Chapter 939 - The Dust Settles (1/2)

Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations

At this moment, the person beside Yu Chu spoke,” Mr. Yu has indeed prepared amply.”

The sous-chef of Palace Cuisine was the one seated beside Yu Chu. He was dressed in traditional Tang attire. Due to him being a quiet person, he did not attract much attention.

“We have to be strict when it concerns data,” Yu Chu said with a nod.

As they chatted, the first dish was served.

Since the appetizer was already on the table when they arrived, the first dish served to them was one of the Chongqing School of Sichuan Cuisine’s signature dishes: Dry Roasted Carp.

The Chongqing School of Sichuan Cuisine was very brave in terms of ingredient usage, and their main ingredients frequently undergo change. Moreover, they also possessed the characteristics unique to Jiangsu Cuisine and Shanghai Cuisine where the dishes were cooked with a rich amount of oil and sauce.

Since the Dry Roasted Carp was served for the exemplary restaurant competition, it was not spicy at all. A fleshy carp rested on the fish-shaped plate, and on top of it, green peppers and garlic slices were sprinkled everywhere.

An outline of chili oil surrounded the fish, most likely having flowed down there when the sauce was poured onto the fish.

“Please enjoy your meal,” said the waitress before leaving.

“Chairman Zhou, you first,” said Hu Yue.

“Sure,” Zhou Shijie reached toward the fish’s belly with his chopsticks.

After Zhou Shijie picked up a piece of meat, the others joined in as well.

After eating only one mouthful of the fish, Yu Chu started writing in his notebook.

“The fish tastes decent. It’s not spicy, and has a nice aroma of something that has been deep-fried on it. Yet inside the skin, the meat is tender and soft,” Hu Yue remarked.

Although Hu Yue was praising the dish, he stopped eating after that.

“Um, not bad indeed. But the Dry Roasted Carp is a dish that should be mildly spicy. With this rendition being not spicy at all, it felt like a Braised Fish instead,” Lee Yanyi went straight to the point.

They ate even lesser than when they went to Zhi Yuan. The reason for that was very simple. When they went to Yuan Zhou’s place, they were served the Chongqing School’s Sichuan Cuisine as well.

If it was any other cuisine, it was fine. But since this restaurant served Chongqing School of Sichuan Cuisine as well, they could not avoid comparing the two. And after a comparison, none had the mood to eat more after the initial tasting.

But since there were a lot of them there, the fish was still nearly finished by the time each took a mouthful of it. Thus, the situation did not look too awkward.

“The next dish is probably Boiled Beef. It’s the signature of this restaurant. I heard the beef of this restaurant is very tender. The second dish should be good,” Hu Yue said.

“Um,” Zhou Shijie nodded with a strict expression.

As for Hu Yue, despite what he said, he was, in fact, not feeling hopeful for the second dish at all. After all, they had just eaten Yuan Zhou’s Boiled Meat Slices a few days ago.

But since they were filming a show, he had to be more kind with his words. As a chief editor, Hu Yue was well aware of how to conduct himself on a show.

“The second dish, Boiled Beef. Please enjoy your meal,” right this moment, the waitress came with the second dish.

“Place it there,” said Lee Yanyi as he pointed at the middle of the table.

“Ok. The head chef also reminded me that I need to light this dish up. May I?” asked the waitress politely after placing the dish down.

“Sure,” Zhou Shijie answered.

“Alright. I’ll get started,” said the waitress. She then took out a delicate matchbox. After striking a match, she waved it above the dish.

Whoosh. The soup in the bowl was immediately ignited.

“When it stops burning, you may start eating,” said the waitress as she slowly left the room.

“Excessive showing off,” Lee Yanyi frowned.

“It’s refreshing and brave, also an embodiment of the Chongqing School of Sichuan Cuisine’s spirit,” said Zhang Yan.

“We will only know the taste after eating it,” said Hu Yue.

After about 10 seconds, the fire extinguished by itself. At this time, a fragrant and spicy smell wafted into their noses, instantly stimulating their appetite.