement!
Joy!
In those bright eyes, there seemed to be complex emotions!
Finally, she retracted her gaze and couldn't help but say, "Shopkeeper, I tried making Mille-feuille after I went back, and I found there's a huge gap between mine and yours."
"Just the step of making the pastry sheets thinner than paper, I repeated dozens of times, and still couldn't achieve that effect!"
"Indeed!"
"Your culinary skills,"
"are far beyond what we Far Moon students can ever hope to achieve in this lifetime!"
"You flatter me!"
"No matter how great I am,"
"I am but a small Izakaya Shopkeeper."
Sosuke put down his kitchen knife, first shrugged his shoulders, then humbly responded to Rindo.
At first, he thought this glutton, having stayed overnight at the Izakaya and even snagged breakfast this morning, wouldn't come again tonight.
However, he never expected her to still appear on time at the Izakaya.
So, looking at Rindo, who was so devoted to gourmet food, Sosuke could only helplessly express that:
In the days to come, he probably wouldn't be so lonely and bored!
"Hmph!"
"In front of me,"
"do you still need to be so humble?"
"Last night, you told me you used to be a Chef at a five-star hotel!"
"Besides, I've never seen you as just an Izakaya Shopkeeper, but rather... but rather the greatest Chef in this world!"
Upon saying that, Rindo's cheeks grew even redder.
After all, even she felt quite cheesy for daring to say such words!
"Kobayashi!"
"Look, I'm getting goosebumps!"
"Oh dear!"
"Although these words sound very... very... but they are all heartfelt!"
Rindo, embarrassed, quickly buried her head.
To ease the awkwardness in the air, she could only hastily eat the food in front of her, and then dared not meet Sosuke's gaze again.
Seeing this, Sosuke simply smiled faintly and then fell silent.
Finally, he left the space to Rindo and continued to busy himself!
...
When talking about cuisine,
Rindo often thought of the outstanding Far Moon students.
However, although Totsuki Culinary Academy represents Japan's number one Totsuki Culinary Academy, it still seems somewhat lacking when placed in the entire culinary world.
This Sosuke before her, his passion and creativity for cooking, seem to be limitless!
During his time running the Izakaya, he could be seen meticulously crafting each delicious dish.
He could awaken the taste buds of every diner with the power of food, and even inspire their imagination and creativity!
Moreover, unlike those Chefs who only pursue profit,
Sosuke has always adhered to a people-oriented culinary philosophy, and every dish he makes caters to the needs of his diners.
He is always able to be more meticulous in ingredient selection and cooking techniques.
While satisfying the placement of delicious food on the table, he is also more willing to show unique care and consideration through details.
"I wonder,"
"if such an excellent Chef,"
"can solve Akikubo Momo's troubles?"
Rindo, distracted, seemed to recall something and murmured to herself.
Tap!
Tap!
Tap!
Just then,
Sosuke, in the midst of his work, calmly selected a few ingredients and then processed them with his kitchen knife.
His knife skills were still very fast, and when the sound of the kitchen knife hitting the cutting board began to resemble a joyful melody, Rindo couldn't help but watch.
The dazzling yet orderly knife work, and the professional-looking cooking techniques, always constantly shocked her heart!
Hmm!
How should I put it?
A man who can cook is indeed the most handsome!