I Got the Almighty Tongue - Chapter 180



Only Noblemtl

180 Copycat (2)

“Did you enjoy your meal?”

The Wilson couple, regulars, are drinking their coffee with satisfied expressions.

Their visit was very welcome, as we had only recently started the course and were lacking feedback.

“It was a composition that I couldn’t help but enjoy. Have you ever made a dish that stimulates your primal taste buds like this before? Has your mindset changed?”

Hayden smiles brightly and shakes hands.

“Humans are genetically predisposed to love fat. It is the easiest nutrient to store as an energy source. However, in our society, fatty dishes and fried foods are treated as taboo and we are told to refrain from them. I don’t like that.”

“Isn’t it inevitable since it’s for the sake of one’s health?”

“Fat is not as bad for you as you think. It doesn’t get much attention because it is high in calories per serving, but good fats are good for you.

In fact, the most harmful thing is probably carbohydrates. More than half of modern adult diseases are caused by excessive insulin secretion due to excessive carbohydrate intake.”

The meat that is harmful to our health is processed meat. Pure butter, cheese, and fresh meat are never harmful to our health.

“You’re also well-versed in nutrition.”

“I can’t help but care about it because of my job. But these are all just excuses, and I just wanted to make delicious food. I like elegant and classy courses, but I tried to create a course that would best stimulate the primal taste buds.

So I was thinking of naming the course ‘Extreme Taste’. Do you like it?”

The human resources in the kitchen are not infinite.

So, each restaurant serves at most three courses. It is not uncommon to see restaurants serving only one.

Segreto runs a three-course restaurant, but felt the need to control orders to some extent to avoid overloading the kitchen.

If you can come up with an eye-catching name that will encourage customers to order, running the kitchen will become much easier.

Of course, because the unit price is high, it also helps with operations.

“Do you like it?

“The course that remains in my memory the longest and most cherished was the meal I had at Georges Blanc in France. But as of today, the list has changed. Thank you for the dreamy meal.”

This is the reaction I wanted. I want customers to put aside things like dignity and respect and just enjoy the food.

“Not long after I started the course, I was running out of data.

“I feel honored to receive such praise from Mr. Hayden, who has such great taste and sense of taste. It feels like the anxiety that had been lingering in my heart has been relieved.”

“Hahahaha! You speak too humbly. Of course, I am a very experienced gourmet, but I am no match for you, Chef. I will definitely post about today’s meal on my gourmet blog. I will also introduce it to many people I know.”

Although I was sincere, I gave her some exaggerated lip service, and she seemed to like it too much.

“Thanks to the chef, I overate today. I think I have to run 10 miles before bed, but it was worth it. I ate well. I will come back again next time.”

Evelyn also smiles brightly and asks to shake my hand.

* * *

The response to the new course, ‘Extreme Taste’, is extraordinary.

It’s only been two weeks since the course was launched, but posts about it are quickly spreading on Instagram. Of course, celebrities have played a big part in this.

[I went to Segreto last weekend and had Extreme Taste. Holy Sheet!! I promise you, unless you are vegetarian or Hindu, you can’t dislike this course.]

-Adam Sandler

[Segreto wasn’t the perfect restaurant for a date. It was so delicious that I didn’t have the energy to be polite. Let’s go here with family. Friends!]

-Derek Jeter

Many athletes, singers and actors have visited Segreto.

Segreto never asks celebrities for autographs or photos.

The employees are strictly trained to treat anyone who comes as just another customer, so they grit their teeth and hide their fandom.

And this led to a virtuous cycle of more celebrities visiting.

But there were also many cases of the opposite.

“Chef, would you like to take a picture with me?”

Brad Pitt asked me to take a picture of him.

I knew he was interested in gastronomy. He was also serious about wine, to the point where he purchased a vineyard in France jointly with his wife.

Today, too, it was impressive to see him take out his notebook and write down notes while drinking the wine that was served during the meal.

“Of course.”

Click.

The management staff that came with us took pictures for us.

They also actively tried to exploit my image as a genius chef who achieved the American dream.

The reaction from ordinary citizens was also enthusiastic.

As winter approaches, humans have a natural desire to store fat.

This is an evolutionary habit that is engraved at the DNA level, as we use more energy to maintain our body temperature in the cold.

This course was bound to have a good response as it was prepared in the most delicious way possible and contained the nutrients the body desires.

[I had the Extreme Taste course at Segreto. When I first heard the name, I thought it was spicy, but it actually means crazy delicious. I’m a middle-class person who only goes to fine dining once every two months, but I didn’t regret the money at all. I already want to go again.]

└There’s been a lot of talk about it lately. Is it that delicious?

└I went there too, but it wasn’t as good as I expected.

└I’d bet you $50 that you’ve never been to Segreto. It’s just not up to your taste level. Chef Shin Je-hee is crazy.

└ It’s already famous on Wall Street. It’s so famous that companies make reservations and hold business meetings there. My friends say that if you work for a good company, you can enjoy fine dining with your corporate card.

└Our company also goes there often. I work for a global company, but it’s expensive to go there often. We eat lunch at Hundred Dishes on weekdays and make reservations in advance only on special days. Korean food is also delicious!

└A must-see for office workers living in New York.

└Ahhh! Who’s talking about me? Were you watching me?

Fine dining restaurants are not always fully booked due to their high prices.

No-shows were not uncommon, so we had a waiting list for guests who failed to make a reservation, and this is where a significant change occurred.

“Jehee. This month’s waiting list has exceeded 500 people.”

Jenny says with a bright expression.

“How many people were there usually?”

“There were between 100 and 200 people. The reservation closing time has also gotten earlier. Why is that?”

“The return rate has increased. It’s because it’s addictive. You know that because you’ve tried it, right?”

Jenny also visited the restaurant with Jimmy on her off day.

“Eating at the same place I work every day on my days off… If Jimmy hadn’t been so stubborn, I would never have come.”

Jenny’s face turns red with embarrassment.

“Still, coming here as a guest was a different experience?”

“Yeah. It was really delicious. I realized once again why you’re so famous. Thanks to you, our sales have increased a lot. I think we’ll be able to have the best performance this quarter.”

It wasn’t until the season changed after opening that it turned a profit. However, because the ingredients were so expensive and labor costs were high in New York, the profit wasn’t that great.

Regardless of my financial ability, if the restaurant’s management is in trouble, the employees become anxious. In order to reassure them, I need to consistently record a profit.

Even though everything was going well, there was one place where I couldn’t smile, and that was the kitchen.

“Samuel! 5 out on 3 sirloin, two ossobuco (Three sirloins, two ossobuco in 5 minutes).”

“Yes! Chef!”

“Bruno. The amuse-bouche is getting pushed back! Caviar and sea bass first. Fire! (Cooking first)”

“Yes! Chef!”

Bruno nods at Soyoung. Soyoung starts heating buttermilk and laying out plates. Bruno grills sea bass and prepares caviar.

As I looked over to the pasta station, Sam and Dominic began noisily setting up pans and taking orders.

The trainees are preparing vegetables taken out of the refrigerator to see if they have run out of vegetables. Some are filling trays with ingredients to make it easier for the chefs to work, while others are preparing sea bass.

Pastry stations are also doing their best to meet the increased demand for bread.

Although the weather has suddenly become cold, the kitchen is warm from the heat of the fire from the stove, oven, and brazier.

This is Segreto’s kitchen. The weak cannot survive.

* * *

“I···. Dominic.”

“Huh? Just speak comfortably, Jose.”

After closing time and cleaning up, the chefs stopped by the pub.

This is possible because almost all of Segreto’s employees live in dormitories.

Their routine was to wash away the day’s fatigue by having a light beer and then go back to their accommodations to sleep.

“I want to quit, but I’m scared to tell Sam.”

How many times has this happened? I can’t stand it even when I get a trainee.

Whenever Dominic sees these trainees, he feels like hurling a volley of accusations at them, calling them weak-willed fashion chefs who don’t know how to be blessed and just complain.

But you have to be patient. It’s also Demi Chef’s job to keep the station running smoothly by urging them to read well.

“Why? You don’t like the work environment?”

“No. I know this is the best fine dining place in New York. The dorms are great and the chefs are great.”

“But why?”

I know the reason, but I’m asking out of courtesy.

“I’m embarrassed to say this, but it’s so hard. I can’t… I can’t stand it.”

Jose lowers his head and sheds tears. Dominic looks at Jose’s hands. The burn on his wrist from holding the pan is clear. There is also a knife cut on his hand. His shoulders look pitiful, drooping from exhaustion.

“Every night, as I fall asleep, I pray that the next day will come as late as possible. What’s wrong with everyone? How can we be in this murderous environment….”

It seemed like she had already given up on him. But Dominic did not give up on persuading her.

“Jose, where do you think you work? Our workplace is not just a famous restaurant. It’s intense and busy.

Are you sick of being sworn at? Do you have too much work to do?

“It’s a great environment for a chef. It’s rare to get the chance to work with the best chefs.”

Despite Dominic’s persuasion, Jose shakes his head.

“I’m so tired. My legs are always heavy and I can’t even lift my arms properly. It wasn’t like this at school. How on earth do you hold out?”

Jose trembles.

I thought I was speaking quietly in the corner, but my voice got louder and I saw about 10 chefs looking at me.

Sam, the sous chef, was already next to him.

“If you don’t really like it, you’d better get out of this world quickly. It’s not easy to continue even if you like it madly.

“Of course there are many reasons for doing this, but it’s definitely not about money.”

Before we knew it, everyone was focused and listening to Sam.

“Dominic? Why do you work here?”

Sam turns to Dominic and asks a question.

“Hmm… I guess it’s a matter of pride now. You’re a part of the best kitchen in New York. You can talk about it confidently wherever you go.”

There was an unmistakable pride on Dominic’s face.

“Soyoung and you?”

“When I work, there are times when I feel like the head chef trusts me. Isn’t it great that such a great chef relies on me? Also… the dorms are nice and the salary is the best in the industry!”

The chefs giggle at Soyoung’s words, as if to say that it was a misunderstanding.

“Ella?”

“Chef Shin is my role model. He is the ideal chef that I can think of. I never considered any other option because I feel like I can get closer to my dreams if I stay by his side.”

Ella speaks shyly, like a girl confessing her love.

“They all express it differently, but they are chefs who are determined to dedicate their lives to cooking. Don’t try to get the same treatment with a half-baked attitude.”

Jose lowers his head at Sam’s firm words.

The place was quickly cleared. After everyone had left, Jose packed his bags and headed out of the pub, where he was followed by someone.

“Sarah?”

Sarah had just graduated from training and was promoted to chef.

“Yeah. Don’t listen to what the old farts say. I also don’t think this restaurant is normal.

“You spend your whole life cooking? Are you crazy? You’re the ones who pretend to be noble. Of course, you’re just trying to make money.”

Sarah grimaced in disgust.

“What are you trying to say?”

Jose asks Sarah, looking at her with suspicious eyes.

“I’m going to move out of here soon and open a restaurant. I’ve got a reliable investor. I’ve almost got the recipe down.”

Jose’s eyes widen at her sudden bombshell announcement.

“Is that okay?”

“The lawyer said there’s no legal problem. I think it’s going to be in Brooklyn. If you’re interested, let’s do it together.”

“Why me?”

It’s not that I hate Segreto, it’s that the work is hard. Even if I were to move to a new restaurant, I wouldn’t gain anything from it.

“How much is the training salary? When you come, you will start from Demi.

Even if you stay here, do you think you can go up? Beat Dominic, Ella, and Soyoung? How long do you plan on doing this?”

Jose’s eyes waver.

“Is this realistically possible?”

“I already have all the sauces and recipes written down.

“The food business companies obviously know this too. You just have to do as I say.”

“Please give me time. I can’t decide now.”

“of course.”

But Sarah was sure of it when she saw his expression. He would come looking for her soon.

Three months ago, Sarah was approached by an investor.

At first I was horrified by his suggestion to copy and sell Segreto’s menu, but after thinking about it carefully, it seemed like a good idea.

This restaurant has a unique reputation in New York. However, many people may hesitate to visit because of its high price.

In such a situation, the title of a restaurant run by chefs from Segreto is helpful. If you sell the same menu at a cheaper price, customers will flock there.

The investor also had plans to franchise the restaurant, later mixing in the original.

When you have a goal, your body becomes energized.

She worked hard and stole the recipe. There were no secret recipes here in the first place. If you ask, everyone will kindly tell you.

The reason why they brought in the useless Jose is because it makes it look more plausible when promoting that there are several chefs who are independent from Segreto.

In return, she agreed to receive a high salary and some equity.

Conscience as a chef? Accusations of being a copycat?

Everyone can afford it. In a capitalist society, the only thing more important than money is more money.