From selling box lunches to becoming a famous Chinese chef

After lunch break, the masters will have a closed-door meeting in the afternoon, and other participating chefs will have a free afternoon.

The chefs participating in the Shandong cuisine competition naturally discussed whether they should take the opportunity to go out for a walk.
Since it is so hard to come to Shanghai, I must go and see the prosperous places.

Everyone discussed and decided to go to Shanghai’s most prosperous pedestrian street to have a look.

Feng Zhengming didn't want to go at first.

But Li Zhifeng reminded him: "You should still come with us. Do you know why we have to take a walk for half a day before the game?

It is for us to see different cities and buy some local specialties.

After the game, we can take it back and give it to our family and friends.

Otherwise, after the competition, everyone might be very tired, or if they didn’t achieve good results, they probably wouldn’t have the energy to play.”

After hearing what Li Zhifeng said, Feng Zhengming felt that it seemed to be true.

He stopped resisting and packed up with everyone else to go out.

Going downstairs to the hotel lobby, I saw that almost all the chef teams from various places were getting ready to go out.

Even the chefs from Hong Kong City were preparing to go out together.

Jiang Chengzhe was also among the crowd preparing to leave. When he saw Feng Zhengming, he immediately took the initiative to step forward and say hello.

"You guys are going out too? Are you planning to go to the pedestrian street? I heard that the pedestrian street is on the other side of the river. We also want to go over there and see those international buildings with our own eyes."

Feng Zhengming smiled and responded: "We are also going there, why don't we go together?"

Jiang Chengzhe naturally agreed immediately: "Okay, let's go together."

Finally, the event organizers and sponsors learned that most of the chefs had to go to the pedestrian street on the other side of the river.

I simply helped to contact the bus to take everyone to the Oriental Pearl Tower in the morning.

We will take everyone to the intersection of the pedestrian street on the other side.

We also made an agreement with all the chefs to gather at the bus stop at 8 o'clock in the evening, and then take everyone back to the hotel.

The participating chefs all thought this arrangement was great.

We all boarded the bus together and were taken to the intersection of the pedestrian street on the other side.

The chef in Shanghai also acted as a tour guide and introduced the Bund and the pedestrian street to everyone on the bus.

Recommended some special places in Shanghai to Feng Zhengming and others.

The bus also specifically drove along the Bund's international building complex, allowing everyone to have a comprehensive tour.

I have to say that this arrangement makes the chefs feel very comfortable.

Afterwards, the bus stopped and everyone got off the bus together.

The first stop is naturally the Bund.

Standing on the Bund and looking at the Oriental Pearl Tower on the other side, the feeling is indeed completely different.

"Is the Oriental Pearl Tower so tall? I only feel how tall it is when I stand here."

"It feels quite empty over there, with just that one tower."

"Hahaha, other places are also under construction. There will definitely be a lot of high-rise buildings in the future."

"Shanghai is really different. It's indeed a big city. It's just better than where we are."

"What's wrong? You want to stay here? Then open a restaurant here and stay."

"I also want to apply for a job at the restaurant here to see if I can stay."

"As long as you win a gold medal this time, I believe there will be a restaurant willing to keep you."

"That's right. If you win a gold medal, you have everything."

Many chefs, having witnessed the prosperity of Shanghai, have begun to consider staying in the city to develop their careers.

Jiang Chengzhe came to Feng Zhengming's side.

Maybe they are the only two chefs participating in the competition who are of similar age.

Moreover, some of Feng Zhengming's ideas are quite advanced, so Jiang Chengzhe feels that he has more topics to talk about with Feng Zhengming.

"It's really beautiful to look at the Oriental Pearl Tower from here. It's a completely different feeling."

Feng Zhengming nodded: "Yes, it's completely different."

Jiang Chengzhe then asked: "I heard many of them say that they want to stay."

Feng Zhengming smiled and responded: "This is normal. People tend to move to higher places. When they see the prosperity here, they will definitely hope to have the opportunity to stay here."

Jiang Chengzhe said: "But most of their chefs have no advantage in staying. I think in Shanghai, some fusion dishes may be more popular."

Feng Zhengming looked at Jiang Chengzhe: "When you say fusion cuisine, do you mean a fusion of Chinese and Western cuisine?"

Jiang Chengzhe nodded immediately: "Yes, many chefs in Hong Kong are very experienced in this regard. Fusion cuisine is more popular in Hong Kong and can compete with some Western fast food."

To Jiang Chengzhe's surprise, Feng Zhengming actually agreed with his judgment.

"Shanghai is indeed a place more suitable for fusion cuisine. From the preferences of Shanghai locals for some dishes, we can see that they have incorporated a lot of Western elements into them."

Jiang Chengzhe was stunned for a moment when Feng Zhengming agreed with him.

Then Jiang Chengzhe said, "You are really different. I think if you stay in Shanghai, you can adapt to it quickly."

Feng Zhengming smiled and asked, "What do you think should be done better if I want to open a restaurant or a hotel in Shanghai?"

Jiang Chengzhe stared at Feng Zhengming and asked, "Are you really planning to open a restaurant or a hotel here?"

Feng Zhengming nodded: "I have this idea."

This time Jiang Chengzhe fell into silence.

Then he said, "If you were to open your own restaurant or hotel in Shanghai, I think you would have to go for a more upscale route.

It is better to open some restaurants with more characteristics, but they don’t have to be very big.

It can be used as a private restaurant with a little atmosphere. I believe that with your cooking skills, it will definitely be liked by many people."

Feng Zhengming laughed: "Your idea is that I should open a petty bourgeoisie restaurant to attract some business tycoons in Shanghai to spend money in my restaurant."

Jiang Chengzhe nodded: "Yes, this is definitely a good way."

"You must have seen this idea abroad, right?"

When asked by Feng Zhengming, Jiang Chengzhe nodded: "Yes, you know French food, right? In fact, many good French restaurants are very small restaurants, similar to private restaurants in China. The chefs will even make some innovative dishes for the guests to taste."

How could Feng Zhengming not know what Jiang Chengzhe said?
Of course he knew this kind of high-end private restaurant.

And in many years, there will be more and more such restaurants in the country.

Now, this model seems a little ahead of its time in China.

However, Feng Zhengming thought this was a good idea.

“That model is good. Perhaps we can learn from the private restaurants in Beijing, like Tan’s Restaurant, and find an old building in Shanghai, renovate the interior, and transform it into a private restaurant.

Hidden in the city's residential area, it entertains customers with a quiet environment and more distinctive creative dishes. "

Jiang Chengzhe was a little surprised: "So you also understand this model?"

Feng Zhengming laughed and said: "This model has long existed in China. Wasn't the Tan Family Cuisine in Beijing a private restaurant like this?

In Quancheng, my master's family also opened a private restaurant like this, which serves the Yan family cuisine passed down by my master. I believe there are some very similar private restaurants in various places."

Jiang Chengzhe also laughed: "It's really fun to chat with you. Do you know Huanghe Road in Shanghai? I heard that it is the most prosperous place in Shanghai every night. It is where business tycoons really gather to eat."

Feng Zhengming shook his head: "This is the first time I've heard of this. How did you know?"

Jiang Chengzhe suddenly showed some pride.

"Because there are several restaurants there, they have invited chefs from our port city to be in charge."

Feng Zhengming was a little surprised: "They actually asked your Hong Kong chef to cook? Where are the local chefs? They don't want them?"

Jiang Chengzhe said: "Places like Huanghe Road are mostly populated by outsiders, especially some wealthy bosses. It is a very commercial place, and serving Cantonese food will give you more face."

Feng Zhengming thought for a moment and said, "That's right. We can use some more expensive ingredients to give the bosses face."

After hearing this, Jiang Chengzhe didn't know how to refute it.

What Feng Zhengming said is indeed true.

The reason why Cantonese cuisine is becoming more and more famous in the country.

More and more large hotels in Beijing and Shanghai are offering Cantonese cuisine.

It is indeed because Cantonese cuisine tends to use a lot of more expensive ingredients.

Some business owners pay more attention to their face when entertaining guests.

Choosing Cantonese cuisine can help them gain face more directly.

Feng Zhengming suddenly said: "If I come to Shanghai to open a restaurant, I will definitely stick to Shandong cuisine. I can use more expensive ingredients, but the cooking methods must still be traditional Shandong cuisine."

Jiang Chengzhe said: "I am looking forward to seeing your Shandong cuisine restaurant in Shanghai, and even in Hong Kong."

At this moment, Feng Zhengming could feel that Jiang Chengzhe's words were sincere.

He sees himself as an opponent.

When facing an opponent who deserves respect, one naturally hopes that the opponent is also strong enough.

Feng Zhengming looked at Jiang Chengzhe and asked, "Will you open a restaurant in Shanghai?"

Jiang Chengzhe was stunned by the question, and after thinking for a moment, he answered, "Probably not for now. I still have a lot to learn, and I want to go abroad to continue my studies. Maybe I will open a restaurant abroad first, or work in a restaurant abroad for a while."

Feng Zhengming smiled and said, "If you come back and find that you are not suitable for opening a restaurant, then follow me."

These words surprised Jiang Chengzhe again. He didn't expect Feng Zhengming to be so confident.

"Are you so confident? Do you think you can open a restaurant in Shanghai?"

Feng Zhengming nodded: "I still believe in my ability. I should be able to open a restaurant and run it well."

Jiang Chengzhe was really surprised in his heart when he saw Feng Zhengming's confidence.

Seeing the surprise expression on Jiang Chengzhe's face.

Feng Zhengming asked with a smile: "How about we make a bet? If you come back from abroad in the future, and I have established myself in Shanghai, and my restaurant is already a well-known restaurant in Shanghai, then you can follow me, how about that?"

This question made Jiang Chengzhe not know how to answer.
The reason why Feng Zhengming said this to Jiang Chengzhe and extended such an invitation to him.

Because Feng Zhengming knew very well that Shanghai was an international metropolis after all.

Therefore, if you want to gain a foothold in Shanghai, some creativity in the dishes is essential.

In this regard, Feng Zhengming believes that he can do better.

But a restaurant cannot rely on just him.

He also needs other chefs to help him.

Jiang Chengzhe is obviously a better helper.

He is now an apprentice to a famous chef in Hong Kong, and may go to some restaurants abroad to study later.

A good chef who can learn the essence of Chinese and Western cuisine.

Feng Zhengming felt that if he recruited him into his restaurant in Shanghai, he would become a capable chef in his restaurant after just a little bit of instruction from him.

At this time, Feng Zhengming was not thinking about getting Jiang Chengzhe to join forces.

He simply wanted Jiang Chengzhe to work for him in the future.

Jiang Chengzhe was stunned for a while, and suddenly realized that he seemed to have been led into a ditch by Feng Zhengming.

"That's not right. We haven't even started the competition yet. I don't even know if you have the ability to get me to follow you. I can't make this bet with you."

After Jiang Chengzhe realized what was happening, Feng Zhengming smiled and continued, "That's easy. If I get the top score in cooking skills this time, you can make this bet with me."

Jiang Chengzhe was stunned again. He really didn't expect Feng Zhengming to be so arrogant.

The key is that he looks very determined, as if he will definitely do what he says.

Jiang Chengzhe now feels that he is really being suppressed by Feng Zhengming.

He hesitated for a while, and after some thought, he felt that he could agree to Feng Zhengming's request.

After all, he said he could get the top prize.

This is just what he said. No one knows the result before the game starts.

And even if he really got the top prize.

Even if he makes this bet, he may not necessarily win.

What if his restaurant in Shanghai goes out of business?
Thinking of this, Jiang Chengzhe agreed.

"Okay, if you can win the all-around championship in this national competition, I will agree to this bet. If I come back from abroad in the future and your restaurant becomes famous in Shanghai, I will definitely be your assistant."

Feng Zhengming nodded and said, "Okay, it's a deal."

After making this agreement with Feng Zhengming, Jiang Chengzhe still felt something was strange.

Why do I feel so unconfident in front of Feng Zhengming?

Maybe Jiang Chengzhe himself didn't realize that when he faced Feng Zhengming alone, he was always at a disadvantage in terms of momentum.

Now Feng Zhengming showed his courage and completely suppressed Jiang Chengzhe.

Next, everyone walked from the Bund to the pedestrian street.

On the pedestrian street, everyone followed the bustling crowd and went into each store to have a look.

Seeing so many famous domestic and foreign brands really makes many chefs dazzled.

Jiang Chengzhe soon discovered that Feng Zhengming was not surprised at all by those dazzling things.

He didn't even take a second look at some of the not-so-well-known brands.

Then Jiang Chengzhe watched Feng Zhengming enter some international brand stores.

Then Jiang Chengzhe saw with his own eyes that some of the store clerks looked at Feng Zhengming with a hint of contempt in their eyes.

Obviously, judging from Feng Zhengming's plain and slightly rustic clothes, the shop assistants didn't think he had money to spend.

But the result surprised Jiang Chengzhe and the shop assistant.

Feng Zhengming really liked it and paid for it right away.

Jiang Chengzhe couldn't help but mutter in his heart: Is he so rich? (End of this chapter)