God of Cooking

Chapter 273

<Things That Have Changed (2)>

 

If you are reading from a pirate or aggregator site, please read from the translator’s site: yado-inn (dot) com I have to put the link like this or else the bots will remove it, sorry 

At Jo Minjoon’s short answer, Bae Donghyuk showed a slight sign of embarrassment as he smiled. Jo Minjoon that Bae Donghyuk saw on TV acted more friendly and polite. But Jo Minjoon in front of him felt colder and rougher.

‘…is it because there are no cameras? Or is it because he wants to focus on the food? I heard that he collapsed due to overworking, and he might have some beef with Lee Namhoon. It wouldn’t be surprising if he had low blood pressure.’

Bae Donghyuk reasoned in his mind. There is no way the taste was lacking. It was made more carefully than what Jo Minjoon remembered. The onions weren’t crushed or pressed, and the cheese on the soup was observed with the utmost attention and taken out only at the appropriate time.

However, it didn’t taste delicious in Jo Minjoon’s mouth. To be precise, it was delicious; however, it wasn’t satisfactory.

‘…was it because he ate too much good food?’

He didn’t eat only at Rose Island or other Michelin restaurants. When he came to Korea, he visited plenty of other restaurants. The noodle and beef stew restaurant to name a few. Jo Minjoon thought the soup was … too casual. So, he looked at Kaya.

“How does it taste?”

He thought Kaya was going to give an unsatisfactory response since she was harder to please than he was. But Kaya gave an unexpected response.

“It’s interesting.”

“Interesting?”

“Don’t you think so? Look at all the menus here. Without any alteration, it tastes like an authentic European dish. Of course, it went through some modernization, but I think it stayed true to the origin.”

“But why is that interesting?”

“You said that this was a famous place. And it seems popular with the people. But to compete without any changes or modification, don’t you think people find that refreshing?”

Jo Minjoon looked at the onion soup in front of him. For him, the taste was really lacking to be refreshing. The chicken and vegetable stock, lightly caramelized onion that was added with cheese to become thick, and mozzarella on the top to give a chewy and rough texture. The onion soup. It didn’t taste bad, but there was no significant color to it.

But that was the difference.

‘… Now that I think about it, this is Korea.’

The European style in Korea was colorless. The US went through the same phase just a few years ago. Restaurants with European words and phrases popped up left and right. These words did not carry any significance, but just the thought of being European made them popular. And this problem persists till today.

It seems like this problem is just starting to happen in Korea. Envy for European cuisine. People believe that European dishes without any modification were beautiful and unique. Considering those facts, this soup was not bad.

Thus, the meal continued. Mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper dressing with salad. French-style egg salad made with soft-boiled egg with sour cream. Puree mignon marinated in apricot sauce with fusilli. Fried radish, foie gras, steak, and more.

Every time a new dish arrived Bae Donghyuk questioned him. At first, he was unsure how to respond, but as time went it became more natural. But Bae Donghyuk was a ruthless person. At least that was how Jo Minjoon felt. But the dishes weren’t as vibrant as his arrogance.

However, Jo Minjoon didn’t want to leave a negative comment. Nor did he want to blame or look down on Bae Donghyuk. He believed that this was the full extent of Bae Donghyuk’s abilities. Because of this reason he couldn’t shake off Bae Donghyuk’s last question.

“How was it? I put all my effort into it. Did you enjoy it?”

“Yes, I enjoyed it.”

“Ehh. Your reaction was so short. I am sorry, I am being too pushy towards a customer. I was just so curious as to what someone with absolute taste has to say about my dishes. Have you already dissected my recipes?”

Jo Minjoon remained silent with only a smile. His response showed that he didn’t want to reply. Understanding his intentions, Bae Donghyuk backed away and thought to himself.

‘It’s really difficult to receive any compliments. Could it be he didn’t like it…?’

It would be a lie if he didn’t have regrets, but he couldn’t show it. Jo Minjoon was too much of a star for them to handle. Firstly, his stardom couldn’t be compared with any of the Korean chefs. Second, he had the absolute taste. And finally, he was Rachel Lorenz’s disciple.

Rachel’s disciple. The title itself was considerable. It was even more so in Western cuisine. The reason why so many Korean chefs go abroad to learn Western cursing isn’t because there wasn’t a system in Korea. It was because of the resume and the title that comes with studying at a foreign country or foreign restaurant. Just having that one line makes the resume that much more reputable.

When it comes to luxury, Jo Minjoon’s environment was overwhelmingly better than anyone in Korea, no, the entire world. There is a tendency that many American gourmets get ignored in Western Cuisine, but Rose Island was different. Its presence was world-class.

When Jo Minjoon became Rachel’s disciple, many gourmets in Korea thought there was going to be a Rose Island chain in Korea. And the expectation grew rather than diminishing over time.

“Will you come back?”

“I don’t know. Since I don’t live here.”

“Please visit us again when you come back to Korea. I will prepare a delicious meal.”

Jo Minjoon just smiled. So, Bae Donghyuk looked at Kaya and gave her a farewell. C U. That was what it sounded like since his English was not proficient. Kaya gave a small smile and nodded.

“See you again.”

As they were preparing to leave after the farewells. Park Yoosuk stood in front of Jo Minjoon causing the latter to stop in his tracks. The person who harassed Jo Minjoon in the past was not Bae Donghyuk but Park Yoosuk. Compared to Bae Donghyuk, who was constantly away due to broadcast, Park Yoosuk was a mainstay at the restaurant; thus, Jo Minjoon was constantly influenced by Park Yoonsuk’s harassment.

“Excuse me… Chef Jo Minjoon. Can I get your autograph?”

The bright and sparkling eyes on Park Yoosuk’s face was that of a child. Since Jo Minjoon was unfamiliar with such expressions he nodded with an awkward smile. Park Yoonsuk giggled and handed him a pen and paper. Jo Minjoon asked.

“What is your name?”

“It’s Park Yoosuk.”

“What should I write?”

“Few words of encouragement to become a great chef.”

“… the pen seems empty.”

“Ah! Wait. I’ll get you a new one.”

After shuffling through his pocket, he found a pen on the counter. When Jo Minjoon started signing the autograph, Park Yoosuk’s eyes rounded with an excited expression, he looked at Kaya.

“I really respect the two of you. I want to be like you two. Especially like Chef Jo Minjoon.”

“Why do you want to be like me?”

“Because you are a respectable man.”

Jo Minjoon just smiled at that response. And Park Yoosuk made a bigger smile at his own response. Jo Minjoon was unfamiliar with this side of Park Yoosuk. Even though the situation had changed, but it felt like Park Yoosuk was a completely different person.

‘…Things have changed. I have changed.’

The only thing that has changed was his position. After Jo Minjoon finished signing the paper, Kaya picked it up and signed it. When Park Yoosuk smiling in appreciation, Jo Minjoon gave out his hand for a handshake.

“Be a chef that treats his juniors well.”

“Why do you emphasize treating the junior well…?”

“Because that is how a great chef act.”

Park Yoosuk was in awe of Jo Minjoon’s words and grabbed the latter’s hand firmly. Jo Minjoon shook his hand and said.

“Then this is a promise. That you will treat your juniors well.”

“Yes. I promise.”

“Let’s see each other again in the future. When both you and I become better chefs.”

With his final words, he left the restaurant. Once he took the final step down the stairs, Jo Minjoon looked back at the restaurant and paused. Kaya crossed her arms as she looked at him.

“Were you dumped by a former girlfriend here or what?”

“…What do you say that?”

“You look like someone who is about to cry. That is why.”

“I never dated anyone. So, don’t worry.”

Jo Minjoon calmly responded and carried on. Kaya followed behind him and linked her arm with his. As they walked arm in arm she carefully asked.

“Your food tastes better.”

“Well of course.”

“Don’t take it so casually.”

Kaya frowned at his response. As she was about to say something, Jo Minjoon’s phone vibrated. It was a number he did not know.

“Don’t take it. It might be spam.”

“…I could just turn it off if it is spam.”

So, Jo Minjoon put the smartphone to his ear. He really wanted to know if it was spam or not since the other party knew his identity.

[Hello. Is this Chef Jo Minjoon? Are you free to talk right now?]

“Yes. I am… but who is this?”

[My name is Yoo Nabum and I am with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. I oversee the Korean cuisine division.]

“Oh, yes…”

It was not a happy voice when the other party heard it. So Yoo Nabum became nervous and he cautiously asked.

[I am sorry for calling you without any notice. I know that you are very busy, but I am calling you because your recipe brought such a storm.]

“Yes.”

[As you know, there has not been much progress in Korean cuisine in the past few years. We thought that we needed some sort of a leader who will take charge and bring it to new heights. And we believe that you are a suitable candidate.]

“…But I am a Western Chef.”

Jo Minjoon gave a response in a flustered voice. Understanding Jo Minjoon’s confusion the other side briefly stopped before speaking again.

[Yes. You are a Western chef. But your understanding of Korean cuisine is very high. But most importantly you are talented and have a large sphere of influence. If you can share some of your talents with us… no, I think it is inappropriate to ask for such a proposal through the phone. Is there a way I can meet you face to face for a formal discussion?]

“No, I am sorry. It would be difficult.”

Yu Bumnam became flustered at the rejection. Usually, he would be asked to meet right away. But this was the first time he was rejected without hesitation. Since he was unsatisfied with the response he questioned further.

[May I ask why…?]

“Because I am not working.”

Jo Minjoon shrugged his shoulder. But Yu Nabum couldn’t see that.

“I am in the middle of a vacation.”

If you are reading from a pirate or aggregator site, please read from the translator’s site: yado-inn (dot) com I have to put the link like this or else the bots will remove it, sorry 

<Things That Have Changed (2)> End.