"Young master Bu, according to the rules, you are not qualified to step onto the third floor of my Immortal Phoenix Restaurant. Up until now, this Sovereign Area has only received the ministers of the imperial court, the emperor, and the princes. If it was not for the fact that I acknowledge young master's food appraisal ability, I would not have allowed you to step onto the third floor even if I had to act shamelessly," Qian Bao seriously said.
He attached great importance to this Sovereign Area, and it was because of this that he was being cautious.
If the general area and the VIP area were the foundation of the Immortal Phoenix Restaurant in the imperial city, then the Sovereign Area on the third floor was the foundation of the Immortal Phoenix Restaurant's reputation in the imperial city.
Because Bu Fang easily pointed out the cooking process of the Dry-Roasted Rock Carp and the flaws that even Master Chen could not detect, Qian Bao seriously looked at Bu Fang.
Bu Fang's appraisal could be considered as a slap in the face for the Immortal Phoenix Restaurant. It was impossible for Qian Bao to swallow this loss. He had to get back at them, and the only way he could do so was to go to the third floor.
Bu Fang glanced at Qian Bao and expressionlessly said, "If an ordinary person wants to ask me to appraise their food, I might not be in the mood to deal with them. If it was not for the special circumstances, I would not even bother to try your trash dishes."
Bu Fang's tone was extremely indifferent. Although his words sounded like mockery, there was not the slightest hint of mockery in them. It was as if he was merely stating a fact.
Qian Bao immediately froze and was somewhat speechless. However, he suddenly smiled and narrowed his eyes as he said to Bu Fang, "Young master Bu, please have a taste of these three dishes."
"These are the three top-notch dishes of our Immortal Phoenix Restaurant."
Xiao Xiaolong and the others blinked their eyes as they looked at the three dishes with some desire.
The dishes of the Immortal Phoenix Restaurant's Sovereign Area were usually not something they could even see. Although these dishes might not be as delicious as the ones in Bu Fang's store, those who came here to eat were not necessarily interested in the taste of the dishes, but rather their status and identity.
Bu Fang first tasted the first dish, the Red Braised Spirit Pork. This was a dish cooked with spirit beast ingredients. Although the ingredients were only the meat of a low-end first grade spirit beast, the chef's skills were pretty good. The meat was very refreshing and was not inferior to the Dry-Roasted Rock Carp at all.
However …
"Since it's the pork of a spirit beast, we have to be very careful in choosing the meat materials. It's a mistake to choose the meat of a battle boar for this dish. Battle boar is suitable for stewing, while flame boar is the best choice for braising. Also, there's a lack of control over the heat when braising. The sauce for braising is … too sweet."
After eating a mouthful of pork, Bu Fang expressionlessly put down his chopsticks and mercilessly evaluated the dish. In an instant, Bu Fang pointed out several flaws in this excellent dish.
Qian Bao was dumbfounded. He quickly asked the maidservant to record down all the shortcomings Bu Fang had mentioned.
Qian Bao was not surprised that Bu Fang had found so many flaws in the Braised Spirit Pork. After all, this dish was about the same level as the Dry-Fried Rock Carp.
"Young Master Bu, try this dish, Sweet 'n' Sour Sweet 'n' Sour Ribs," Qian Bao said.
However, to his surprise, Bu Fang's evaluation of this dish was extremely low. He found even more flaws than the braised spirit pork …
Qian Bao was confused. Why? This Sweet 'n' Sour Sweet 'n' Sour Ribs was obviously more delicious than the Braised Spirit Pork …
Xiao Xiaolong and the others pursed their lips and laughed. Showing off the Sweet 'n' Sour Ribs in front of Owner Bu, wasn't this just asking for a scolding? In their opinion, no one could surpass Bu Fang's Sweet 'n' Sour Ribs.
Bu Fang did not pay attention to Qian Bao. He turned his gaze to the Roasted Flower Duck that seemed as if it was about to ascend to the heavens.
"This plate presentation … is a little interesting." The corners of Bu Fang's mouth slightly twitched. He took out his chopsticks and poked the duck's body. The slight elasticity was transmitted to Bu Fang through the chopsticks.
When Qian Bao saw that Bu Fang was about to eat his signature dish, the Roasted Flower Duck, he immediately became spirited and clapped his hands.
Thereafter, a maidservant with a voluptuous figure wearing a long gown that revealed her legs gracefully walked to Bu Fang's side, bringing along a wave of fragrance.
Bu Fang furrowed his brows and coldly said, "Stay away from me. The fragrance on your body is affecting my judgment of this dish."
"Ah?" The maidservant was slightly taken aback. Her beautiful face was filled with astonishment. Her hand that was holding onto the dagger stopped in midair and she seemed to be at a loss as to what to do.
Qian Bao was taken aback for a moment. Then, he slightly furrowed his brows. The reason he hired these beautiful maidservants was to serve those high-ranking officials and dignitaries. He even spent a large sum of money to buy high-grade rouge and face powder just to make these maidservants more attractive. He did not expect that his method would instead affect his appetite.
He muttered to himself for a moment and dismissed the maidservant. Then, he personally held onto the dagger and began to process the duck meat.
It was obvious that Qian Bao was quite experienced in processing this dish. His hands were steady and he quickly cut a piece of duck meat and handed it to Bu Fang.
Wrapped in a piece of tissue paper, Bu Fang placed some vegetables in the tissue paper and dipped it in a little balsamic vinegar before swallowing it in one gulp.
The flavor of the duck meat perfectly blended with the taste of the vegetables, bringing about an indescribable texture. Coupled with the chewy tissue paper, Bu Fang experienced an indescribable delicacy.
He had to admit that the taste of this Roasted Flower Duck was extremely good.
"Young master Bu, how does the signature dish of the Immortal Phoenix Restaurant taste?" Qian Bao licked his lips as he looked at Bu Fang with a passionate expression. He did not believe that this dish, which even the emperor called the "number one duck of the Light Wind Empire", could not conquer this fellow.
"Hmm, this dish is indeed not bad." Bu Fang cut another piece of duck meat. This time, he did not mix it with the tissue paper and directly swallowed it in one gulp.
He was also someone who enjoyed delicious food. Every chef was a true foodie.
"Then, young master Bu … Can you point out the flaws of this dish?" Qian Bao took a deep breath and said while staring at Bu Fang.
Bu Fang unhurriedly drank a mouthful of water and simply said, "This dish can be said to be the most perfect dish in the entire Immortal Phoenix Restaurant. The taste is very good."
"I can guess that this dish was made strictly according to the steps in the recipe. Not a single word was missing and every single detail was meticulously made," Bu Fang said.
Qian Bao's pupils abruptly shrank as he stood up and looked deeply at Bu Fang. His eyes were filled with disbelief.
That was right! This Roasted Flower Duck was a recipe that he had obtained by chance. It was because of this recipe that he was able to open the Immortal Phoenix Restaurant to its current level and obtain the support of that noble person.
"It's true that you followed the steps of the recipe, but because it was too inflexible, it lacked some variation and neglected some important points. You have to know that every recipe is recorded after constant revision and experimentation. It's not perfect, and there's still room for improvement. Just like this dish, there's a mistake in the choice of ingredients."
"Choice of ingredients?"
"That's right, the recipe asked you to choose an old duck, right? Moreover, a high-quality spirit duck. However, it is actually better to choose a young duck. The skin of an old duck is too tight and the meat is too hard. The texture is not as good as that of a young duck. As for the other flaws, they are not important, so I won't mention them," Bu Fang expressionlessly said.
Qian Bao took a deep breath and calmed the shock in his heart. However, his expression was not very good.
He did not agree with Bu Fang's statement. "Young master Bu, this Roasted Flower Duck is our restaurant's signature dish and has withstood countless trials. I do not agree with your suggestion of using a young duck. I believe in the recipe more."
Even though what Bu Fang said was very reasonable, Qian Bao would not believe it so easily. After all, how could a signature dish be changed so easily?
Bu Fang glanced at him with a calm gaze. "What does it have to do with me whether you believe it or not? I am merely evaluating the dishes. Alright, since all the dishes have been evaluated, I will take my leave. Here is the money for the dishes."
Bu Fang stood up, took out five crystals and placed them on the table. Then, he gracefully walked down the stairs.
Qian Bao's expression was gloomy as he stood at the same spot. He looked at the three dishes on the table that had only taken a bite or so. His eyes were fluctuating with emotions.
"Young master Bu … Who exactly are you!" Qian Bao took a deep breath and muttered to himself. Then, he looked at Xiao Xiaolong, who was about to leave.
"Young master Xiao, can you tell me who Young Master Bu is … To be able to evaluate the flaws of a dish in such detail, he is definitely not an ordinary person. Could it be that he is an imperial chef from the imperial kitchen?" Qian Bao cupped his hands and asked.
Xiao Xiaolong was stunned. A mischievous smile appeared on his face. He squinted his eyes and said, "Isn't Owner Bu amazing? Not only does Owner Bu have great culinary skills, his evaluation of delicacies is also top-notch. I am truly impressed. "
"Owner Bu?!" Qian Bao knitted his brows. Then, he narrowed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Could it be that this person is … the black-hearted store's owner?"
Xiao Xiaolong mysteriously smiled. He did not reply to Qian Bao and turned around to chase after Bu Fang.
At this moment, Bu Fang had his hands behind his back and was leisurely walking. The system's serious and solemn voice echoed in his mind.
"Congratulations to the host for completing the abrupt mission: Taste and evaluate the thirteen dishes of the Immortal Phoenix Restaurant and find out the flaws. The mission reward will now be issued."
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