After slicing the zucchini thinly, heat it for 2 minutes, then mix it with cod roe.
Despite the simplicity of the method, Nakiri Erina, who excels at creating noble dishes, was enjoying herself immensely.
Observe closely.
You'll find that there are only three staff members working at this Izakaya: Sosuke, Kuguchi Sonoka, and Nakiri Erina!
But they all cooperate very well with each other.
Perhaps in Sosuke's eyes, only by considering the diners' emotions and truly satisfying their interests can one more easily create food that they find delicious.
And making food is certainly not the only criterion for judging an excellent Izakaya!
An excellent Izakaya should be more humane, more down-to-earth, and have a suitable warmth.
...
At this moment, Hojo Miyoko, who had just finished eating, surveyed her surroundings.
She quickly noticed that all the diners in this Izakaya, regardless of their status, were able to show their truest selves in front of the Chef, Sosuke.
If they were guests with a closer relationship to him, they would even be willing to share some of their innermost thoughts with him.
"I really wish I could be like him."
"In the future, I hope to run my own Chinese restaurant, serving every customer with the best Chinese cuisine and trying to listen to their hearts!"
Finally, when her gaze returned to Sosuke, Beijo Miyako's eyes showed envy.
After all, in terms of age, Sosuke was only slightly older than her, but he was already able to run an Izakaya on his own.
"Chef."
"This… this kind of Dongpo Pork."
"How exactly can it be made fatty but not greasy?"
Afterward, Beijo Miyako seemed to want to strike up a conversation with Sosuke, so she casually found a topic.
"First, the selection of pork belly must be pork with thin skin and fine pores on the surface, and then the first layer of fat under the skin must be 1.5 to 2 centimeters thick, no thicker. Otherwise, the Dongpo Pork will be greasy and unappetizing."
"Finally, the total thickness of the pork belly should not exceed 6 centimeters, and the size must be moderate, which can prevent the layers of Dongpo Pork from separating after cooking."
Sosuke explained.
"Indeed, it seems you are different from Kuga!"
Upon hearing this, Hojo Miyoko knew that the Izakaya Chef in front of her indeed had some real skill.
...
From the original work, this Far Moon student, who excels at Chinese cuisine, was actually severely underestimated.
Chinese cuisine is inherently profound and extensive, and coupled with her immense arm strength, enabling her to effortlessly lift heavy iron woks, she already surpassed many others in this regard.
Secondly, before enrolling in Totsuki, she was already the Chef of Hojo Tower, the number one restaurant in Yokohama's Chinatown.
Yes, she was a Chef! Not some kitchen helper, let alone a dishwasher or waitress.
So, in the Autumn Elections, she only fell behind Tadokoro Megumi by 1 point, missing out on the top eight, which can only be described as being forced out by the script!
And due to her family and personal life experiences, she has always had androphobia, especially having little affection for male Chefs.
But on the other hand, she also highly respects strong individuals.
The main reason she had been reluctant to join Kuga's Chinese Cuisine Research Association was certainly not because Kuga Terunori was a male Chef, causing her to reject him outright.
It was because his research direction for Chinese cuisine was always severely fixated on the two flavors of spicy and numbing.
Sosuke was different; the Dongpo Pork he made was of such high standard that she still found it incredibly delicious when she recalled it.
It's no exaggeration to say that this dish directly refreshed her understanding of Chinese cuisine, so deep down, she still admired Sosuke a little.
...
"Chef, I don't think I've formally introduced myself to you yet!"
Hojo Miyoko's pretty little face blushed slightly, then she softly said, "I am Hojo Miyoko, a first-year student in the Totsuki High School."
"Because during the Practical Training, Tadokoro Megumi performed exceptionally well."
"I heard she used an improved French vegetable terrine to successfully persuade and impress Shinomiya-senpai. This story of a female Chef conquering a man with her own abilities made me… made me gradually care about her."
"Tonight, she came to this Izakaya."
"Out of curiosity, I also secretly followed her here."
"And after witnessing your bowl of Dongpo Pork, I finally understood why she liked this place!"
"Hmm!"
"It's good that you like it."
Facing Hojo Miyoko, whose demeanor had somewhat changed, Sosuke's emotions remained exceptionally calm.
In his eyes, he only believed that Hojo's strongest area was Chinese cuisine.
Therefore, regarding Dongpo Pork, which is also a Chinese dish, she liked it more than anyone else and understood its technical content more than anyone else!
...
"Chef, although you are the Chef of an Izakaya."
"However, judging from your Dongpo Pork, you seem to also have a very high level of attainment and deep insight into Chinese cuisine."
Blinking her eyes, the curious Hojo Miyoko couldn't help but ask again.
"It's alright?"
"After all, I originally came from the Celestial Dynasty."
Sosuke shrugged.
"Celestial Dynasty?"
Upon learning that he was from the Celestial Dynasty, Hojo Miyoko's heart couldn't help but be startled!
But quickly, her purple eyes brightened slightly, and she excitedly said, "Indeed, it seems that you, Chef, are the one who can truly promote Chinese cuisine and even make a name for it in Japan!"
"That's an exaggeration. I'm just a small Izakaya Chef. How can I possibly elevate Chinese cuisine to a higher level worldwide?"
Goodness, it's just an ordinary bowl of Dongpo Pork. Do you need to praise me so highly?
"No, that's not it."
"Although I can only see a glimpse of the Izakaya now."
"But I am very clear that the Dongpo Pork you make, unlike the braised pork belly and braised Dongpo Pork made by all the Chinese restaurants outside, will definitely captivate everyone!"
"I believe you absolutely have the ability to promote Chinese cuisine!"
After speaking, Hojo Miyoko's eyes were filled with determination.
"Hehe, this topic is too abstruse."
"Let's leave it for later, and let time slowly verify it!"
Clearing away the several gleaming ceramic bowls she had eaten from on the table, Sosuke chuckled softly.
Hojo, however, said nothing, merely staring blankly at the gentle and sunny man in front of her, her heartstrings trembling imperceptibly.
...
"What's wrong?"
"It's just a bowl of Dongpo Pork. You really don't need to worship me that much!"
Waving his hand in front of the dazed Hojo Miyoko, Sosuke couldn't help but mutter.
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