In the freshly stewed potatoes and beef, the dark brown cubes of beef had been cooked to an extremely tender state, yet still retained their shape and structural integrity. The golden potatoes had also been sliced into cubes, and a layer of thick golden broth had been drizzled over them. The rich aroma of the dish wafted through the air, and the eyes of the five judges lit up in unison.

  “It looks really delicious! I really want to know how that beef was made.”


  “Head Chef Beate’s cooking skills are beyond reproach. I can tell just from this aroma that this is going to be one of the Ducas Restaurant’s future signature dishes.”


  “I’m going to visit Ducas Restaurant tomorrow. I wonder if they’re going to release this as a new dish.”


  The guests all looked on with sparkling eyes. Many of them were regular customers of Ducas Restaurant, so prices that were expensive to normal people were still quite acceptable in their eyes.

  The flavor of the beef has been perfectly retained, yet it’s only become richer following the cooking process. This is the first time I’ve seen beef and potatoes stewed together; I wonder what kind of surprise Head Chef Beate is going to offer. Michael was the first one to pick up his chopsticks. He tasted a piece of potato first.

  The soft potato was covered in decadent beef broth, and the more he chewed, the more delicious the flavor became. This was a brand-new spin on the age-old ingredient of potatoes, and his eyes immediately lit up.

  He then had a piece of beef. The beef was so soft and tender that he was almost unable to pick it up with his chopsticks. It melted in his mouth, sending the flavor of beef and bamboo wine washing over his palate. The refreshing fragrance of bamboo had been perfectly absorbed by the beef, which slid down his throat, leaving a wonderful aftertaste in his mouth.

  “The beef is tender and refreshing, and the idea to incorporate bamboo wine into this dish is a stroke of genius. The two flavors complement each other perfectly; this is an exceptional dish!” Michael nodded with satisfaction as he had another piece of beef.

  Michael’s review sent a small stir running through the guests present. After all, it was an honor to be praised by the city lord.

  A smile appeared on Beate’s face. He heard praise like this on a daily basis, but the compliment seemed to hold more meaning when it was paid by the city lord.

  Beate turned to look at Mag, who was still carefully frying his steaks, and his expression completely relaxed. The cooking method that Mag was employing was very special. At the very least, Beate had never seen beef cooked in such a manner. This showed that he wasn’t lying; this was indeed a new dish that he had only recently invented.

  However, without an extensive period of marination, there was no way that any flavor could’ve seeped into the steaks, so how could it possibly taste good?

  Jeffree picked up a small piece of beef with his chopsticks before chewing on it a few times. His expression remained unchanged as he nodded, and said, “Hmm, not bad.”


  “As expected of the head chef of Ducas Restaurant, this is the first time I’ve ever tasted such delicious beef. Even in Rodu, there are very few chefs who can compare to your genius.” Cayrols had a piece of beef and turned to Beate with words of praise. At the same time, he thought to himself, It’s going to be His Majesty’s 60th birthday in a few days. Prince Josh has been searching for a present for his Majesty; perhaps I can get Beate to make a trip to Rodu and cook some delicious cuisine for His Majesty……

  Scheer put down her chopsticks before dabbing at her lips with her handkerchief. She nodded, and said, “The freshness and richness of the beef were retained, yet all of its undesirable flavors have been masked by the fragrance of the wine. This is indeed a very special dish. In my opinion, this dish can rank among the top three of all of Ducas Restaurant’s dishes.”


  Meanwhile, Camilla only had a small mouthful of beef before putting down her chopsticks, upon which her brows furrowed, and she said, “It’s not like we don’t have teeth; why did you make the beef so soft? And what is this bamboo wine? The flavor is horrendous.”


  “Even the strict president said the dish is not bad; looks like Head Chef Beate is going to win tonight for sure.”


  “I expected this to be the result from the very beginning.”


  “Looks like Mistress Bartoli doesn’t like the bamboo wine. Even so, it’s still four votes to one; Head Chef Beate will still come out on top.”


  “That might not be the case. Perhaps Mistress Bartoli will prefer Head Chef Beate’s dish over that guy’s dish.”


  After tasting the dish, all five judges gave their own reviews, triggering a heated discussion among the guests present. In many people’s eyes, there was no doubt that Beate was going to secure a landslide victory.

  “Looks like this one’s in the bag,” Spatch murmured to himself as he took a sip of wine. He was still the absolute authority in Chaos City’s gastronomic industry.

  Right at this moment, Mag’s voice sounded. “I’m finished as well.”


  Everyone turned in Mag’s direction in unison. There were six plates positioned in front of his frying pan, each of which was carrying a piece of beef. Capsicum and spinach were used to embellish the dish, and a rich gray sauce had been poured over the beef.

  “This aroma is so unique! Did he use some sort of special condiment?”


  “I can smell it too. If I’m not mistaken, that should be the aroma of black pepper!”


  “Black pepper? You mean that condiment that’s known as black gold?”


  “Black pepper is indeed more expensive than gold. Last time, our chef managed to get some, and it cost him 10 dragon coins. However, that delicious flavor really makes the price worth it.”


  The aroma of black pepper proliferated through the air, and the people who had tasted black pepper before quickly managed to identify this unique scent.

  “Black pepper?” Beate looked at the steaks in front of Mag with his brows slightly furrowed in surprise. “I’ve never heard of anyone using black pepper to cook beef. I only use it to give my roast pig an extra kick. Where did he even manage to get black pepper?”


  “Please give that portion to Mistress Bartoli, then give the other four to the four judges. Don’t forget to pair the dishes with knives and forks.” Mag delivered a series of instructions to the waiters nearby before picking up the final plate and pointing toward Amy as he said, “Please get me a knife and a fork, and give this plate to that little girl over there.”


  Even in a cooking contest, he still hasn’t forgotten to cook for his daughter. This man is a really good father! Luna thought to herself as many people turned to look at Amy.

  “Wow, Father made some for me too!” Amy’s eyes immediately lit up at the sight of the waiter walking toward her.

  “This is steak. The proper way to eat it is to slice it into small pieces using your knife, then stab it with your fork and dip it in some sauce before eating,” Mag introduced with a smile.

  “How could you use such exceptional red wine to cook beef? What a waste!” Camilla looked at Mag before absentmindedly doing as she was instructed and placing a piece of steak into her mouth.

  “This flavor!” Camilla’s eyes abruptly widened.

  “Rip!”


  The collar of her sexy tight-fitting dress immediately tore open!