Fu Yu was about to leave when Gu Yunwu stopped him.
Gu Yunwu pointed to a stack of bowls and plates on a nearby shelf and instructed, "For the wine-braised eel, use the deep white porcelain bowl with the small blue fish on the inside rim."
"For the fermented rice fish, use the light blue spiral-patterned plate, the medium-sized one will do."
"For the prosperous braised eel gelatin, use the shallow clay pot with the orange handle."
"For the fresh mushroom squid egg, use the set of plates with the black-patterned hibiscus flower, and choose the dark brown tray for the top small dish."
"For the millet crab, also use a combination plate, with a medium-sized round bowl on top."
"Of course, although this plating design is classic, it’s somewhat outdated now."
"Pay more attention to details!"
Upon hearing this, Fu Yu hurriedly noted it down.
The flavor of the dish is very important, but the final effect of the plating is also crucial.
For a dish to be perfect, color, aroma, and taste are indispensable.
And the plating effect presented to the customer can sometimes directly affect their perception of the dish, even having an impact on the pricing of the dish.
Gu Yunwu’s casual advice made Fu Yu deeply grateful and impressed.
Such simple guidance revealed Gu Yunwu’s attentiveness in cooking and consideration towards others.
Even though Fu Yu looked up to Zhao Meng as a mentor, he had to admit that in terms of social skills and meticulous consideration, Zhao Meng was far from Gu Yunwu.
As for himself...
There is still much room for improvement!
But right now was not the time for sentimentality; Fu Yu needed to seize the time to cook.
With Gu Yunwu’s guidance, it must be said, it greatly benefited Fu Yu.
Actually, the classic old taste recipes record a method of cooking these dishes quite different from Qianlima’s approach.
After all, being called a classic old taste means that the ingredients and flavors are consistent through time.
Even if there are slight discrepancies, they are mainly in the detailed proceedings of cooking techniques, and occasionally in plating.
Combining the two, Fu Yu predominantly followed the cooking methods taught by Gu Yunwu, while some detailed operations were done according to the classic old taste recipes.
On the aspect of plating, Fu Yu decided to refer to the styling of the classic old taste recipes.
After all, the aesthetics from many years ago are entirely different from now, so integrating some contemporary elements into the classic designs was necessary.
However, adding creativity is not that simple.
Why did Fu Yu find Gu Yunwu impressive?
Because of Gu Yunwu’s words just now: "Pay more attention to details!"
This phrase can be described as meaningful!
In reflection, Fu Yu understood Gu Yunwu’s meaning.
He could not help but look at Gu Yunwu with renewed respect.
Regardless of character and strategy, just in cooking techniques, this is an incredible person!
Every profession has its expertise.
No wonder Gu Yunwu has such a profound understanding of braising!
A simple sentence pointed Fu Yu directly to the core elements of cooking this feast.
To cook a dish well, one must know the critical points during operation!
It is only by discovering and mastering this key point that one can truly cook a dish with its characteristic flair.
This is the secret of cooking passed down orally and through experience in the kitchen!
For example, in frying, one must understand the impact of the heat level on the doneness of the ingredients.
For example, in braising, one must know the effect of water control on the taste of the ingredients.
But!
Not all dishes have standard cooking key points.
This requires oneself to explore and find slowly through specific operations, based on experience and observation!
And once the key point is found successfully, one can perfectly cook a delicious dish.
Standing in front of the kitchen counter, Fu Yu couldn’t help but take another look at Gu Yunwu.
Among three people walking, there must be something to learn from one as a teacher.
To become a great chef, no matter how cunning or sly, there must be genuine skill in one’s arsenal.
Fu Yu gathered his originally resistant emotions and also added a touch of respect when facing Gu Yunwu.
Never underestimate anyone, especially when one’s own wings are not yet fully grown.
Being overly ambitious and arrogant is the stumbling block on the road to success.
Fu Yu cautioned himself silently that no matter when, humility is the key!
...
Gu Yunwu naturally noticed Fu Yu’s gaze.
Looking back, he saw Fu Yu with a grateful smile.
Gu Yunwu nodded, turned around, and continued busying himself with his work.
What makes him impressive is exactly this.
Although cunning and lazy, his subordinates respect him and are particularly obedient.
He could command with authority and have people follow his instructions willingly.
This too is a skill.
However, his greatest strength isn’t just this.
The most impressive aspect lies in his smooth dealings with people.
He knows Fu Yu would encounter difficulties in cooking, possibly facing a rough time and encountering problems.
Yet he wouldn’t directly point this out.
He knows whose words Fu Yu would listen to.
Even though Fu Yu works under him, he would not blatantly express all his opinions, nor would he interfere or show off during the actual cooking operation.
However, since he was asked for advice, and he promised to guide, he was still willing to offer some hints during key operations.
After all, since the task is undertaken, finishing it goes without saying; it’s no trouble for that final push.
In the art of cooking, it values a sense of comprehension.