Food Wars: Tavern

In the culinary world, the quality and source of ingredients are often considered important factors in determining the deliciousness of a dish!

However, this is not a simple issue.

This is because the concepts of "noble ingredients" and "ordinary ingredients" have never had clear definitions.

Generally, noble ingredients usually refer to those rare, expensive, from special environments, or have a special historical background, such as caviar, black truffles, saffron, Kobe beef, and so on.

Today, with the development of the culinary era, the role of food has evolved beyond mere sustenance to becoming a key to enjoyment and healing the soul!

So, in Erina's understanding, high-end dishes made with rare ingredients are a form of luxury, representing nobility and status.

It even becomes a symbol of class, satisfying the pursuit of gourmet food for many elite people like her.

Let's take the example of a common home-cooked dish like tomato and egg stir-fry.

Even if it's delicious, Erina wouldn't spare a second look because it's like expecting rocks to turn into gold; it just can't satisfy her psychologically.

Similarly, a skewer costing less than 100 yen that can surpass the expensive French foie gras in popular opinion is simply unbelievable!

...

Before they knew it, the night gradually grew dark, and a light drizzle started outside!

As the owner and head chef of the tavern, Zane also gradually became busy.

Today's Rindō Kobayashi appeared at the tavern as usual, adding a touch of liveliness to the warm atmosphere!

One bottle of yuzu sake.

Two portions of spicy clams.

One bowl of rice ball tea-soaked rice.

Three extra-large octopus takoyaki.

One bowl of Japanese cold Inaniwa soba.

One serving of eel and egg roll.

Despite having a big appetite, after ordering these dishes, she sat at the position closest to the cooking station.

The golden-hued yuzu sake looked very tempting, emitting a unique aroma and a strong yuzu flavor blended with a hint of alcohol.

Taking a sip, one could feel the refreshing aroma and even experience a kind of intoxicating feeling.

"Ah~"

"It's so refreshing!"

"This sake is really enjoyable!"

Exhaling a cloud of hazy alcohol, Rindō Kobayashi expressed her lingering enjoyment.

Then, she raised her head to look affectionately at Zane.

Seeing him meticulously wiping the chef's knife with a clean cloth, she couldn't help but be captivated by his serious and earnest demeanor.

Envy.

Admiration.

Affection.

Excitement.

Joy.

In her bright eyes, there seemed to be complex emotions!

Finally, she looked away and couldn't help but speak, "Owner, when I tried to make a mille-feuille after I went back, I realized that there's a huge gap between yours and mine."

"Even just making the pastry as thin as paper, I repeated the process dozens of times, but still couldn't achieve that kind of effect!"

"Your culinary skills are something that we, the students of the Totsuki Culinary Academy, can never hope to match in our lifetime!"  

"You're being ridiculous!"

"Even if I'm that skilled..."

"I'm still just the small owner of a tavern."

Zane put down the chef's knife, shrugged his shoulders, and then modestly responded to Rindō Kobayashi.

Initially, he had thought that this glutton had already spent the night at the tavern and even had breakfast this morning, so she wouldn't come again tonight.

But much to his surprise, she arrived at the tavern right on time.

Seeing Rindō Kobayashi's strong dedication to food, Zane couldn't help but feel resigned:

In the days to come, he probably wouldn't feel as lonely and bored!

"Tsk!"

"In my presence."

"Do you still need to be so modest?"

"Last night, you told me that you had been the head chef at a five-star hotel!"

"Besides, I've never seen you as just a tavern owner; I've always seen you as the greatest chef in the world!"

Finishing her words, Rindō Kobayashi's face blushed even more.

After all, what she had just said was bold enough to make even herself cringe.

"Rindo, you're making my hair stand on end!"

"Oh, although these words sound a bit... a bit, you know... but they're all true!"

Blushing with embarrassment, Rindō Kobayashi quickly buried her face in her meal to relieve the awkwardness and didn't dare to make eye contact with Zane.

Seeing this, Zane just smiled faintly and then fell silent.

Eventually, he left the space to Rindō Kobayashi and continued to work diligently.

...

When it comes to cooking, Rindō Kobayashi often thinks of the outstanding students of the Academy. 

However, even though the Totsuki Culinary Academy represents the top tier ceremony culinary academy in Japan, it still seems somewhat less recognized in the entire culinary world.

Mr. Zane, here, seems to have an endless passion and creativity for cooking. During the time he has been running the tavern, we can see that he is earnestly creating delicious dishes.

He can use the power of food to awaken the taste buds of every diner and stimulate their inspiration and imagination!

Moreover, unlike those chefs who only pursue profit, Zane has always adhered to a people-centered culinary philosophy. Every dish he makes caters to the needs of the diners.

He always pays meticulous attention to the selection of ingredients and cooking techniques.

While satisfying the diners with delicious food, he also prefers to show unique care and attention to detail.

"I wonder..."

"Can talented chefs like him solve Momo Akanegakubo's troubles?"

Absently murmuring to herself, it seemed like Rindō Kobayashi remembered something.

Clank! Clank! Clank!

At that moment, while Zane was busy, he calmly selected a few ingredients and then started handling them with a kitchen knife.

His knife skills were still fast, and the sound the knife made when it touched the cutting board seemed like the beginning of a joyful melody, prompting Rindō Kobayashi couldn't help but look.

The dazzling yet orderly knife skills and the professional cooking method always shook her soul!

Hmm! How should I put it?

Men who can cook are really handsome!