The atmosphere in the venue was a bit heavy. By the time Dylan and Alice Nakiri arrived, the match had already entered its mid-to-late stage.
"Since you're here, please take a seat."
Looking at the belated Dylan, Senzaemon Nakiri didn't scold him. Instead, he proactively stood up and pulled out a chair for him, adopting a welcoming stance.
This scene instantly silenced the surrounding judges who had intended to reprimand Dylan for his lateness.
They weren't fools; they understood what this implied: Senzaemon Nakiri highly valued Dylan, more than any other person in the venue.
Given this, they naturally wouldn't make fools of themselves. Not only would they be unable to affect the other party, but in the end, the only ones humiliated would be themselves.
It's said that old age brings wisdom; having lived so long, they still understood these social nuances. Dylan was very important, at least to Totsuki.
Combined with some rumors they had heard recently, it was highly probable that this individual was a high-star Special Grade Chef. It was hard imagine that he was only twenty years old.
"To make a good chicken dish, the most important thing is ingredient selection, followed by marinating and seasoning. Cooking techniques and ingredient pairing are all essential elements contributing to a delicious chicken dish."
The judges were the same as yesterday.
The short, receding-hairline old man in pinkish-brown clothes looked at the two contestants and spoke. As he spoke, he glanced at Dylan, who was sitting next to Senzaemon Nakiri, his eyes filled with intense curiosity.
To be treated with such deference by that Culinary Demon King, this young man was truly remarkable.
He was likely an outstanding presence even among high-star Special Grade chefs. A Five-Star Special Grade? Or a Six-Star Special Grade?
A Six-Star Special Grade was highly unlikely. That was a chef with one foot already in the realm of the "Culinary God." He had only witnessed Flowing Light Grade Cuisine once in his life.
Because Totsuki had all students sign non-disclosure agreements, very few people knew that Dylan could produce Flowing Light Grade Cuisine.
Only on the first day, when tasting the Whole Lamb Siu Mai at the venue, did some people notice.
However, because the flowing light was faint, and they couldn't believe Totsuki would use Flowing Light Grade Cuisine to entertain guests, very few people thought along those lines.
For example, although Gan Shi Xiamei guessed it, she wouldn't speak out and offend Dylan.
A secret is called a secret precisely because only a few people know it. Once it becomes public, then she would be no different from an ordinary visitor.
So she wouldn't say it.
"To prepare a chicken dish well, it greatly tests a chef's skill. This year, there have been quite a few tricky themes."
Seeing no change in Dylan's expression, the old man in pinkish-brown clothes withdrew his gaze and looked at Senzaemon Nakiri, his eyes filled with a hint of emotion.
It seemed that every year he came to Totsuki, he could witness spectacular showdowns.
"Chicken dishes, ever since ancient ancestors domesticated fowl, have spread throughout human society. From the earliest fire-roasting, to later adding seasonings, and then to advanced frying and boiling techniques. It can be said that in the history of human cuisine, chicken has always been present, leaving an indelible mark on the culinary world, right up until now…"
Watching the two individuals working hard at their cooking stations, Senzaemon Nakiri spoke slowly, his voice clearly reaching everywhere, and heard by Dylan.
"Chicken is considered white meat, with a mild flavor. To make it delicious, one must use rich oil and dark sauces, allowing the chicken to fully absorb the flavor of the sauce. Of course, it can also be cooked lightly, with the seasoning focus on the sauce, like Guangdong's White Cut Chicken: yellow skin, white meat, tender and delicious, exceptionally flavorful, and very appetizing. Its meat is pure white, with skin the color of butter, possessing the aroma of scallion oil. Scallion segments are laid out as a garnish. When eaten, it's served with ginger-scallion dipping sauce, garlic paste, and oyster sauce, preserving the chicken's freshness and original flavor."
Dylan's voice was faint as he stated his opinion.
"After thousands of years of development and creation in human society, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of ways to prepare chicken. The range of choices can be said to be quite extensive."
Alice Nakiri's figure appeared in the Polar Star Dorm spectator seating, silently watching everything unfold.
"They have to make a decision in just one night, choosing a chicken dish that can defeat their opponent, and furthermore, doing it on such a grand stage, under everyone's gaze."
The old man in pinkish-brown clothes spoke, watching the two individuals' movements and guessing the dishes they were preparing, a sense of anticipation welling up within him.
"This means this match tests flexibility of mind and instantaneous explosive power."
Faced with this challenge, to what extent can they utilize the experience and strength they've accumulated throughout their lives?
Senzaemon Nakiri stated the core of this match. To achieve ultimate victory, the key lies in the accumulation of knowledge in daily life.
"Takumi Aldini used a large amount of tomatoes in the first preliminary round. I wonder if this chicken dish will be the same…"
Below the stage, people in the audience seats watched the two contestants cooking, all guessing what they would present, as time flowed by minute by minute.
"He probably won't use a large amount of tomatoes again, but a small amount is still possible, especially since there's a pot specifically for stewing tomatoes over there."
This was said in the area where Polar Star Dorm members were located.
Pointing at Takumi Aldini's cooking station, Ikumi Mito pinched her chin. Because she hadn't passed the preliminaries, she and Ryōko Sakaki had become spectators.
Although they were very unwilling, even wanting to escape this place.
But they endured, because watching the match could also provide them with nourishment to grow stronger. Accumulating nourishment could make their foundations more solid.
"Indeed, compared to that full bucket of tomatoes earlier, the amount of tomatoes in this small pot is pitifully small. It's probably just for adding some flavor."
And at this moment, the air is filled with a creamy aroma. I guess he intends to make a rich, creamy dish, Cream Chicken.
Soma Yukihira looked at Takumi Aldini, who was pan-frying chicken, and slowly stated his guess, while also looking at Huang Mei next to him.
Simmer the stock over low heat, skim off the foam from the surface of the soup, and add cold water when it boils again until it re-boils, continuing to skim off the foam.
Repeat this three times, and the soup will be clear.
After the chicken stock is clear, add two slices of ginger and simmer for an hour. Once the chicken meat is tender, take it out, let it cool, and directly debone it by hand.
Huang Mei was currently at this step, but she couldn't wait for it to cool. The chicken on the plate was steaming hot, yet the bones were removed perfectly, without a single shred of meat or skin left on their surface.
Take another bowl. In it, add sweet bean paste, dissolve it with three spoonfuls of chicken stock, then add three spoonfuls of sugar. Stir evenly and pour it over the shredded chicken meat.
This gives the chicken a base flavor.
One star anise, two slices of ginger, two pieces of scallion, add a little sesame oil, and steam in a pot. Before covering the pot, add some salt.
Steam for about 15 minutes.
Huang Mei held an alarm clock next to the pot, her gaze directed towards Takumi Aldini not far away. The opponent was carrying out the final finishing touches.
"He also used chicken stock, onions, garlic, butter, pumpkin puree, oil-packed cherry tomatoes, and white wine, besides light cream and grated Parmesan cheese."
Italian cuisine has a rich creamy flavor, and this cooking method is quite Italian. He truly is an Italian kid from Italy. Italian kid.
Knowing that Takumi Aldini was Italian, Huang Mei wasn't surprised at all by his cooking method, her face full of confidence.
full of confidence.
Just then, the clock chimed.
Almost instantly, Huang Mei placed her hand on the pot, smoothly opening the lid. With her other hand, she held chopsticks, removing all the star anise and ginger slices from the plate.
The iron pot was washed clean. Oil was poured in over high heat. She then poured the chicken from the plate into the pot, added some salt to adjust the base flavor, and then some chicken fat to enhance the flavor.
She prepared a bowl of potato starch slurry.
Holding a spoon, Huang Mei's expression changed from relaxed to serious. She took a spoonful of potato starch, and in a scattered motion, thickened the chicken in the pot.
This step had to be done evenly. If too much force was applied to the spoon, and too much starch was placed in the same spot, it could easily affect the final texture of the dish.
However, for Huang Mei, who possessed Super Sense of Touch, these were all child's play.
The silvery-white potato starch slurry swirled from the spoon, evenly scattering into the pot, quickly absorbed by the reddish-brown braised chicken.
The moisture on the surface of the braised chicken in the pot was rapidly absorbed, turning into a thick sauce clinging to the chicken. Finally, with a beautiful flip of the pan, it was completely turned over.
At the same time, Takumi Aldini beside her let out a long sigh, looking at the dish in the pot.
In front of him was a pot of creamy white chicken. A rich creamy aroma permeated the venue, and he eventually served it onto a plate and presented it to the judges' table.
"Tuscan Cream Chicken, please enjoy."
Takumi Aldini performed a very standard Italian bow, then placed the dish in front of Senzaemon Nakiri, then Dylan, and finally the other judges.
"What a rich cheesy aroma."
He didn't rush to taste it. Instead, he took a deep breath, savoring the aroma emanating from the dish in front of him. The old man in pinkish-brown clothes looked utterly delighted.
"The core of Tuscan Cream Chicken lies in its rich yet non-greasy creamy sauce. High-quality light cream slowly releases a silky-smooth texture during slow simmering, perfectly blending with the chicken and other ingredients. Every bite is filled with a rich creamy flavor, yet it's not overly heavy; instead, it carries a subtle lightness."
Senzaemon Nakiri picked up a piece of chicken drenched in sauce, resting his face on one hand, his eyes filled with scrutiny as he looked at the chicken.
"However, it seems your cream chicken has a considerable difference from the original version. The most obvious difference is that you added nuts to the cream."
Senzaemon Nakiri opened his eyes, looking at the reddish-brown bits mixed in the white, and spoke.
"This innovation point is mainly to change the texture. The chewiness of nuts provides a stark contrast to the silky smoothness of the cream and the tenderness of the chicken."
"Of course, another point is that nuts and cream are a perfect pairing. The sweetness of almonds and the richness of walnuts both go very well with cream."
Seeing that the academy's Director had discovered the secret of his dish, Takumi Aldini's face broke into a smile, and he then began explaining, pointing to the crushed nuts.
"Besides traditional black pepper and sea salt, you also added quite a few Italian specialty seasonings. If I'm not mistaken, there should be fragrant rosemary, thyme, basil, and lemon zest present, right?"
Dylan's voice came from the side. He hadn't even tasted the dish; merely by smelling it, he had identified all the spices used within.
This was thanks to his Super Sense of Smell.
"That's right. I made many attempts with spices and finally settled on these few, which can enhance the dish's Takumi Aldini nodded with admiration. This teacher was truly remarkable; he knew what seasonings he used just by their aroma. by their aroma."
"Indeed, a bold attempt. Not limiting oneself to the original recipe, striving to fully develop the dish's flavor. However, the specific taste still needs to be evaluated."
The old man in pinkish-brown clothes spoke, and as he did, he directly picked up a piece of meat and put it into his mouth. The flavors of nuts and cream simultaneously acted on the chicken, spreading through his mouth the moment he bit down.
"This… it feels like I've arrived in Eden, my whole body feels light and buoyant!"
With an expression of unique enjoyment on his face, the old man now seemed not to be in Tsukiten Hall, but to have arrived in the Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve resided!
Angels gently brushed his skin with feathers, immersing him in a soft embrace. This feeling was utterly sublime.
"As an egg-laying chicken breed, Leghorn chickens typically have very tender meat. This tenderness allows Leghorn chicken to more easily absorb the flavor of creamy sauce during cooking. Furthermore, you used the chicken wings, right? Compared to other parts of the chicken, wings contain more fat and connective tissue. This allows them to retain more moisture during cooking, resulting in a fuller and more succulent texture."
Dylan's voice sounded, evaluating Takumi Aldini's dish from the perspective of ingredient selection.
The essence of a chicken lies in its wings; they can be said to be the most flavorful part. Using them to cook Tuscan Cream Chicken is simply a powerful combination!
Feeling the intensely rich flavor filling his mouth, Dylan looked at Takumi Aldini, who was waiting beside him. The opponent had truly put in significant effort.
From adding nuts to the cream to enhance texture and flavor, to choosing chicken wings for the cream chicken, as well as the adjustment and pairing of spices, all these required a substantial amount of time.
The young man's face clearly showed dark circles under his eyes. It seemed he had worked through the night yesterday. Was he unwilling to admit that he was not as good as Soma Yukihira?
Truly strong.
Noticing the dark circles under Takumi Aldini's eyes, Dylan nodded inwardly. This spirit of deep research was very much worth encouraging.
Turning his gaze to Huang Mei, who also had dark circles under her eyes, in the matter of competition, the two truly were on the same wavelength.
"Dylan-sensei, please taste my dish. This braised chicken dish holds several surprises and secrets awaiting your discovery!"
Huang Mei placed the first portion of her dish in front of Dylan, her face full of anticipation. Senzaemon Nakiri, hearing her words, also looked over, then was drawn in by the aggressive aroma!
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