Sometimes, it's not necessarily the most high-end restaurants that provide the best dining experience for customers.
The various nameless Izakayas hidden in the back alleys of Japan might offer unexpectedly delicious cuisine, and stumbling upon them is like winning the lottery—full of fun!
Upon closer inspection, on the slightly deserted food street, a brightly lit Izakaya stood out, appearing somewhat understated.
But the moment one pushed open the door, a strong sense of everyday life enveloped them.
Many customers were seated inside; upon entering, the assistant Chef Kuguchi Sonoka proactively greeted them, and after navigating a long, narrow corridor with some twists and turns, one could find a seat.
Of course.
The upgraded Izakaya.
Its scale and luxury still couldn't compare to a five-star hotel.
However, every part of it was exceptionally clean and simple, without any hint of oil fumes, and one or two people could manage to keep it orderly for the time being.
Then, Sosuke, as the Chef, would take the initiative to greet you while you looked around, carefully asking what you wished to eat.
Finally, as delicious dishes were served one after another, everyone shed their false masks and completely relaxed!
…
Years of separation.
Had long since diluted the familial affection between Nakiri Mana and Nakiri Erina.
The rift that had formed in their hearts was destined to be unrepairable in a short time, and the mother and daughter couldn't even face each other honestly.
However, at the Izakaya, there was one thing that could resonate with them: cuisine!
"Mmm!"
"This is the feeling."
"The size isn't too large, but the texture is solid."
"The thin siomai wrapper is slightly chewy, the filling is ample, and the four ingredients seem to be bursting forth."
"Take a bite across the middle, and all the flavors rush onto the tongue at once, a mix that is both complex and harmonious, surpassing the rich texture of any other siomai—truly satisfying."
"Occasionally, one can even chew on shrimp and rapeseed, which adds a lot to the overall texture."
"Every ingredient is extremely common, yet they can collide to create the most beautiful and unexpected flavors."
Continuing to eat the Golden Ratio Siomai, Nakiri Mana couldn't help but touch her flushed face, praising it excitedly again and again.
Looking at her, it was as if the painful emotions she had felt earlier due to her daughter's appearance had vanished with this dish!
Afterwards, she picked up another siomai with her chopsticks, let out an "ah-woo," and ate it with gusto.
"Mom actually likes siomai?"
"No, no, it should be that she likes Sosuke's cooking!"
Beside her, Erina, who was also eating the Egg-cellent Chicken, was secretly astonished to see her mother devouring the food so ravenously.
One must know that even the General, who bore the title "Demon King of Cuisine," would ultimately activate his clothes-bursting skill and instantly "burst" when faced with Erina's cooking!
And this was one of the things Erina considered most fortunate after Nakiri Azami moved away from Totsuki.
Although her cooking skills had been recognized by many Chefs at a young age, every time she cooked for her mother, Nakiri Mana, she was met with disdain and dislike.
Eventually, one day, unable to bear the various pains brought by the God Tongue, she chose to run away from home.
…
Hatred!
This is certain.
It's not to say that after experiencing these things, Erina could choose to forgive.
However, even she couldn't deny that all Chefs in this world, including herself, were actually unable to conquer Nakiri Mana's God Tongue with their cuisine.
Yes, on this matter, even I, who also possess a God Tongue, feel powerless!
But just as when she first came to the Izakaya, Sosuke conquered her mother, Nakiri Mana, with just a simple siomai dish.
This situation inevitably shocked Erina, but at the same time, she was also very happy.
After all, her greatest aspiration, besides elevating noble cuisine to a higher realm, was to use her culinary skills to make her mother genuinely love cuisine again.
And the one who ultimately helped her fulfill this long-cherished wish was none other than the Chef of this Izakaya, Sosuke!
…
"Erina."
"I've heard about everything Nakiri Azami did to you from the General."
Just then, Nakiri Mana, whose mouth was greasy from eating, reined in her relaxed expression and turned serious: "I really didn't expect him to dare to do such a thing in the end."
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