The next day, just like what Shen Yi promised to his wife, he accompanied her back to the inn where He Haotian was staying. What surprised her was seeing both Mo siblings joining them.
“I thought you said you don’t want to go back here. Are you here to support me or to watch me lose?” Lu Xinyi teased Mo Lihui with a grin on her lips.
Mo Lihui scoffed and rolled her eyes. “I’m not here to support you! I’m here because I want to learn more about cooking!”
This time, Mo Lihui had donned the appropriate attire for this trip. Her older brother trailing behind her was more excited to meet He Haotian than ever. He was a self-proclaimed He Haotian number one fan and kept talking about how He Haotian presented his signature dish in one of the TV shows before.
“Darling, how did you know about He Haotian?” Lu Xinyi inquired.
Shen Yi lifted his brows, hitting the locks framing his face. “The Shen and the Chu families were long acquainted with each other. I met him once when I was thirteen. When I heard about him earning his Michelin stars, I was surprised that he’s not using his birth name.”
“When Lihui and I moved to this town, he wasn’t around anymore. I only heard his name from before. Never thought that he belongs to the Chu family.” Mo Liwei commented.
“The Chu family has a long history of dumpling making. Mr. Chu didn’t feel like he needed to follow the same steps and left this town to find his calling. Over the years, he became a chef that mastered French cuisine.”
Shen Yi stopped and helped his wife on her steps. “Xinxin, I wouldn’t be surprised if he wouldn’t use dumplings to test your skills.”
“Then French cuisine?”
Shen Yi didn’t release her hand and intertwined their fingers instead.
“Possibly. I’ve only brought you twice in a French restaurant, but I’m sure you can do it.”
That didn’t make Lu Xinyi feel better. She wasn’t knowledgeable at French cuisine at all! How could she replicate something she didn’t even know?
When they arrived at the inn, their group was led to the main kitchen where they found Gu Meina happily conversing with He Haotian who was leaning at the kitchen counter and only nodding in response to what she had told him.
“You’re here, and you brought Master Yi with you.” He Haotian greeted Lu Xinyi.
“Let’s not waste time, shall we?” Lu Xinyi replied as she tied her hair in a tight bun.
“Why, of course.” He Haotian agreed. “Meina, could you please bring the dishes here so Madam Shen can give it a taste?”
Gu Meina nodded and served three dishes in front of Lu Xinyi. Shen Yi and Mo siblings stood aside and let Lu Xinyi inspect the dishes.
“Today, not only Madam Shen forced me to cook but also presided on this test. Madam Shen, these are the dishes I want you to replicate. First is the seared foie gras. Here, why don’t you give it a try?” He uncovered the first dish and pushed the plate towards Lu Xinyi.
The seared foie gras was visually appetizing. Just what someone would expect from a chef like He Haotian. Lu Xinyi silently picked up her fork and gave it a taste.
“Once you are done tasting it, you may write down the ingredients you tasted on this board. Don’t worry about the time. You can taste it several times if you’re not sure with your answer.”
Lu Xinyi heard him but ignored him. She focused her attention on the flavor of foie gras. It had a rich almost-beefy taste, and the first thing she thought of was beef marrow. Soft and melting on the tongue—most excellent. It also had a rich buttery flavor. Its taste could be described as beefy and had a smooth texture that melted in one’s mouth.
This wasn’t what He Haotian wanted her to notice. Lu Xinyi closed her eyes and slowly chewed the duck foie gras meat in her mouth. Aside from the foie gras, she could only distinguish five other ingredients used on the dish.
They were salt, pepper, a hint of balsamic vinegar, clarified butter, and port wine. The port wine sauce that He Haotian made complemented the delectable seared foie gras and helped provide an excellent balance of sweetness and acidity.
The Foie Gras was one dish that one should try because of its unique and sensational flavor.
“So? What do you think, Madam Shen?” He Haotian placed both of his hands at the countertop across Lu Xinyi and waited for her to finish the foie gras.
“Delicious as I expected. It is extremely fatty, with a very rich, buttery flavor and a smooth texture. It leaves a great mouth-feel because of the natural fat content. I wouldn’t doubt if this will leave me rhapsodizing for days.”
He Haotian took a peak on Lu Xinyi’s board and inwardly smiled. There were six ingredients listed on it. She even found out what kind of butter he used in the dish. Now, he wondered if Lu Xinyi could to replicate the dish and reconstruct the flavors.