Chapter 724
Chapter 724:
Tension thickened in the venue, but the judges remained calm.
Jeremiah rose from his seat, raising a hand to quiet the crowd. His voice, though measured, carried authority. “You’re focusing too much on appearances. This dish isn’t as plain as it looks. It’s a culinary gem from Tacland, a delicacy once served at royal state banquets. It’s called Phoenix Soaring Over the Sea.”
The venue buzzed with murmurs of skepticism, but another judge leaned forward, eager to explain further. “While the dish may seem simple, its creation is anything but. The broth is made from mountain chicken, known for its deep, rich flavor, and is skillfully combined with seafood to embody a harmony of land and sea. This blend reflects the competition’s theme perfectly, a clash of contrasts working in unison.”
He gestured toward the bowl in question, a spark of admiration in his eyes. “And there’s more. The broth incorporates six distinct spices, each enhancing the freshness…”
of the ingredients while adding a subtle kick of heat. This balance between the gentle flavors and the sharp spiciness is an extraordinary feat. When done right, a dish like this is guaranteed to score high.”
Jeremiah nodded in agreement, his tone thoughtful. “That’s precisely why this dish is so impressive, even though I have my reservations. While it’s a classic Tacland recipe, Skyline Restaurant didn’t innovate or put their own spin on it, which cost them some points for creativity.”
He paused, letting his words sink in. “That said, the execution was flawless. Every ingredient’s natural flavor was unlocked and showcased to perfection, blending seamlessly without one overpowering the other. If the competition were based solely on technical skill, this dish would have earned a perfect score. It’s a bit disappointing that they didn’t take more risks.”
The judges’ glowing praise left the audience stunned, their earlier outrage replaced by a mix of disbelief and curiosity. The Green Hotel team, once brimming with confidence, now stood in uneasy silence.
Stuart, their leader, stepped forward abruptly; his expression a mix of frustration and disbelief. “Phoenix Soaring Over the Sea? What nonsense is this? I’ve been a chef for years and never even heard of such a dish! How can you justify giving it such a high score?”
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Ashton smirked and leaned back casually. “Just because you haven’t heard of it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Don’t let your lack of knowledge dismiss something you don’t understand. If you’re so confident, why not try it for yourself?”
With that, Ashton pushed a fresh bowl of porridge across the table toward Stuart.
Stuart hesitated for only a moment before grabbing the spoon. His determination to prove Ashton wrong burned brighter than his skepticism.
He couldn’t wait to uncover if the dish that had earned such lavish praise was truly as extraordinary as claimed. He scooped up a spoonful and took a bite.
The instant the porridge touched his tongue, he froze, as though struck by an electric jolt.
His expression morphed into a chaotic mix, disbelief etched across his features, resistance lingering in his eyes, and, despite himself, a flicker of delight tugging at the corners of his mouth.
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