Chapter 535: Unexpected Twist (15)
Chapter 535: Unexpected Twist (15)
Many chefs dreamed of Rose Island—not just of becoming its head like June, but of simply being part of it. From rookies to head chefs, the honour of belonging to Rose Island attracted talent worldwide, not only in the United States.
Yet, simply belonging to Rose Island didn’t make cooks timid before competent chefs. They believed that even if they weren’t yet on par, their experience with Rose Island would allow them to grow faster.
Dave was hailed as the best chef among the elite. No other chef dared to compete with him—they simply gave up. Many didn’t truly understand Dave’s skill, though it wasn’t hard to state who he was. For those who valued chefs’ biographies, it was enough to mention his three Michelin stars. Expert chefs testified to his excellence.
Not every Rose Island chef became head of a branch. Among Rachel’s students, many succeeded in opening their own restaurants or became hotel head chefs admired by all.
When asked about Dave, even these chefs hesitated. It wasn’t ignorance—they simply found him too great to judge easily. People were amazed by his presence but couldn’t see him as a peer.
Rumour had it Dave was Rose Island’s best chef, but only experts knew. June was more famous with the public. Many knew Minjoon, but few knew Dave or June.
This ignorance was an advantage for Dave. People wondered why he was so highly praised and why June seemed nervous of him.
Once they learned who Dave really was, their respect grew. He was the best chef, yet public recognition lagged behind.
Netizens were faster than reporters. They researched and spread Dave’s career and ratings online, while reporters covering the competition began pouring attention on him as the likely winner.
At that moment, Rachel and Minjoon discussed Dave.
“Do you think Dave will win?”
“I think his chances are fifty-fifty. It was harder in the past, but now he’s very strong. He has a good chance.”
“You seem to take June’s victory for granted.”
“As you know, I spent more time working with June,” he answered awkwardly.
As a judge, Minjoon aimed for fairness, but personally he rooted for June—not just because she was his boss, but because close observation made him want her to be rightly recognised.
He acknowledged Dave’s hard work, but June had pursued the goal of heading Rose Island for years—while Dave loved only cooking. Their hopes and dreams differed fundamentally.
Of course, no matter how strong her aspirations, it might not change the outcome.
He had no choice but to trust her cooking for now.
Looking at Rachel, he asked, “Do you have a favourite among the chefs?”
“Do you think I do?”
“Even if you want to be fair, you can’t entirely rule out your biases. Plus, each chef has distinct styles. Surely, one appeals to you more.”
She smiled but didn’t reply.
When she hesitated, he rephrased: “Between Chef June and Chef Dave, whose cooking do you prefer?”
“Do you want me to pick?”
“Yes.”
His eyes twinkled—cute, childish despite his age.
She wasn’t going to deny him.
“Well, June resembles me, and Dave resembles you. You can guess why without me explaining.”
“Yeah, I think I do.”
“That’s why I’m torn. June leading Rose Island means success. But if she hits a wall, I worry she’ll struggle to overcome it.”
Her tone grew serious, knowing how much weight her opinions carried about the likely winner.
“That’s why you support June more. Even if I suspect she might fail, I still root for her. But I can’t shake fears that she reflects my weaknesses. I’m a bad teacher, seeing her through my flaws.”
“I don’t think you’re bad. You’re human.”
“Human?”
“No one is perfect. We’re flawed, contradictory, selfish—even wrong sometimes. But that doesn’t make us bad. Don’t fear being wrong. I’ll be there to help.”
Rachel didn’t need words of thanks. She looked at him warmly and hugged him. That was enough. No more worries or questions.
Finally, the day came to evaluate Dave’s dishes. Everyone was tense but hopeful. Many, especially Rose Island’s head chefs, believed Dave—not June—would win.
Dave began cooking. Though he should have been the most nervous, observers appeared tenser. Dave seemed to enjoy the moment fully.
He wasted no time. His first dish surprised them—something no Rose Island head chef had dared attempt.
“Don’t you have an amuse-bouche?” Minjoon asked, slightly bewildered.
Not all restaurants serve amuse-bouche, but for the most expensive course, it’s customary. It sets the tone and makes diners feel honoured as the meal begins.
Dave started with carrot soup—not an amuse-bouche. The soup was simple, with no crab meat, lobster tail, or embellishments. A herb emulsion floated like fat atop pork broth.
No one expected such an ordinary start, especially from the best chef and favourite contender. They had anticipated an elaborate, spectacular opening.
Dave said, “I don’t need colourful dishes today. The more colourful a dish, the less attractive it becomes. I’ll make ordinary dishes.”
“Ordinary?”
“Yes—but beyond what any other chef can do,” he grinned convincingly.
“Try it and you’ll see.”
Minjoon raised a spoon, dipped into the soup and emulsion, then paused speechless for thirty seconds.
Man, this is incredible! He must be crazy.
He cursed Dave silently. When Deborah improved, he was delighted. He liked seeing her cooking evolve, richer in flavour. But now, faced with Dave’s utterly different dish, he felt strangely unsettled.