Capítulo 278: The Culinary World in Crisis
In this tamago nigiri sushi, you can experience more than just changes in the dish.
The first bite gives a cold sensation, as if you've been transported to a snowy peak alone.
After that initial shock, a primal, slightly sweet freshness emerges!
This illusion makes it feel like you're not in an elegant high-end Japanese restaurant.
Although the tamago nigiri sushi before you is meticulously crafted and neatly arranged, it's a dish that offers a completely new and different experience with every bite.
Yes!
Simple, humble, flavorful...
All these elements are hidden in this ordinary tamago nigiri sushi.
Even a sushi expert like Hinako couldn't help but recall her days at Totsuki, humbly seeking advice from her instructors.
...
Thump!
Thump!
Thump!
Her heart pounded rapidly in her chest.
With each beat, there was an indescribable pain.
This pain was not just physical; it pierced her soul, like a sharp knife mercilessly cutting through her defenses, exposing all her vulnerabilities and insecurities.
At this moment, Hinako had to face the reality:
All her hard work and dedication seemed powerless in the face of failure.
What did it matter if she was known as the "Mist Empress"?
She still lost!
And she lost miserably at what she was best at!
...
"Your knife skills are truly impressive."
"The blowfish milt I tasted earlier was surprisingly rich, with the fish's freshness bursting on my taste buds."
"It's a unique texture, definitely more resilient than frog meat!"
"And incredibly sweet!"
"If it had been dipped in a slightly acidic maple leaf sauce and orange vinegar, the flavor would have reached its peak."
Sarge paused for a moment.
Seeing Hinako's dejected figure, he couldn't help but feel a strange sympathy. She had fought so hard, challenging ten chefs in a row to defend her restaurant. Her determination and refusal to give up were admirable.
Even the strongest people have vulnerable moments.
This sympathy wasn't out of pity but out of respect for a fellow strong person.
"I underestimated you."
"Shinomiya once mentioned that you could make dishes with strange utensils. Seeing it today, I understand now!"
Hinako sighed in resignation.
In the fiercely competitive restaurant industry, lacking professional management or strong culinary skills could easily lead to a restaurant's downfall.
Just last year, the closure rate for restaurants was as high as 51%, with many small and medium-sized establishments becoming casualties.
So, a restaurant closing down isn't surprising.
But for Hinako, the fate of Kirinoya wasn't due to a lack of business but to the defeat by these Midnight Chefs, filling her with deep helplessness.
...
In the harsh winter.
A steaming cup of barley tea felt like a warm ray of sunshine, piercing through the cold and straight into the heart.
At this moment, in a bright garden at Totsuki Academy.
Leonora held up a cup of tea.
The warmth spread from her fingertips to her palm and then throughout her body.
The cup of barley tea, with its rich, deep color and subtle golden hue, resembled an autumn wheat field, emitting a unique barley aroma.
The tea leaves unfurled in the water.
Like hibernating wheat spikes waking in the spring breeze, bringing warmth.
The steam wafted up, creating a hazy, comforting feeling, as if the whole world was warmed by this cup of tea.
The taste was slightly bitter.
But it also had a hint of sweetness and freshness.
Its flavor could be described as light and soothing.
The rich roasted barley aroma, pure and natural, filled the mouth with its fragrance.
"Phew~"
"Japanese barley tea has its own unique flavor~"
Leonora sighed contentedly as she set down her cup.
...
Barley tea.
It's made by roasting barley until it's golden brown, then steeping it in hot water to release a rich, fragrant tea.
The habit of drinking tea in Japan was initially learned from ancient China.
In the Tang and Song dynasties of China, tea was whisked, and it wasn't until the early Ming dynasty that steeping tea became popular. Japan adopted this practice and developed its own tea culture.
Today, no matter where you go in Japan, you can find tea.
In convenience stores, you can buy chilled bottled tea.
In some restaurants, the staff will offer a small cup of tea.
When visiting Japanese friends, they will prepare tea for you, sometimes explaining the type of tea, or simply stating, "This is tea."
In Japan, tea is ubiquitous and holds significant importance.
"I didn't expect."
"The Ten Elites who supported Azami would all lose in the promotion exams."
"Even the strongest female student at Totsuki, Rindo, lost to Erina, leading to Azami's resignation!"
"When you were forced to step down by the Ten Elites' rebellion, did you foresee this day?"
Leonora couldn't help but ask Senzaemon.
Graduates of Totsuki are naturally exceptional. Comparing Eishi and Rindo to Soma's generation isn't straightforward.
But recent years have shown some clear benchmarks:
Apart from Erina, the strongest second-year student is Satoshi, while among the third-years, Eishi and Rindo are undoubtedly the top.
You could argue that Eishi's obsession with perfection slows his cooking.
Yes!
Leonora believed.
There's no need to compare across generations; first and second-year students will always be behind third-years during their school years.
By the time Alice and her peers reach their third year, their skills will naturally match Eishi's!
Ultimately, every generation's top students, even the first seat, are comparable.
The standout group includes Erina, Alice, Soma, Joichiro, Gin, Azami, Shinomiya, Hinako, Fuyumi Mizuhara, Sonoka, and Taki!
These individuals could surpass their seniors even while still at Totsuki.
...
"Don't view me as omniscient."
"Although I foresaw Azami's return to Totsuki, I didn't know about his actions during the school festival or the Ten Elites' rebellion and his reforms."
Senzaemon admitted, sipping his barley tea.
"Oh?"
"So you didn't plan for things to unfold this way?"
Leonora was surprised.
"Not exactly."
"Once he began his reforms, I knew Azami's fate."
"But I didn't expect Erina to mature so much under Zane's influence, single-handedly resolving the crisis!"
His words were filled with pride.
The little girl who once stumbled and babbled had grown into a graceful, intelligent young woman.
"Indeed."
"Even Alice defeated Eizan during the team Shokugeki."
"They've all grown so much."
Leonora nodded in agreement.
...
Almost simultaneously.
After Shunkatei and Kirinoya were closed, another one-star Italian restaurant was targeted by the Midnight Chefs!
Approaching the restaurant, its typical Italian architecture stood out with red and white brick walls and black iron decorations, exuding a rustic elegance.
Bright potted plants added vitality to the entrance.
Inside.
A delicate sculpture greeted visitors.
The spacious, well-lit dining area featured comfortable seating and wooden tables, blending traditional Italian charm with modernity.
...
The bar, in one corner, was finely designed.
It showcased various Italian wines and cocktails, each enticing.
The wine cabinet embedded in the wall displayed numerous bottles, resembling a small wine museum. Here, you could taste the finest Italian wines, experiencing Italy's romance and passion.
Another feature was private rooms offering more intimate dining spaces.
The decor in these rooms also exuded Italian style.
Overall, this restaurant, with its unique decor and rich Italian ambiance, continually attracted countless diners.
Dining here was not just a treat for the taste buds but also a journey for the soul.
"Oh? So you're the Midnight Chefs?"
Facing a clown-like chef, the head chef of Ristorante F, Fuyumi Mizuhara, frowned and asked.
"Yes!"
"Allow me to introduce myself."
"My name is Malcanta. I was a juggler in a circus."
"Later, I became a chef, known for using a large iron ball and exaggerated cooking techniques to entertain. People call me a circus chef."
"So… be careful!"
Malcanta introduced himself, then stared intensely at Fuyumi like a predator eyeing its prey.
"Circus chef?"
"It seems the rumors are true; you Midnight Chefs really don't follow the conventional path!"
"Did you destroy Hinako's Kirinoya too?"
"In that case, I accept your Shokugeki challenge."
Fuyumi's eyes sharpened as she returned to her cooking station.
...
Italians are particularly passionate about food.
With over 2,500 types of cheese, including 500 commercial varieties, Italy boasts the most diverse cheeses in Europe and the richest varieties of olives and grapes.
Their wines, sausages, pasta, desserts, and ice creams are also abundant.
Despite this variety, most Italian dishes feature only 2-4 main ingredients, making them simple, delicious, and satisfying.
Perhaps this simplicity is why Italian cuisine is popular worldwide.
Italy's largest islands, Sicily and Sardinia, each have unique histories.
Sicily reflects a blend of influences from Greece, Carthage, Rome, Arabia, Normandy, France, and Spain, visible in its cuisine.
Sardinia, with its unique prehistoric megalithic culture, is one of Europe's most isolated regions, with distinct coastal and inland culinary habits.
Both islands, however, are famous for one prized ingredient sought after by food lovers worldwide:
Anchovies!
...
Despite their small size, anchovies are a "star ingredient" on tables worldwide!
Different countries and cultures have created numerous ways to enjoy anchovies.
In Korea.
Anchovies are a staple.
Anchovy soup is a representative dish of Jeju Island, combining anchovies
, kelp, and cabbage for a rich, savory broth.
A sip offers the perfect blend of tender fish and refreshing vegetables, creating an unforgettable taste.
In Italy.
Anchovies are transformed into a wonderful dish:
Anchovy tomato sauce pasta!
In this dish, anchovies become the ideal ingredient for the sauce.
Their tender meat and short, soft bones blend effortlessly with other ingredients.
Paired with the sweet and tangy tomatoes and various spices, they create a unique and delicious pasta sauce.
----------
For 10 advance chapters: patreon.com/angelictranslating
Estado de energía semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Piedra de
Poder