Chapter 544: Unexpected Twist (24)
Chapter 544: Unexpected Twist (24)
Minjoon was renowned for his skill in highlighting the distinct flavours of a single ingredient. Yet, in truth, it wasn’t his specialty—he simply found such recipes most appealing.
That was why he found June’s approach so refreshing. Of course, it wasn’t unusual to overshadow one ingredient’s taste with another’s, but June’s porridge was different. It didn’t merely mask the snail’s flavour; nor did it only restore it. She transformed the snails into something like an herb.
“It seems like the scent of herbs is everywhere in my mouth,” Minjoon said.
Depending on how one interpreted his words, it might sound like criticism rather than praise. But Rachel and those tasting the porridge knew why he said it.
Nodding, Rachel said, “This dish brings out herbaceous notes more than any porridge I know. I must admit it.”
“To be honest, when I first tried Chef Dave’s dishes, I thought he would win this competition, but now, I’m not so sure.”
The reporters were surprised by this comment, as it implied Dave had been the strongest contender initially. Yet neither Minjoon nor Rachel had expressed this openly before. Before tasting other chefs’ dishes, the judges were reluctant to nominate a winner early on.
But the situation was different now. Dave had showcased his dishes not only to Minjoon and Rachel but also to other head chefs. In fact, these head chefs seemed more decided on the winner than the judges themselves; in their eyes, Dave was the clear frontrunner.
June was no longer in their immediate consideration. The moment they tasted Dave’s perfect cooking and confirmed his impressive skill, they instinctively felt June could not surpass him no matter how good she was.
“Gosh, this is getting interesting. Who’s going to win?” murmured Nathan.
June neatly shattered those preconceptions. It felt like finishing a long, dramatic film. Their impression wasn’t only of her taste but of the entire experience—the dry ice smoke cascading, the wave sounds from the conch shells, the dishes perfectly matching the cool atmosphere.
Honestly, at this point, no one knew how to judge better or worse. Dave’s dishes were better purely in flavour, but a restaurant isn’t just about taste. Considering all aspects, it was hard to place June below Dave.
Ultimately, the final choice rested with Minjoon and Rachel, so all eyes especially watched Minjoon. They thought today would decide Rose Island’s next head.
Minjoon bit into a sandwich. Savoring the mushroom-infused beef broth, he understood those who said they’d die happy now.
“The broth tastes incredible. Ordinary diners find it refreshing just because it’s served in a teacup, and some are intrigued by the floating mushrooms. But anyone familiar with this dish appreciates the broth’s depth without exception.”
“I’m quite moved by this dish myself. I’ve spoken with Western chefs about soup’s importance many times, but few truly embrace it. Chef June, you have. Regarding the sashimi and perilla paste—when you first asked me to review that pairing, I was skeptical. Sashimi and perilla isn’t an obvious combo. That makes this all the more surprising. Even without solely using perilla, I never imagined its flavour would so softly meld with the sashimi.”
Minjoon’s feedback continued. Rachel, watching quietly, added, “I actually feel sorry for you. I know you’ve worked so hard, but I couldn’t praise you hastily, fearing you’d relax, even though I know you won’t. I’m not sure if that was wise. But at least you face me proudly now, a great chef. I understand how deeply you’ve despaired as one striving against the limits of talent, how wearied you were when you first heard that word. Yes, now I understand.”
Some chefs looked puzzled at Rachel’s words, finding it odd that a world-class chef would humble herself so. But from Rachel’s perspective, it was natural. Like an adult not claiming superior strength to a child, or a professor not boasting smarter than students, possessing greater culinary sense than an ordinary chef was no pride.
She saw a genuine genius—Rachel was a mere student before that genius. Anyone could build a great restaurant with talent, but was her talent enough to lead the world’s best?
“You and I share this: we live compensating for what’s lacking. I see how much you’ve compensated. Well done, June,” Rachel said.
“Yeah. It’s been a long journey,” June replied calmly.
Minjoon sipped ‘Tea of Two Temperatures’ for dessert—half hot, half cold, infused with ginger and cinnamon. Drinking both simultaneously, he felt fire and frost battling in his throat.
His evaluation was nearing its end.
June added, “Today is my last day making up for my shortcomings.”
Her eyes said she would be perfect as Rose Island’s next head.
Rachel smiled meaningfully at her.
What does that mean?
Watching Rachel, June sensed something strange. Having spent years among many social circles, she could read thoughts by expressions. Rachel’s smile hid something unknown.
It was hard to imagine Rachel smiling like that after losing to Dave. Rachel and all the head chefs here surely supported June. So Rachel wouldn’t smile if she’d lost to Dave, June thought.
Yet, considering Rachel had graded June higher than Dave, Rachel hadn’t decided yet. She must still be weighing who should succeed her and lead Rose Island’s future.
Unless Dave overwhelmingly surpassed her, Rachel couldn’t favour him. So Rachel needed more time.
If so, why smile?
I just feel uneasy...
June narrowed her eyes. She wanted to ask Rachel what she hid, but this wasn’t the place. For now, she could only wait for Rachel’s final evaluation.
Though, she hardly needed to; Rachel’s and Minjoon’s reactions were very positive. It seemed unlikely they’d rank her lower than Dave.
The day Minjoon and Rachel finished judging and announced the winner would become the competition’s climax.
Meanwhile, Minjoon swallowed the last bite of pudding served for dessert.
Strawberry juice filled with round pudding, lightly scented with alcohol, flowed down his throat.
Gulp.
Her game was over. Her own commentary on her dishes done.
Everyone noticed Rachel and June—attention centered on this historic moment. Minjoon offered various remarks, so did Rachel. They praised June’s efforts, shared their opinions, and congratulated her on the dishes.
But June paid little heed. She appreciated their recognition of her effort and praise of her plating and recipes.
What she truly wanted was something else. Of course, the results of their evaluation couldn’t be revealed today.
“Good job, Chef June.”
“Nice work.”
“Thank you,” she replied coolly.
After settling her complex feelings, a certain conclusion came to her.
As expected, she felt a little unsettled.