Time passed.
It was time for the judging.
All the new students present had completed their dishes, and after Shaper's evaluation, each received a score.
Upon closer inspection, the rich Burgundy wine was completely absorbed by the beef.
After more than an hour of "sauna steaming," the fat rendered from the beef infused into the vegetables, leaving the meat tender and soft, exuding a mellow aroma that was intoxicating…
Afterward, Shaper slowly opened his eyes.
With his sharp eyes, he looked at the last new student, Tadokoro Megumi, and said, "You seem to have made many changes to the recipe I provided!"
"Is my cooking that bad in your eyes? Or…",
"Do you want to challenge my authority?"
That last sentence made Tadokoro Megumi tremble with fear.
But she gritted her teeth and bravely replied, "No, Shaper Instructor, I didn't mean to challenge you."
"I just think that Burgundy Beef Bourguignon is originally a rustic dish from the countryside of France."
"So, in terms of some ingredients and methods, it's best to retain some original ideas and principles!"
"That is to say, in my eyes, the true essence of a dish should be improved upon without destroying its original flavor."
"Hmm!"
"Is that what you believe?"
Shaper, after listening to Tadokoro Megumi's explanation, showed no particular expression but calmly counter-questioned.
However, he saw that Tadokoro Megumi seemed to be frightened and dared not answer his question further.
With no other choice, he said nothing more but lowered his head to examine the dish.
…
Then, the sharp-eyed Shaper.
As if he thought of something, he quickly picked up a small knife and gently pressed the beef!
With a "sizzle," due to the external pressure, the juices inside the beef instantly spurted out.
The entire piece of beef also visibly sunken in at a rapid speed, then emitted an even richer meaty aroma.
"So soft! This beef… how could it be stewed so soft?"
"I remember you encountered some difficulties midway, have those difficulties been successfully resolved by you?"
"Moreover, what's with the texture of this beef? Two hours of stewing time, it shouldn't be this soft…"
At this moment, Shaper had not yet tasted it, but he had a strange feeling in his heart.
He felt that the dish made by this new student might far surpass his own level!
Finally, with complex thoughts, he hurriedly cut a small piece of beef with a knife and fork, eagerly tasting it.
…
Speaking of delicious food, everyone can say a lot.
But if a group of people discusses this topic, they are very likely to argue until their faces turn red.
Therefore, it often feels that the encounter between food and people, in fact, is like the encounter between people, emphasizing a kind of destiny.
"Burgundy."
"That dreadful place was truly awful!"
This was Shaper's truest thought during his childhood, living in the Burgundy region of France.
From a young age, he had already displayed extremely high culinary talent, and at a young age, he became a famous chef in the French culinary world.
Later, he was invited by Totsuki Academy to serve as an instructor.
From then on, away from his hometown, he gradually understood that the place where he lived as a child would always be the best sacred place!
Every plant and tree in Burgundy, as well as the undulating mountains in the distance, and the beautiful scenery composed of delicacies like matsutake mushrooms, cheese, snails, etc., always evoked an indescribable emotion whenever he recalled them!
Many times, he would try to cook his hometown dishes.
But perhaps his mindset had changed, or perhaps he had gradually forgotten the taste of his hometown.
No matter how hard he tried, and no matter how many times he cooked, he could never replicate the taste of those years. At the same time, he could no longer find that feeling of warmth spreading through his body with just one bite, allowing him to "smile"!
…
Upon entering his mouth, a "sizzle, sizzle" sound immediately came out.
That was the sound of the beef easily falling apart along its grain in his mouth!
And every drop of juice that overflowed was permeated with the rich aroma of wine.
Paired with potatoes and mushrooms that had absorbed the rich gravy, the Burgundy wine sauce permeated every inch of the meat.
That firm meaty texture and slightly tart wine flavor continuously intertwined, bringing a unique satisfaction!
At this moment, one only needed to close their eyes and feel with their heart to imagine the breathtaking vineyards and the pastoral French charm.
The sauce was rich, the beef was tender and flavorful, and the flavors of all the ingredients were fully integrated, complementing each other.
So much so that Shaper's chewing movements slowed down, and he began to slowly, slowly feel the rich flavor of the beef being thoroughly crushed in his mouth and then gradually spreading out.
"Hmm?"
"This taste…"
Swallowing, Shaper's eyes revealed a look of shock.
Immediately, he quickly cut another small piece of beef and tasted it carefully.
As soon as he bit into the beef, in an instant, every cell in his body began to stir.
That's it!
It was this taste.
It was the taste of Burgundy Beef Bourguignon he had tasted when he was a child!
Gradually, he recalled scenes from his hometown.
First, there were the relatively gentle slopes, where many grapes were planted, and many vineyards existed.
Looking out, there were no fences or boundaries, only continuous rolling green vineyards, with occasional houses visible.
And the beautiful pastoral scenery made Shaper's mood begin to become joyful at this moment.
The beauty of Burgundy, after all, was not stunning, nor breathtaking, only those warm daily routines, in those small things that could touch the heartstrings, were ineffable!
All of this began with that one serving of Burgundy Beef Bourguignon.
…
"Hahaha!"
"I found it, I finally found it!"
"This kind of Burgundy Beef Bourguignon is the goal I've pursued my entire life!"
Returning from his reverie, Shaper couldn't help but let his mouth curl into a slight smile.
Finally, he could no longer completely hide the joy in his heart, bursting into hearty laughter.
A chef who was called the "expressionless chef" by his students, at this moment, couldn't help but show a happy smile because he tasted the flavor of his hometown.
Then, disregarding Tadokoro Megumi's reaction and gaze beside him.
He continued to eat bite after bite, finishing the entire plate of Burgundy Beef Bourguignon.
Even the slightest bit of sauce remaining on the plate was wiped clean with his mashed potatoes!
Clearly, this French dish.
Tadokoro Megumi successfully embodied its essence, deeply moving Shaper!
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