Gourmet: From a Stall in Northern Europe-Chapter 105 - 102: Overseas Assignment Benefits, Seaside Hotel

"I talked to you about the trial operation model of the restaurant on Saturday. For now, it mainly focuses on self-service dining for customers. Of course, there will also be a fixed menu, but the quantity won't be much. We need to ensure the freshness of the ingredients. The specific menu will require your discussion after you get there."

"As you can see, this restaurant has a great environment and location, and the concept is very innovative, which will certainly attract many international tourists. Therefore, the flavors of the dishes don't need to be limited to Western cuisine; flavors from any country can be showcased."

"It may seem free in appearance, but it actually tests the basic skills of the chef. You have to know enough to adapt and meet the demands of diners from different countries."

"Moreover, you also need to learn about various marine and plant species because you never know what the diners might bring up from the sea. If you're unable to handle the ingredients they bring, it could damage the restaurant's reputation."

Hearing the head chef's introduction, Lin Chen suddenly became nervous.

Previously, he hadn't realized there were actually hidden challenges, but now that he heard, it really seemed so.

"You don't need to worry too much. I selected you for a reason."

"Besides having excellent cooking skills, I've actually conducted detailed background checks on all three of our kitchen staff."

"Coming from Great Xia, you have had the opportunity to access an endless array of ingredients and ever-changing cooking styles. The variety of seasonings far surpasses other countries."

"Like the various dim sums, congee, noodles of Cantonese cuisine, and the cold dishes we tried last time. I also did field surveys in Chinatown for Sichuan and Northeast cuisines."

"Only you, Lin, perfectly meet the conditions for this restaurant. What remains is for you to spend time learning; you don't need to worry about anything else."

Hearing the head chef praise Great Xia Cuisine so highly, Lin Chen couldn't suppress a smile at the corner of his mouth, and a strong sense of confidence surged within him.

"Thank you for your appreciation, Chef. I will not let you down!"

"Having confidence is a good thing."

The head chef took out a stack of documents from his briefcase and handed them over.

"These are the materials about marine organisms living near the restaurant's adjacent sea areas and the farmed species. You must thoroughly study these as they are essential to master."

"Besides, there's a special profession in Romantic Country you might have heard of, the Hunter."

"Hunter?!"

Lin Chen did indeed know about it; he had investigated beforehand. Unlike the United States, Romantic Country actually prohibits firearm possession, except for two exceptions.

Hunters and athletes.

To become a Hunter, one must pass the Hunter Association's assessment, and it's best to have a Hunter recommend them.

Once you become a Hunter and obtain a license, you can legally possess a gun.

Of course, firearms are also classified by grade. Warfare-grade weapons aren't permitted, and the law requires guns to be dismantled in public places.

As for whether people comply...

It depends on luck.

That's the situation on the surface. Who knows about matters under the table?

"Yes, that's the Hunter."

Chef Raphael nodded, "It seems you know, so it's simpler. The range of creatures Hunters can hunt isn't just limited to these few sheets of paper. So I suggest you best study the species across the entire Romantic Country — no, the whole of Europe."

"Your only task this week is to sit here and study. Don't worry about anything else."

Study...

What a foreign term!

He chose to become a chef because he didn't have the aptitude for studying. Hearing teachers lecture would make him drowsy.

But this learning is different from that learning. After all, cooking is his passion, and with the added aura of bringing honor to the country, there's no excuse to slack off.

Most importantly, this is paid learning!

"Romantic Country has a long coastline, facing Fu Country across the sea, and boasts a vast variety of seafood, with Brittany being the most renowned. Over thirty varieties of fresh, delicious oysters, colorful giant lobsters, numerous species of shellfish and fish..."

Perhaps because it's paid learning, Lin Chen never felt so focused. By the time he realized it, it was already time to clock out.

To maximize time for learning and even practice at seafood markets and major supermarkets, he decided to shorten his stall hours and reduce the production quantity this week.

The main goal is to complete the tasks and accumulate some Recipe Exchange Vouchers, to adapt when he gets to Dieppe.

A week flew by.

Aside from obtaining two Recipe Exchange Vouchers on Sunday with double the positive reviews, he got one on the other six days, and with the two remaining vouchers from before, he had ten in total, which made him feel quite reassured.

During these days, he also found time to help Lunard try new flavor improvements and finally succeeded on Sunday in developing three Asian-flavored tacos and burritos.

For the Great Xia version, he ultimately chose to simulate the flavor profile of Southern roast duck, using smoked duck breast, along with sweet bean sauce and a touch of Lao Gan Ma, supplemented with cucumber strips, shredded lettuce, and two of Lunard's signature sauces.

Smoked duck breast is readily available, soft and juicy, won't get stuck in your teeth, and its taste does resemble the texture of roast duck.

As for the taste...

Since it's for Lunard, not his own sale, there's no need to pursue too much, as long as it has the shadow of Great Xia elements it's fine.

On Sunday evening, after closing up shop, Lin Chen hurried home to start packing his luggage.

There's not much to bring, just a few sets of changeable clothes will suffice. Anything else can be bought temporarily over there if needed.