Shokugeki: Start with an izakaya, making everyone cry

Chapter 146 Dishes like a lion’s head
Yangzhou.

There are the famous "three heads", namely:
Braised silver carp head!
Grill the whole pig face!
Crab meat lion head!
Among them, the origin of crab meat lion head can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty more than 1000 years ago.

At that time, with the economic prosperity, officials and dignitaries also paid more attention to their diet.

One day, Duke Wei Zhi of the State of Xi hosted a banquet for guests. Wei Juyuan, the famous chef in the palace, made four famous dishes using delicacies from mountains and seas, and rare ingredients from land and water.

And when the dish of "Sunflower Chopped Meat" was served, the huge meat dumplings were as exquisite as sunflowers blooming, and even more like the head of a lion!
The guests present at the banquet couldn't help but take the opportunity to say: "The Duke of Xi has spent his entire life in the army and has made outstanding achievements in battle. He should wear the lion seal."

When Wei Zhi heard this, he happily raised his glass and drank it down in one gulp, and replied: "To commemorate today's grand event, it is better to change the name of Sunflower Beheading to Lion Head."

After saying this, everyone shouted a hundred promises.

From then on, there was a lion head in Yangzhou.

In the Qing Dynasty, when Qianlong went to the south of the Yangtze River, he was full of praise for the lion head dish and brought it to the capital, making it a Qing palace dish.

As a result, the Huaiyang dish of lion head finally became famous all over the world and became known to the world!
……

At night, the izakaya opens for business.

Zhang Fan was seen cutting pork belly, water chestnuts, and dried dried shrimps into pieces the size of mung beans.

Then continue to cut the ham and winter bamboo shoots into fine dices.

Then combine pork, ginger, green onions, water chestnuts, dried shrimps, eggs, salt, pepper, cooking wine, and water starch to make steamed bun fillings.

Immediately afterwards, divide the meat filling made in this way into 5 large meatballs of the same size.

Ah!
The diameter of the meatball.

Considering that Kobayashi Gentian eats a lot, they are all made into 8 centimeters.

Then add 7% oil and fry until the surface turns golden brown and take it out.

Finally, place the wok on high heat, add oil, add winter bamboo shoots and ham and stir-fry briefly.

Then add fresh soup, cooking wine, soy sauce, sugar color, green onions and ginger, bring to a boil, add meatballs, shape and plate.

Surround the sides with a little water, boil the soup in the pot again, add pepper and water starch to thicken it, and finally pour it on the meatballs and garnish with green leaves.

Then, what was placed in front of Kobayashi Ryodan were five round and large lion heads, and they were all sitting among three green leaves.

At first glance, it seems to mean "five blessings come to your door".

There are fat and lean meats, red and shiny, and paired with green vegetables.

The bright colors and tangy fragrance can instantly arouse appetite just by looking at it.

"Ah...uhhhh!"

Taking advantage of the ruddy soup, it keeps steaming.

As a big foodie, Kobayashi gentian quickly took one and opened his mouth to take a bite.

As soon as you enter your mouth, the whole meatball bursts with juice.

What follows is the taste of fat and thin, chewy and chewy, with a rich aroma.

Fried foods like this usually have a greasy taste, but the amazing thing is that this greasy smell has long been eliminated by the refreshing taste of the water chestnuts.

So much so that before I finished eating one, I wanted to pick another one out!

……

He swallowed and ate a whole lion head.

Ringtong Kobayashi couldn't help but smack her lips, feeling very unsatisfied, so she continued to pick up the big meatballs and started eating.

Although half of it was bitten off in one bite, it only took a light stroke.

The feeling of being annihilated in the flesh still made her feel a deep sense of happiness.

"I see."

"If the lion's head is tight, it will not moisten the mouth."

"But if it is loose, it will lose some elasticity and taste boring."

"So to make it melt in your mouth but also have a elastic effect, you have to add some minced water chestnuts, minced yam, minced silkworms..."

"In this way, the whole meatballs can be combined with meat and vegetables, and the taste will be fluffy and moist!"

Involuntarily, Kobayashi Gentian, who was chewing slowly and carefully, began to close his eyes and think, and analyze the lion's head dish in detail.

The Chinese food is delicious, edible, and the portions are sufficient, that’s for sure.

Like Western food, many types are relatively monotonous, and the cooking ingredients and seasonings are high in calories and not that healthy.

Many dishes, such as fish and chips, vegetable salads, etc., leave your stomach empty after eating them.

Take Western pastries as an example, Kobayashi Ringtong has always liked them in his heart.

But I don’t eat it often because it’s high in calories and doesn’t make me full!

But Chinese food is different, maybe because there are more varieties, and the selection of ingredients and cooking techniques often surprise her.

Of course, the most important reason was that she was deeply impressed by Zhang Fan's cooking skills, which made her particularly keen on Zhang Fan's cooking.

Whenever she is free, she will show up at the izakaya on time.

……

Understanding of the lion's head.

Kobayashi Ryodan, who is the second member of the Ten Elites, may not be as profound as Zhang Fan.

But she knew very well that if she wanted to make an authentic lion head with perfect taste and texture, it was actually quite particular:

The ratio of fat to lean meat is wrong, no.

If you cut it in the wrong size and direction, it won't work.

You can season it as you like, no.

Because the ingredients are too light, the aroma of the meat does not come out, and only the smell of mutton comes out.

The ingredients are too heavy, and the meat and ingredients cannot complement each other, which is not good.

Even just meat is not enough, it must be garnished with some vegetables, just like the lion head dish in front of Zhang Fan, it must have green vegetable leaves.

This not only balances the taste, but also caters to the various tastes of diners.

To put it bluntly, what the real lion head pursues is precisely this sense of richness and balance after careful reconciliation.

Obviously, Zhang Fan did an especially perfect job in this aspect.

……

Soon, Xiaolin Ringtong opened his eyes and secretly looked at Zhang Fan.

He was now soaking the knife cloth and rinsing it several times with warm water.

Then he began to carefully wipe a sharp kitchen knife in his hand, and then wiped it with a dry cloth.

On the side, the kitchen assistant Mu Jiuzhienguo was at the vegetable sink, turning on the faucet and washing some vegetables.

Therefore, Kobayashi Rgentan could only turn his attention to her.

But he found that her pretty little face had a slight blush.

Those erratic eyes were always looking at Zhang Fan secretly like hers, with a hint of excitement and admiration in their eyes.

"Shopkeeper, I don't come here often these days. Are you looking for a helper here?"

Xiaolin Rientan, who withdrew his gaze and still had unfinished thoughts, couldn't help but said in surprise.

In this situation, even a three-year-old child can understand what is going on.

"As you can see, Kikuchichi Sonoka is indeed an assistant cook at the izakaya now."

Zhang Fan said calmly.

"Oh, that's really unexpected."

Hearing this, Xiaolin Gentian sighed softly.Although based on the current operating situation of the izakaya, Zhang Fan will definitely recruit some staff.

But it was really unexpected that the first person to work in the izakaya would be the proprietress of the Harugotei restaurant next door, Kikuchichienka!
"Hey, she got there first!"

After thinking about it, Xiaolin Ringtong said helplessly to himself.

She still remembered that when she was at the izakaya, she had already made an agreement with Zhang Fan that she would work here after graduation.

Who knows, there is someone who is a student of Yueyue like her, and is also a former graduate of Yuanyue, who has the same idea and realizes it faster than her.

This made her feel a little stuck. She always felt like something important had been taken away!

……

"how?"

"Does this matter make you unhappy?"

"Or are you jealous after learning that Kikuchichi Sonoka became the chef at the izakaya?"

Taking back the kitchen knife, Zhang Fan smiled and said to Xiao Lin Ringtong.

Kobayashi Ryodan suddenly trembled, his face instantly turned red, and he said in a panic: "Am I jealous? No, why should I be jealous?"

It's really strange, why did I feel so panicked when he said that?
Do I really like him?

No, no, I don't like him.

At best, it’s just because his food is delicious, and I...I can’t resist the temptation of delicious food!
Yes, at most I am only a little curious about him!

"Are you OK?"

"I told you a few jokes, but why are you shaking your head?"

Zhang Fan's voice suddenly interrupted Xiaolin Rgentan's thoughts.

After recovering for a moment, she inevitably felt embarrassed. She could only point to the plate of unfinished lion heads in front of her and said, "Let's... have another bowl of rice. It will taste better if you eat it with the meatballs."

"Okay, I'll get you a bowl of rice."

……

Nowadays, the age groups of diners visiting izakayas are gradually becoming more diverse.

Of course, in addition to the social animals who live on the front line, there are also many students, foreign tourists, and some elites in society.

Although the business hours are only from 7 pm to 12 am, which makes it feel a bit short, it still cannot stop the enthusiasm of many diners!
After Kobayashi Gentian, another regular customer finally appeared at the izakaya.

"Senior, it would be my great honor to invite you to drink and dine here with me."

After choosing a seat and sitting down, Isshiki narrowed his eyes slightly and said to Joichiro Yukihira next to him with a smile on his face.

"Ise Hui, you don't have to be like this."

"As a senior, I should take care of juniors like you. How can I ask you to personally spend money to bring me here to eat?"

Yukihira Joichiro replied hurriedly.

"Senior, after listening to Wen Xu tell you your deeds, I admire you so much!"

"Today's Jixing Lao has long lost its glory as you did in Yuanyue. Every time I think of this place, I feel deeply regretful."

Speaking of this, Yisekhui's eyes were inevitably a little disappointed.

"After all, it's been more than 20 years, but the situation is better than I thought."

"At least now you, the top ten heroes, are still in charge of Ji Xing Liao, so there is no hope of rising."

Yukihira Joichiro's eyes were deep, as if he was reminiscing about the time he lived in the Gokusei dormitory with Dojima Gin, Nakamura Itsuki, Shiomi Jun and others.

"Senior, you think highly of me."

"With my qualifications and level, it is impossible for me to lead Jixingliao in the future."

Isekhui scratched the back of his head and replied with an embarrassed smile.

"Human potential is often stimulated by the environment!"

"I think when the time comes, you will have the ability to lead Jixing Lao to glory again, so please don't underestimate yourself."

Yukihira Joichiro glanced at Isshiki Kei with the corner of his eyes, and then said seriously.

……

After that, he looked at the izakaya alone.

Regardless of the carefully designed decorations and appropriate dining environment, he was extremely perceptive and soon discovered that there was something wrong with the food eaten by every diner here!
“It’s really interesting that this izakaya doesn’t have specific set dishes.”

Finally, looking back, Joichiro couldn't help but exclaimed.

"Senior, there is a rule here that as long as there are existing ingredients and the chef can cook it, diners can order whatever they want!"

Yise Hui, explain it.

"It's creative, but having the courage to set such rules really tests the chef's adaptability."

"And it needs to be that the chef has a deep understanding of many cuisines."

Hearing this, Joichiro was stunned.

But after a brief thought, he couldn't help showing admiration.

"Yes, so I brought senior here for dinner this time because I also wanted you to see the strength of this shop owner."

Yise Hui nodded and replied.

As Joichiro Yukihira who has also run a restaurant before, he is actually better able to understand that the business model of an izakaya like Zhang Fan is rarely practical.

Because an izakaya must be open at night.

Just this kind of operation time is destined to not make a big catering business!

Not to mention that many convenience stores are now open all night, selling all kinds of fast food, snacks, etc.

What's more, judging from the current situation.

Zhang Fan's izakaya, except for the rule of ordering whatever you want.

In fact, there are many stories that happened, which made everyone feel very touched and became regular customers!
However, a Neon countryman, no, as long as he is a human being, he has a perceptual side and naturally also has a rational side.

So in real life, who is so emotional that they always put their own affairs in the izakaya and share it with strangers and the owner Zhang?

However, what you see in front of you is that all the diners are delighted by the food and touched by the stories here...

"It seems that this shopkeeper Zhang is definitely a very charming person!"

After thinking about it, Joichiro sighed again.

……

"You two have been sitting for a while, why haven't you ordered yet?"

At this moment, Zhang Fan took the initiative to come to them and asked.

"Shopkeeper Zhang, let me introduce you."

"This is a former dormitory student in our Jiexing dormitory, and the second seat of the 69th Top Ten, Saiba Joichiro!"

Seeing Zhang Fan personally entertaining him, Isekhui didn't dare to neglect, and hurriedly stood up and introduced Joichiro to him.

"Yes! Nice to meet you."

After looking at it for a while, Zhang Fan could only nodded.

In fact, Zhang Fan has been silently paying attention to Yukihira Joichiro ever since he entered the izakaya.

As one of the most powerful chefs in the original plot, he actually visited the izakaya at this moment. This situation inevitably made him deeply surprised.

At this time, Yukihira Joichiro saw Zhang Fan in front of him.

He was actually younger than the image of an izakaya owner he had imagined, and he couldn't help but be secretly surprised.

(End of this chapter)