Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　Looking at the dishes in front of her, Su Yan was the first to speak, her eyes shining.

　As a girl, she naturally loves exquisite and beautiful things.

　The Harvest Symphony before us undoubtedly belongs to this category.

　"The unique plating style of Western cuisine is pleasing to the eye."

　Zhang Zhong nodded in agreement. The small and exquisite dishes were very appealing, attracting attention the moment they were served and making people want to taste them.

　Although he is not the target audience for this, he is not opposed to it.

　"The portions are pitifully small, making one suspect that they've cut corners."

　Tan Guai's words were tinged with a hint of mockery, and he looked at the portion of food in front of him that resembled food meant for feeding a cat, and was filled with a desire to complain.

　"Please explain to us how your dish represents the phrase 'peace and prosperity for the nation'."

　As is customary, Zhang Zhong looked up at Erina Nakiri and asked her to explain her thought process.

　Only contestants who can answer this question are qualified to be evaluated by them.

　"In this dish, I chose five kinds of grains: corn, sweet potato, potato, pumpkin, and edamame, to symbolize a bountiful harvest and to signify that our country is rich in resources and that the people live a prosperous life."

　Looking at the various colors on the plate, Erina Nakiri only hesitated for a moment before speaking.

　"The golden corn is plump and symbolizes a bountiful harvest and hope."

　"Sweet potatoes are sweet and soft, symbolizing sweetness and happiness."

　"Potatoes may be simple and unadorned, but they symbolize resilience and tenacity."

　"The round and plump pumpkin symbolizes reunion and happiness."

　"Edamame is emerald green and tender, symbolizing vitality and energy."

　"The reason for using molecular gastronomy techniques is because times are changing."

　"I don't want to be limited to the peace and prosperity of the past; I hope that every country in the world, now and in the future, can achieve peace and prosperity!"

　Erina Nakiri looked sincerely at the three judges, explaining that the main purpose of using molecular gastronomy was to express this point.

　She didn't want to view cuisine within the context of ancient countries; she wanted to look to the future.

　"What a grand vision! Using molecular gastronomy, such an advanced culinary technique, to represent the future? That's a unique idea. Now let's see how the food tastes..."

　After hearing Erina Nakiri's impassioned speech, the three judges looked at her differently; her grand vision was truly impressive.

　It's hard to believe that these words would come from a girl; it's truly amazing!

　"Please taste it."

　Seeing the group pick up their spoons, Erina Nakiri quietly stepped aside and waited patiently for them to taste the food.

　"But it really is so exquisite that one would not dare to desecrate it."

　Su Yan held the spoon, but didn't touch it for a long time, her face showing some reluctance.

　"No matter how beautiful it looks, we have to destroy it. We are judges, and it is our duty to taste the dishes."

　What's more, what I love most is destroying beautiful things; it gives me a strange sense of excitement!

　A look of madness flashed across Tan Guai's face. He then stabbed the corn chowder ball in front of him with his fork, put it in his mouth, and closed his eyes to savor it.

　This was his first time trying molecular gastronomy.

　"The yellow balls are crystal clear and melt at an astonishing speed the moment they enter your mouth, releasing a rich corn aroma almost instantly."

　"This is what they call molecular gastronomy! What a novel experience!"

　Feeling the flavor rising in his mouth, that delicate and smooth sensation, Tan Guai couldn't help but sigh.

　This was a taste he had never experienced in the past thirty-odd years. It was corn, but it was different from corn. It was a magical experience.

　"The smooth and sweet taste of the liquid nitrogen sweet potato balls intertwines with the crispy and savory flavor of the pork belly chips, creating a perfectly balanced sweet and savory taste. The smooth and delicate yet refreshing texture is very satisfying."

　Su Yan put the sweet potato ball and the crispy pork slices next to it into her mouth, closed her eyes and chewed gently, savoring the complex but distinct flavors in her mouth, and couldn't help but sigh.

　If it weren't for the magic of molecular gastronomy, she probably would never have tasted such delicious food in her life.

　"A surprising molecular gastronomy experience with unique flavors."

　Zhang Zhong was equally captivated. Molecular gastronomy was a taste experience unlike anything they had ever had before. The flavors were broken down and reconstructed, making people uncontrollably want to delve deeper. Before they knew it, they were already completely engrossed!

　"I really want to eat it, I really want to try it, that unique and magical taste!"

　Some audience members were wiping their drool while searching for nearby molecular gastronomy restaurants on their phones.

　"Oh no, I can still barely make out the taste of the traditional pasta in my mind."

　But the molecular gastronomy presented by this culinary genius completely overturned my imagination—the ingredients were deconstructed and recombined, transforming into entirely unfamiliar forms. My taste memory couldn't find any reference points, and I had absolutely no idea what it would taste like!

　A chef in the front row covered his head. He had come to learn from his seniors' experience, but Erina Nakiri's cooking completely distorted his common sense.

　It's going to break!!

　"What a heartbreaker!"

　Seeing the judges' surprised expressions on stage, the audience was all curious about the taste of the dish that Erina Nakiri served. Just how delicious could it be to elicit such reactions from the judges?

　"The sweetness of the pumpkin mousse balls blends with the savory aroma of the pork belly, creating a delightful sweet and salty flavor with a smooth and creamy texture."

　Tan Guai's hands couldn't stop; he ate and muttered to himself, his face full of excitement and joy.

　"It's not just a combination of whole grains and pork belly crisps, but also can be paired with crisps of other whole grains."

　The interplay of softness and strength, no matter how they're combined, offers a novel experience, like a series of unknown treasure chests, each opening representing countless possibilities!

　Su Yan's eyes were dreamy and her voice was soft. She not only tried the vegetarian meat combination of mixed grains and pork belly slices, but also the vegetarian combination of mixed grains and mixed grain chips. Then, as if she had discovered a new continent, she talked to the two people next to her.

　"Indeed, every combination represents the same possibility. With adjustments to their flavors, they can create sparks no matter how they are paired together. They won't become unpalatable, but rather they will blossom with new charm."

　The dish was probably topped with some black truffle powder, which not only provided excellent balance but also added a touch of luxury, perfectly complementing the flavors of all the ingredients.

　"The only downside is that the portion is too small; it's not generous at all."

　Looking at the empty plate in front of him, Tan Guai spoke.

　"The sauce made with pork belly broth is also great! It's rich and flavorful, with the aroma of pork belly, and it blends perfectly with all the ingredients. Most importantly, it's very smooth, giving you a unique sense of satisfaction!"

　Su Yan followed closely behind, lightly touching the sauce in the plate with her spoon; the consistency was just right.

　It's not too sticky or too runny, with a light salty and savory flavor and a rich umami taste. It must have been made by adding some kind of mushroom while cooking the meat. The flavors are perfectly matched, making it the perfect sauce for this dish!

　"The five kinds of grains symbolize a bountiful harvest, signifying the abundance of resources in our country and the prosperity of our people. The scene of a bountiful harvest, slow-cooked pork belly, black truffles, and edible flowers and herbs symbolize the prosperity and peace of the nation. The application of molecular gastronomy technology represents scientific and technological progress and innovation, injecting new vitality into the country's development."

　An aged but imposing voice came from Zhang Zhong, attracting the attention of everyone present.

　At this moment, Zhang Zhong rested his hands on the table, having already cleared the table of food in front of him. He was now in the final evaluation stage, discussing the relationship between the dishes before him and 'national peace and prosperity'.

　Interpretation.

　Compared to Soma Yukihira's concrete expression, Erina Nakiri's expression is undoubtedly very abstract. However, despite its abstract nature, all aspects are interconnected, allowing the audience to clearly perceive her thoughts.

　"It seems that both contestants' dishes are very much in line with the theme and have received high praise from the judges. Now let's see whose dish tastes better!"

　"I'm so nervous! Even though I'm not competing, I feel more nervous than the contestants!"

　"That's normal; it's a sign that you're completely immersed in the role."

　"I wonder who will ultimately emerge victorious..."

　The audience's attention was focused on the judges, who had their eyes closed, seemingly deep in thought.

　"The dish 'Four Colors of Splendid Landscape' is indeed exquisite, with profound meaning and excellent taste, and it uses very traditional pastries."

　But...it feels like something's missing.

　Su Yan pinched her chin and spoke her thoughts: purely in terms of the theme, although Soma Yukihira made the dish very exquisite and expressed the grandeur of the Yellow River, it was too superficial, and the fusion of flavors was not as refined as Erina Nakiri's Harvest Symphony.

　"Although the traditional craftsmanship of the Four Colors Brocade River is exquisite, it lacks innovation and is difficult to impress people."

　Zhang Zhong nodded in agreement. When talking about the Young Chef Competition, the core idea is actually to encourage chefs to innovate and create dishes that haven't been made before, such as Erina Nakiri's molecular gastronomy, which gives people an indescribable surprise.

　"Adhering to tradition should be a plus, and in terms of portion size and appearance, Xingping's Four Colors of Splendid Mountains and Rivers is better, allowing tasters to feel the grandeur of the Yellow River and a unique sense of satisfaction."

　Sensing the optimism in Su Yan and Zhang Zhong's words, Tan Guai frowned and voiced his thoughts.

　Innovation is certainly valuable, but we should not abandon tradition because of it!

　"Besides, isn't molecular gastronomy a bit too focused on form? While it excels in the details, it lacks the grand feeling of peace and prosperity that comes with a nation in peace and prosperity!"

　After thinking for a moment, Tan Guai spoke his mind. Erina Nakiri's dishes were exquisite and small, with each ingredient only enough for one bite. They were high-end dishes that only appeared in high-end restaurants, which felt strangely out of place with the down-to-earth theme of peace and prosperity.

　I don't think so.

　Harvest Symphony has a very harmonious and unified flavor, and the five kinds of whole grains are fundamental to people's daily lives. Although it's small, it reveals profound truths, and I think that's its strength.

　Su Yan shook her head, still sticking to her own ideas.

　As a master chef, she has a complete evaluation system in her mind. Once she has made up her mind, she will not change her mind because of a few words from others.

　"That's right! This dish is not only incredibly creative, but also tastes outstanding. The key is its unique molecular gastronomy technique, which completely overturned my understanding of traditional whole grain dishes. This is quite rare in the Young Chef Competition."

　Zhang Zhong nodded in deep agreement. Innovation is the key to excellent cuisine. It seems that this old man also needs to hurry up and learn new things, lest he be eliminated by the tide of the times in the future.

　This molecular gastronomy looks quite interesting.

　"Now, judges, please choose your supporters. The one with the most votes will advance to the semi-finals!"

　Seeing that the atmosphere was just right, the host's voice rang out, captivating everyone present.

　"Ah."

　Upon hearing the host's voice, the judges exchanged glances, ceased their discussion, and simultaneously pressed the buttons in front of them, selecting the chefs they approved of.

　The final score appeared quickly on the big screen.

　Chapter 260 The Winner: Alice Nakiri's Home Ground!

　Soma Yukihira VS Nagi

　0:3

　"The winner is Nagi!"

　As the final score was displayed on the big screen, the host's passionate voice rang out, and his body trembled slightly with excitement.

　"Wow!"

　"Molecular gastronomy is amazing!"

　"What an exciting competition! I never expected that molecular gastronomy would win in the end. This groundbreaking product is sure to be a huge hit in the future."

　"0:3, this is an absolute stomp!"

　Looking at the numbers on the big screen and feeling the host's high spirits, a discussion immediately broke out in the room, and the temperature around them gradually rose as everyone debated, all thanks to their passion for cooking.

　"It may seem like a crushing victory, but the actual gap isn't that big. It's just that Yukihira handled one aspect very poorly, which is why it appears to be a crushing victory."

　Bai Yuan's voice rang out, and he calmly looked at the two people in the arena with a wise and composed demeanor.

　On the surface, Erina Nakiri won 3-0, but the truth is not so.

　Which step was handled poorly?

　"Because we were quite far apart, I could only judge by the aroma of the food."

　Yukihira's dishes are enormous, requiring a lot of time to prepare. This results in some parts being done well while others are only so-so. A single dish has parts at the peak of Grade 1 cuisine and parts at the initial stage of Special Grade cuisine, representing two different levels. Therefore, the final flavor is somewhat unbalanced.

　Seeing that Yoshino Yuuki and the others were somewhat

　Puzzled, Bai Yuan looked at Yukihira Soma's steamer and analyzed it.

　Some parts of that dish end up being eaten by no one; these are the lower-grade and less tasty parts of the pasta dishes.

　"In other words, Soma Yukihira chose the big picture but neglected the details. The focus of the dish was only on a small part, which led to an imbalance in the overall taste of the dish."

　Alice Nakiri added from the side, "This dish is good in every way, except for its lack of refinement."

　"So that's the reason for his failure?"

　Upon hearing their explanations, the three members of Polaris Dormitory murmured to themselves.

　Among them, the three of them had the best relationship with Yukihira Soma, and naturally they cared about his wins and losses.

　"That's just one reason. In fact, even if Yukihira performs perfectly, there's still a 90% chance he'll lose, since there's a fundamental difference in their culinary skills."

　Bai Yuan revealed the cruel truth.