novelraw Chapter 476 - 474: A Man Who Strives All His Life
Chapter 476 - 474: A Man Who Strives All His Life
Powell had put away all his disdain.
He’s visited many Chinese restaurants in Europe, but those establishments really have nothing to do with Michelin. It’s not that he’s biased; he actually quite likes Huaxia culture.
However, these restaurants seem to change so much to cater to the local scene that they don’t align with their Michelin judging standards, even without applying their scientific formula.
Cheap, noisy, simple dishes with no trace of Michelin’s DNA.
But the dishes made by this person in front of him were different.
Not only are they exquisitely styled and impeccably flavored, but each dish also carries a history, some with fascinating stories.
This is very Michelin!
If this young man were the head chef of this restaurant today, he wouldn’t mind upgrading it from two stars to three stars this year.
Powell looked at Professor Liu and asked, "I’ve heard from Allen that you know today’s head chef?"
Professor Liu nodded, "He’s my student’s boyfriend."
Powell said, "I think you might consider advising him to open a restaurant, with decor matching this one. I would definitely apply to headquarters to send a secret tester, and I’m sure with his culinary skills, three stars are guaranteed. The number of cutlery icons can be determined based on the restaurant’s environment later."
Then he turned to Allen and said, "Old pal, you might consider hiring him as the head chef for your restaurant. I’ll recommend three stars for you this year."
Professor Liu shook his head, "From what I know, it’s unlikely he’ll settle in one place, much less cook rigidly according to rules. His motivation was more about countering the negative portrayals of Chinese cuisine in the media. He doesn’t value your star awards that much."
Powell was surprised, "Does he not know the effect of our Michelin star awards?"
With their current authority, receiving even a single star brings enormous crowds, and more stars mean more visitors.
One star signifies an outstanding restaurant in its category, two stars indicate excellent cooking worth a detour, and three stars denote exceptional cuisine worth a special journey.
Even far away in Huaxia, there will be many who visit because of its fame, correlating to increased business.
Professor Liu shook his head without further explanation.
Despite not having spent much time with Wang Fan, she felt she understood this young man well.
Like most young people, he couldn’t tolerate too many constraints.
Many young individuals long for freedom, but some change due to life’s restrictions. However, with Wang Fan’s abilities, reality cannot confine him. He’s like a wild donkey without reins; how could you expect him to stay in one place and cook obediently?
Don’t even think about it!
Absolutely impossible!
If Wang Fan knew what Professor Liu thought, he’d surely consider her a kindred spirit. She truly understood him.
The amount of river shrimp in the small bowl isn’t much, reflecting French cuisine’s essence.
Powell and the others soon finished their plates, feeling a slight loss after the last shrimp exploded in their mouths.
Then, upon seeing the vibrant green tea leaf decoration, his eyes lit up.
He had a habit of drinking tea, alternating between black, green, and coffee for his afternoon breaks. Yet, in all these years, he’d never seen such vibrant tea leaves.
This tea must be a high-end product from the mysterious East not available for sale! The chef probably says it only to prevent people from asking for more after their meal, being reluctant to part with it!
Powell felt he’d unintentionally uncovered the truth.
Well, I must taste this tea leaf to know its flavor.
With a sly smile, Powell suddenly sensed a peculiar gaze and looked up to find Allen smirking at him.
Oh, so great minds think alike. It seems Allen also realized the truth.
Professor Liu watched the two sneaking smiles with an indifferent expression but was full of anticipation inside.
She was quite eager to see the amusing expressions when these two foreigners, who couldn’t stand losing, tasted a bite of the little Ku Ding leaf.
Ahem... Not right, hoping the two could reduce some internal heat; it’s not good for the body at their age.
The small Ku Ding leaf, or "Green Mountain and Water," is a type of Ku Ding tea. It mainly grows in the dense forests of the mountains in Junlian County, Sichuan Province. It doesn’t have the intense bitterness of large-leaf Ku Ding, carrying a tinge of green tea sweetness.
Small Ku Ding can clear heat, detoxify, improve eyesight, liver health, and soothe the throat and lungs, so many tea enthusiasts consider it a natural health beverage rather than traditional tea.
Of course, as a Ku Ding tea type, it’s inherently bitter; the slight sweetness is merely an oral illusion, a ’contrast effect.’
Though extremely bitter, it has a unique feature.
It appears curled and tender when dry, similar to ordinary tea leaves, but when you pour hot water over it, the leaves unfurl instantly at the bottom of the cup, their bright green hue resembling the most moisturized jade.
Nevertheless, its intense bitterness remains unaffected.
Powell and Allen virtually picked up the tea leaves at the bowl’s bottom simultaneously.
Raising them to their faces, the verdant buds looked as if they were lively, appearing quite premium.
They then made a toasting gesture in unison before nearly synchronously popping them into their mouths.
Hmm... Refreshingly intense tea aroma!
As soon as the tea leaf entered, the rich tea scent filled their mouths, giving Allen and Powell a delightful surprise.
Indeed, it’s good tea; they had never experienced such a richly fragrant tea before.
Both were quite satisfied with their cleverness.
Good thing they didn’t listen to the chef; otherwise, they might have missed such a great tea!
Chew...
In an instant, when Allen kept savoring the refreshing aroma, Powell’s teeth started to cut the tea leaf.
But just as he crushed the leaf, he froze.
In that moment, he felt like someone had stuffed a ton of coffee beans into his mouth.
Bitter, an overwhelming bitterness!
Powell felt an electric current running through his entire body.
Using all his strength to endure, he barely kept his facial features from scrunching together.
Allen curiously asked, "How does it feel?"
He was still savoring the tea and hadn’t chewed yet.
Powell didn’t speak, just nodded slightly with full approval on his face.
Professor Liu turned away, fearing he might laugh out loud. Who would have thought this serious-looking Powell would pull someone down with him?
Allen, full of expectation, started chewing, and in an instant, his features bunched together.