Food Wars: My adoptive mother is Nakiri Managi Chapter 049

Confit, or Confit as it is known, originated in the southwestern region of France as a meat preservation method.

In winter, large quantities of duck or goose meat would be cured, submerged in fat, and slow-roasted at low temperatures for an extended period. Afterward, it would be cooled and sealed directly in the fat. Small portions would be taken out each time, fried, and served with potatoes.

At this moment, the signature dish of Spring Fruit Pavilion, Confit Duck Leg, was served.

Upon closer inspection, the skin, after prolonged slow-cooking and fat immersion, had become firm and elastic. Its surface was covered with fine, even oil bubbles—an artwork sculpted by time and heat.

A gentle touch revealed a subtle resilience.

Then, the waiter skillfully sliced open the Confit Duck Leg, and immediately a rich aroma wafted forth. It was the perfect blend of spices and duck meat, and the visible texture of the meat inside was exquisitely clear!

It was beautiful, like a divine creation, making Chu Yang, Erina, and the others present almost reluctant to touch it.

…

“Everyone, please dig in.”

“This is our Spring Fruit Pavilion restaurant’s most popular dish, Confit Duck Leg!”

“It’s made from raw duck legs sourced from Rougié, a long-established family business in meat products, with excess fat and impurities removed, retaining only the most essential parts.”

“Subsequently, these duck legs are placed in special ceramic pots with a generous amount of duck fat, spices, garlic, bay leaves, white peppercorns, and a small amount of salt, then slow-cooked over low heat!”

“Though it may seem a bit lacking in hospitality, I believe this dish should satisfy you.”

Mizukuchi smiled as she explained.

Chu Yang, despite being a First-Class Executive, did not rush to taste it. Instead, his eyes gleamed with challenge and anticipation as he looked at Erina, who was focused on the Confit Duck Leg.

“Erina.”

“You possess the God’s Tongue.”

“You can discern the subtle differences in taste of all dishes and ingredients in the world, and even perceive the most fundamental soul of the ingredients!”

Chu Yang’s voice remained magnetic, with a hint of barely perceptible excitement: “And I, although I don’t have that talent, have developed an acutely sensitive palate over years of experience, different from ordinary people!”

“While I cannot directly explore the original taste of ingredients, I can capture every subtle layer of change in a dish.”

He paused slightly here, his gaze becoming more resolute: “How about we have a small competition?”

“Competition?”

“You… you want to challenge my God’s Tongue?”

Erina was stunned, then quickly understood Chu Yang’s implied meaning.

“Yes!”

“You and I will taste this Confit Duck Leg simultaneously.”

“We’ll analyze it with our respective palates and see who can more deeply understand the essence of this dish and more accurately describe its flavor profile.”

Chu Yang replied calmly.

Unexpectedly, as soon as these words were spoken, the entire room fell into dead silence. Especially Mizukuchi Sonoka, Rantabi, and Hisako Arato, the three girls, stared at Chu Yang in disbelief.

He must be crazy!

That was a “God’s” ability!

Who in this world would dare to challenge the authority and status of the God’s Tongue?

Yet, precisely this First-Class Executive, Chu Yang, dared to!

“Interesting.”

Erina heard this. She couldn’t help but look up at Chu Yang, a hint of surprise flashing in her bright eyes, then she continued confidently: “Instructor, since that’s the case, let’s have a match.”

“Let’s see if the God’s Tongue is more sensitive, or if your palate can thoroughly unveil the mystery of this dish!”

“Heh heh.”

“Don’t always call me ‘Instructor’; it makes us seem so distant.”

“After all, your mother, Nakiri Mana, and I, cough cough, are old acquaintances, so you can just call me by my name, or even ‘Brother’!”

Chu Yang replied with a smile.

“Huh?”

“Brother?”

Erina’s face flushed “bang” as soon as she heard this: “Although you are indeed older than me in age.”

“But… but… ‘Brother’ is too awkward; I’ll just call you by your name from now on!”

“Whatever.”

“As long as it’s not ‘Instructor’.”

Chu Yang saw Erina’s predicament and couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly.

Hmph!

No matter what, I will always be your “Onii-chan”!

…

After a brief exchange, both sides refocused their attention on the Confit Duck Leg.

Without needing many words, a competition of taste and understanding quietly began. They simultaneously picked up their cutlery. In that moment, the entire space seemed to contain only them and this dish, jointly exploring the infinite possibilities of taste!

Nakiri Erina elegantly cut a small piece of duck leg meat and brought it to her mouth.

She savored it carefully. First, she felt the perfectly crispy and rich fatty aroma of the skin gently melting on her tongue. Then, the fresh and delicate flavor of the duck meat itself bloomed in her mouth. The layers were distinct yet harmonious.

“The chef clearly put a lot of effort into the marination and cooking of this Confit Duck Leg.”

Erina’s voice was quite cool: “The marination time was just right, allowing the duck meat to fully absorb the essence of the spices without masking its inherent deliciousness.”

“Of course, the temperature control during cooking was even more exquisite; the tenderness of the duck meat was preserved, and the skin achieved an ideal crispness.”

“Even more remarkably, this dish achieved an inexplicable balance in flavor.”

“Within the savory richness, there was a barely perceptible hint of sweet and sour.”

…

Meanwhile, beside her, Chu Yang was also immersed in the delightful experience brought by the Confit Duck Leg. Unlike Erina’s elegance, he had his own casual and unrestrained style. He chewed the duck leg heartily, a smile radiating on his face.

“Very good.”

“This Confit Duck Leg is better than I imagined.”

Chu Yang praised: “I can feel the rich aroma of the spices; they are perfectly integrated with the deliciousness of the duck meat, without any abruptness.”

“The texture of the duck meat is beyond words, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside; every bite is an extreme temptation for the palate.”

“Moreover, the seasoning of this dish is extremely refined, with sweet, sour, salty, and savory flavors intertwined yet distinct, allowing one to constantly discover new things while tasting it. It truly gets more flavorful with each bite!”

Although their evaluations were different in style, their appreciation for the Confit Duck Leg was remarkably in agreement.

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