Chapter 35
To be honest, Mineo understood the questions swirling inside Master Pai's heart. However, explaining the intricate discipline of Molecular Gastronomy to her was proving to be a challenge.
It wasn't as if he could simply suggest that Master Pai start by studying basic mathematics, physics, and chemistry first.
Master Pai would likely find such concepts completely foreign. Sensing Mineo's difficulty in explaining his cooking methods, she didn't press him. Instead, she simply offered a gentle smile.
"It seems there are many things in this world I have yet to encounter," she remarked softly. "I never imagined there were tools capable of extracting the essence of ingredients to such a superior degree."
Her eyes held a glimmer of genuine curiosity. "If the opportunity arises, I would dearly love to study this method of cooking, which is so entirely new to me."
She paused, realizing they hadn't properly exchanged names. "May I know your name? I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Chen Bangling. I am a chef from a restaurant called Kikusui-rou in the surrounding region..."
"My name is Takamine Mineo," he replied, giving a polite nod. "I am the owner and head chef of this Super Dimension Restaurant. It's an honor to meet you, Master Pai..."
"It is I who should be honored to know a chef as talented as you, Mr. Mineo," she replied with a graceful smile. However, a look of sudden wonder crossed her face as she tilted her head slightly.
"But tell me, Mr. Mineo... how did you know that my nickname is 'Pai'?"
"...."
Mineo froze. A cold sweat nearly broke out as he realized he had made a slip of the tongue. His mind raced to find a plausible excuse.
"Master Pai's reputation in Szechuan Province is legendary," he said quickly, his voice regaining its composure. "It would be impossible for me not to know. The title of the 'Fairy of Szechuan,' Lady Pai, is known far and wide across the nation. As a fellow chef, of course I've heard of your name."
A soft blush crept onto Master Pai's cheeks upon hearing Mineo refer to her as the 'Fairy of Szechuan' so directly.
"That is merely an exaggerated compliment from others... I am but a humble cook," she said, looking down modestly.
"I find my fulfillment simply by bringing happiness to others through my food. Titles and grand achievements are not things I chase."
Mineo watched her and couldn't help but smile.
"It is precisely because your pursuit of culinary excellence is so pure that you have become a chef loved by everyone."
Then, his expression turned a bit more serious. "By the way, Master Pai, I wanted to ask you something. When you first entered the restaurant, I noticed your expression seemed quite tense."
"Is there a problem you're currently facing? If it's a personal matter, I won't pry further."
Master Pai answered with a faint, weary smile. "Actually, it's no secret. You may have heard about the livestock plague that has been sweeping through Szechuan recently."
"So many cattle have perished that beef has completely vanished from the markets. Because of that, our signature dish, Mapo Tofu, cannot be served to our customers. The lack of minced beef has brought our kitchen to a standstill."
She sighed softly. "For the past few days, I have been wandering, trying to find a suitable substitute for beef."
"You can't buy meat because of the plague?"
Hearing those words, Mineo finally understood the timeline of events. Since Master Pai had found her way into his restaurant, he felt a sense of responsibility to help her.
Mineo decided to offer a few hints.
"I understand your dilemma. In fact, I believe I can offer some assistance regarding that matter."
"Master Pai, tell me... what do you think about soybeans?"
"Soybeans?"
Master Pai stared at Mineo in confusion. She couldn't quite grasp why he was mentioning such a common ingredient in this context.
Mineo began to explain, choosing his words carefully.
"Soybeans are known to possess a quality equivalent to meat in the plant-based category, largely due to their high amino acid content."
"The texture of a soybean is remarkably close to meat. If you crush the beans, toast them until they are fragrant, and then simmer them in a sauce that mimics the savory flavors of beef, they can effectively replace minced meat."
He raised a finger to emphasize a crucial point. "However, there is a vital detail to consider: during the cooking process, the savory essence of the soybean granules can easily be lost. To prevent this, the crushed soybeans must be flash-fried in oil first."
"By doing this, you lock the flavor of the sauce inside the bean, and the texture becomes even more reminiscent of minced meat."
Mineo's eyes brightened. "Mapo Tofu is famous for the harmony of its Five Elements of taste. This method will add a sixth element to the dish."
"That appeal is the 'Crispness'—a unique, crunchy texture."
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