In high-end Japanese restaurants,
There are generally four types of fish roe available:
Herring roe,
Salmon roe,
Crab roe,
Wasabi flavored fish roe.
But perhaps not many people know that wasabi flavored fish roe—or the "crab roe" commonly used in Japanese restaurants—actually has nothing to do with crabs at all.
It's actually artificially made from flying fish roe.
...
For many people,
Eating might be the most important part of traveling.
After all, if even the food isn't good, then what's the point of traveling?
For a coveted WGO three-star restaurant, most people would even take time off work and fly across oceans just to dine there.
Of course,
As long as you're willing to spend the money,
Going to a good restaurant and eating excellent cuisine isn't particularly difficult.
However, due to differences in language, culture, perspective, and various other aspects, truly understanding a good restaurant isn't that easy—especially in high-end sushi restaurants that always maintain an icy, elegant demeanor.
Sushi is precisely such a thing.
The simpler it appears, the harder it is to fully appreciate its intricacies. Its subtleties require careful sensory observation and accumulated understanding over time.
"Young mistress,"
"I might fool others, but how would I dare cut corners in front of you?"
The head chef, chilled by Erina's sharp gaze, quickly waved his hands and explained.
"Hmph!"
"In my opinion,"
"You really don't have the nerve for that."
Looking at the timid chef before her, Erina couldn't help but feel even more disdainful.
Then, she straightened her posture and turned her gaze back to the plate of salmon roe battleship sushi on the table. After hesitating for a moment, she directly reached out and picked up one piece of sushi.
...
The moment her fingertips touched the sushi,
She could clearly feel the perfect firmness and elasticity of the vinegared rice.
It was neither too loose to hold its shape nor too firm to lose that soft, glutinous texture.
Involuntarily,
Erina Nakiri brought the sushi closer to her nose.
Instantly, a fresh yet slightly oceanic aroma wafted into her nostrils.
It was the perfect blend of the unique sweetness of salmon roe and the slight tang of fermented vinegared rice, as if instantly transporting her to that turbulent yet vibrant ocean.
Eagerly, Erina opened her cherry-like mouth and took a bite of the sushi.
In that moment,
The salmon roe burst between her teeth.
It was an incredibly delightful experience, as if countless tiny umami bombs were exploding simultaneously in her mouth.
The rich, mellow umami instantly filled her taste buds.
At the same time,
There was a subtle saltiness
That perfectly highlighted the natural sweetness of the salmon roe!
This sweetness wasn't straightforward or intense but rather delicate, gentle, and multi-layered, leaving a lasting impression!
Finally, there was the vinegared rice.
Its soft, glutinous texture began to form a sharp yet harmonious contrast with the springy salmon roe.
As the vinegared rice spread in her mouth, it released a mild acidity that not only balanced the richness of the salmon roe but also enhanced the overall umami, making each bite rich with complexity.
The thin sheet of nori added a hint of toasty aroma and crisp texture during chewing.
...
This term is not unfamiliar worldwide, and can even directly represent a unique food of Japan.
The chef in question, Imada Yosuke, is the owner of Kyūbē, the second sushi restaurant in Japan to be recognized as a three-star establishment by the WGO Gourmet Organization.
Hmm!
His life journey has been quite remarkable.
At the age of 18, Imada Yosuke began his training, sent to work as an apprentice in a sushi restaurant.
It wasn't until he was 30 that he officially took over as the owner and has been managing it ever since.
Having survived Japan's bubble economy period, the restaurant not only remained standing but expanded to a total of 13 locations, mostly situated in high-end hotels in Tokyo and Osaka, and even opened take-out counters in department stores.
Moreover, when the WGO executives inspected Kyūbē Sushi, they found its operating philosophy quite intriguing:
"Refuse any form of discriminatory treatment!"
Whether it's politicians, celebrities, or one-time visitors.
Even if he isn't personally making the sushi to serve them, he still greets each and every one individually.
Practical.
Humble.
This attitude toward service.
Indeed, it proves to be an "effective" way of operating.
...
She swallowed.
After taking the first bite of sushi.
Erina gently closed her eyes, her long eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings, as if carefully tucking this fleeting moment of exquisite flavor into the softest corner of her heart.
In this quiet moment of savoring, time itself seemed to slow its pace.
Her thoughts, like clouds brushed by a sea breeze, drifted leisurely into the distance.
In a daze.
Dreamlike scenes unfolded gradually in her mind:
She saw herself wearing a deep blue swimsuit, clinging tightly to her body, perfectly outlining her slender figure!
"Splash."
After a loud sound.
Erina lightly leaped into the vast, boundless ocean.
As soon as she entered the sea, she quickly merged with this azure world, the water gently enveloping her with a cool, refreshing touch that was utterly delightful.
She swam freely, like a nimble "mermaid," tracing graceful arcs across the shimmering surface of the water.
Just then.
A dense school of salmon.
Like a brilliant silver lightning bolt, charged fiercely toward her.
...
"Ah!"
"No... stop it..."
These salmon were mischievous, darting all over Erina's body.
Their smooth scales brushed against her skin, sending wave after wave of peculiar, tingling sensations.
Suddenly.
A sharp alarm blared.
Snapping Erina out of her reverie, her eyes flew open.
The faint smile that had been on her face turned serious, and her gaze instantly became alert and sharp!
"Salmon roe is usually small, round grains, making it unsuitable for nigiri sushi."
"But if you wrap the rice ball with seaweed on the outside, you can place the salmon roe on top. This sushi shape resembles a battleship, which is why it's called Battleship Sushi."
"However."
"As a WGO-recognized three-star restaurant."
"I didn't expect that your Salmon Roe Battleship Sushi would have several fatal flaws."
Erina frowned deeply, her gaze piercing as she stared at Imada Yosuke.
"I'm sorry."
"This was all my mistake."
Imada Yosuke, once again frightened and flustered, hurriedly bowed in apology.
"The vinegar flavor in this sushi's vinegared rice is too strong, masking the natural sweetness of the rice itself."
"You wouldn't possibly try to tell me that as a three-star chef, facing a genius like me with the God Tongue ability, you'd make such a basic mistake?"
Erina said calmly.