Chapter 242 - Al Dente (1/2)
With confidence, Wang Ming replied. ”Gastrique is a reduction or caramelised sugar and vinegar you can infuse it into anything, but it's mostly used for sauces.”
”That's correct! One point to Wang Ming, but I'm curious Mr. Wang how did you know the answer? I was sure that only Mr. Cheng would be the one to answer this question.”
Angela's question reminded Wang Ming of the past. He had learnt so much from one western chef he had talked with a lot the man is like an unofficial teacher to him. Before, when he was younger, whenever he had spare time, Wang Ming would always go to a small French local restaurant and learn from Chef Peter, who was also the owner. This went on for many years until his father's situation happened. He had tried to visit Chef Peter, after, but he had moved away, presumably back to his home country.
Wang Ming had forgotten most things he had learnt from Chef Peter, as he had learnt so much from the man for over 7 years. But after getting the artifact, Wang Ming could recall everything again, including what a Gastrique is. He felt confident that if they ask anything related to western cuisine, he would have an answer for it.
”I once knew a western chef who owned a small local restaurant close to me. He taught me a lot. I owe much of my success to him. Even though I didn't learn about Traditional Chinese cooking from him, he taught me a lot about western cuisine and how to incorporate it into traditional cooking. Chef Peter, if you're watching this show today, wherever you might be, I hope you are proud of me!”
”I see. Well, I hope Chef Peter is proud of you today! Now, next question.”
”What are firm tofu made from?”
The next question made the other participants feel more at ease. They were all afraid that all the questions would be about western cuisine or just hard questions. Everyone here knew the answer to this question, but the one to answer the question was none other than Wang Ming, since no one on the stage could press the button faster than him. Seeing his button light up, Wang Ming answered with a grin. ”Soy beans!”
”What are the four common types of Jiaozi?” (1)
”Boiled, steamed, Pan-fried, and lastly Soup.”
”Name one more type of Jiaozi that he didn't mention.”
”Egg dumpling.” (3)
”In a hot pot dish, should you cook the meat first or the vegetables?”
”It depends, but in most cases you should cook the meat first, then the vegetables. As the meat takes the longest to cook, but if the meat doesn't take long to cook, then the vegetables go first. This can also change if the meat or vegetables are frozen. ”
”How should you grip your knife?”
”Grip it comfortably, with three fingers on the hilt, then use your ring finger and thumb to grip the heel of the knife. This gives you the best control and stability.” (2)
”In the manual Complete Recipes for Dishes and Beverages, written by Hu Sihui in 1330 a famous inspector for the imperial kitchen. A famous Chinese dish got mentioned what's its name?”
This question made most of the people there scratch their heads. Wang Ming had answered correctly 9 questions in a row already. None believed that he could answer a hard question like that. Even Cheng Kecheng felt confident that there would only be two persons in this room that know the answer except for the MC's, that's himself and Zhang Hou.
Few chefs would know the answer to a question like that, unless you are an experienced chef and have done a lot of research. But yet again Cheng Kecheng faced disappointment, Wang Ming pressed the button before him. Cheng Kecheng finally got the chance to show off. He could answer a head-scratching question right. But Wang Ming got ahead of him. Though he didn't think that Wang Ming knew the answer, he only thought that Wang Ming wanted to show off.
”Peking Duck!” Cheng Kecheng's mouth dropped. The only thought in his mind was if Wang Ming was cheating or not. He couldn't fathom how Wang Ming could know the answer. He felt convinced that Zhang Hou somehow helped Wang Ming or bribed someone to give him the questions beforehand.