The Spirit of Gourmet

Chapter 537 Doing Something for Cooks

Although not a professional food connoisseur, Manager Zhang frequently travels for business and has dined at many high-end restaurants, so he can be considered a picky eater.

This one bite completely changed his understanding of Hai Ba Wang.

Prior to this, his impression of Hai Ba Wang Restaurant was still based on negative reports such as its popularity plummeting shortly after opening and the use of inferior ingredients.

But after taking that bite, his impression of Hai Ba Wang was completely reversed.

Intern Xiao Li is absolutely right. The quality of these dishes is probably only matched by Wei Ji Xian Restaurant, which is ranked number one in Guanling City.

Realizing this, Manager Zhang immediately felt relieved and smiled as he looked at the guests who had tasted each hot dish and were showing expressions of surprise.

"Gentlemen, how is the food at this restaurant?"

“Very good.” General Manager Liu nodded slightly. “Although our Wuhe Prefecture also has a lot of seafood, compared to Mingjing Prefecture, the way seafood is handled is more skillful and refined.”

After saying that, he abandoned his reserve and quickened his pace of eating.

Seeing Mr. Liu's eagerness, Manager Zhang immediately felt reassured. Instead of rushing to discuss business, he took the time to eat a few bites of the various exquisite signature dishes while greeting the guests, marveling at their deliciousness.

Such a wonderful taste…

Who says Haibawang uses inferior products?

It's probably just rumors and smears from other restaurants!
If it weren't for Xiao Li's insistence, I would have really missed out on a great restaurant.

Thinking of this, Manager Zhang's gaze towards Xiao Li softened, and he even smiled and said, "Xiao Li, you're young, eat more."

Hearing these words, which carried a hint of concern, Xiao Li couldn't help but shudder.

Is this still my boss who usually has a dark and serious face?
Could eating at Haibawang Restaurant really change a person's personality?
Once everyone had eaten about half full, the guests slowed down their eating pace.

Seeing this, Manager Zhang smiled and raised his glass.

"To all of you, for our meeting today."

"Hahaha, great!" General Manager Liu laughed and raised his glass as well, followed by the others who had come along.

After a glass of wine, the atmosphere at the table became even more enthusiastic.

Manager Zhang's smile grew even brighter.

Under his subtle probing, it seemed that General Manager Liu also had the intention to further cooperate with their company, so it looked like this deal was inevitable.

As they were chatting, there was another knock on the door of the private room. A waiter walked in carrying a large tray, with a bright smile on his face.

"Excuse me, esteemed guests, this is a complimentary pastry of salted egg yolk from our shop."

"Also a free gift?" Mr. Liu looked interested upon hearing this. "Was this made by one of the participants in the food festival?"

"Yes." The waiter smiled and nodded.

"Hehe, okay." Mr. Liu smiled and waited for the waiter to place the tray on the table before picking up a piece and putting it in his bowl.

The number of egg yolk pastries on the tray was exactly the same as the number of guests present. By the time everyone else had taken one, the tray was empty.

The rich, crispy aroma wafted over him, and Manager Zhang couldn't help but swallow hard. He had always loved these kinds of pastries and sweets, and he never expected that Haibawang would send him pastries this time. This was such a pleasant surprise.

He picked it up and took a small bite. The distinct layers of flaky pastry, with a slightly crispy texture, exploded in Manager Zhang's mouth. The rich aroma locked inside instantly filled his mouth and nose, followed by a sweet taste. It was a wonderful and intoxicating experience that made Manager Zhang squint his eyes and show a satisfied expression.

The sweetness of the egg yolk pastry wasn't the overpowering sweetness of ordinary pastries. The subtle sweetness of the red bean paste mingled with the slowly released sweetness of the flaky pastry, infused with the unique salty and savory flavor of the salted egg yolk, leaving a lingering and delightful aftertaste. Only when his hands were empty did Manager Zhang come to his senses, smack his lips with a hint of lingering satisfaction, and turn his gaze to General Manager Liu not far away.

Somewhat to his surprise, Mr. Liu, who was the first to pick up the egg yolk pastry, has not taken a single bite yet, and the pastry is still intact in the bowl.

"Mr. Liu, is this egg yolk pastry not to your liking?" Manager Zhang couldn't help but ask with concern.

"Mr. Liu doesn't like sweets," Mr. Liu's assistant explained softly.

"Yes." Mr. Liu nodded. "I've never really liked overly sweet foods; I prefer salty ones."

"I see." Manager Zhang looked enlightened, then couldn't help but add, "But this egg yolk pastry isn't greasy at all, and it's a sweet and savory flavor."

"Sweet and savory?" Mr. Liu looked surprised. He hesitated for a moment as he looked at the egg yolk pastry in the bowl, then picked up his chopsticks.

"In that case, I'll have a bite."

After taking a bite of the egg yolk pastry, Mr. Liu paused slightly, a look of surprise appearing on his face.

The egg yolk pastry was sweet but not greasy, just within his acceptable range. The slightly salty salted egg yolk flavor inside made it even more irresistible.

Although he said he would only take one bite, after the first bite, Mr. Liu couldn't help but take a second bite, followed by a third, a fourth...

By the time he came to his senses, he had already finished the entire egg yolk pastry.

Noticing the somewhat mocking gazes from all around, even a prominent figure in the business world like Mr. Liu couldn't help but blush.

"Haha, it seems the desserts at this restaurant are really delicious. Even Mr. Liu, who doesn't like sweets, finished them all." Manager Zhang laughed and helped him out of the awkward situation.

“Indeed.” Mr. Liu nodded hastily. “Even if such delicious food were on the menu and sold at a high price, I would be willing to buy it, but it’s just a free gift.”

"I wonder what that last complimentary dish will taste like."

As they were talking, the waiter knocked on the door of the private room again, pushed in a food cart, and placed an exquisite soup bowl in front of each guest.

"This is the last complimentary dish for today, 'Full Moon Over the West Tower'."

"Full Moon Over the West Tower? What a wonderful name." Mr. Liu's eyes lit up, and he couldn't wait to open the lid of the soup bowl. Looking at the two lifelike flowers quietly resting in the clear soup, his face instantly showed a look of amazement.

Others who opened the soup bowls also exclaimed in surprise.

Such elegant and sophisticated plating would surely make this a signature dish in any other restaurant, right?
Here, it's just a free gift...

They eagerly picked up their spoons, took a sip of soup, and then fell silent.

this smell...

Mr. Liu slowly closed his eyes, savoring the indescribably delicious taste lingering in his mouth. He felt as if his soul had been cleansed.

These dishes were just complimentary...

Mr. Liu suddenly opened his eyes.

He felt it was necessary to do something for the cook of this dish.

How can participants in the food festival support themselves?

(End of this chapter)