Chapter 52
"Time's up! Everyone, put down your tools!"
Producer Gu Sang-hoon's voice echoed throughout the studio.
The intense heat that had built during the past hour seemed to instantly cool.
Every contestant stepped back from their cooking stations, holding their breaths with nervous expressions.
Now only one thing remained.
The cold judgment of some of Korea's greatest gourmets.
"All right! Let me introduce the two judges who will evaluate the dishes you've prepared to win!"
Every studio light focused on the center of the stage, toward the judges' table.
Finally, two judges emerged from behind the massive seating area.
"Huh?"
"That person...."
"No way, Master!!!"
Their very appearance caused the atmosphere inside the studio to grow heavier.
Not only the contestants, but even veteran staff members swallowed dryly and looked at them with awe.
The first judge was David Chen, a world-famous food critic known as the "Pope of Gastronomy."
A Chinese American from New York, he possessed enough influence to affect Michelin-starred restaurants around the world.
His gaze behind sharp horn-rimmed glasses seemed capable of detecting even the smallest flaw in any dish.
His neatly combed silver hair seemed to symbolize his long career and authority.
He briefly greeted the contestants in fluent Korean.
"Hello. I'm David Chen. It's an honor to taste dishes containing your memories today. I hope you can bring pleasure to my palate."
The second judge was Master Kang Min-jung, Korea's greatest culinary master, known as both the Queen of Korean Cuisine and someone with an Absolute Palate.
She was the third-generation inheritor of royal court cuisine traditions and a living legend who had elevated Korean cuisine onto the global stage.
Her hair was neatly arranged in a traditional bun, and she wore an elegant hanbok.
But her eyes were deep and sharp, as though they could see through any chef's arrogance or deception.
"I'm Kang Min-jung. Food is the heart of the person who makes it. Today, I will taste your hearts."
She delivered her famous phrase.
Her voice was bright yet calm, but it carried the heavy experience of an artisan who had spent decades walking only the path of cooking.
The appearance of these two masters brought such silence that even breathing seemed loud.
Lee Yu-han unconsciously straightened his back.
He looked as though he could not believe that legendary figures he had only seen on television were standing directly in front of him.
"You've heard of them, right?"
"Yeah. They're famous."
"This is amazing. Wow... Especially Master Kang Min-jung. I've always wanted to try her cooking."
"Same here...."
Hong Man-gi pretended to remain calm.
But he could feel his heart beating slightly faster than usual.
He clenched both fists.
"All right, let's begin the judging! Our first contestant is Chef Edward Kang from Station 1!"
At Producer Gu Sang-hoon's introduction, the judges walked toward Edward Kang's station.
Beautifully plated Kimchi Confit and Foie Gras Terrine sat in front of him.
It was inspired by his memories of fighting homesickness while studying in France by eating kimchi his mother had sent him.
David Chen used his fork and knife to taste a small portion.
He closed his eyes for a moment and carefully evaluated the flavor.
Then he nodded.
"Excellent. The fermented umami of the kimchi forms an unexpected harmony with the rich depth of foie gras. It is a highly intelligent dish that elegantly combines Eastern and Western flavors. It also fits the theme of memories very well."
Master Kang Min-jung tasted it as well and smiled gently.
"Your longing for your mother has been expressed well through the food. However, the flavor of the kimchi feels slightly weak compared to the foie gras. I wonder if being a little bolder with it might have made the dish even better."
At her sharp criticism, Edward Kang lowered his head nervously.
"Thank you."
Next came Station 2.
Italian chef Antonio presented his grandmother's secret recipe, Truffle Lasagna.
Using ragù sauce prepared according to the recipe personally taught to him by his grandmother and premium truffles, he created a deep and rich dish.
"Mm! Wow! Wow!"
Master Kang Min-jung reacted first.
"Excellent. I can taste the care that went into this. The depth of the ragù sauce, clearly simmered for a long time, is wonderful. It's a warm dish that carries your grandmother's love. Hmm... the lingering sensation on the tongue is also very good."
David Chen, however, was colder.
"The balance is good, but the truffle aroma is so strong that it tends to hide the flavors of the other ingredients. For a dish intended to express memories, perhaps this was slightly too ambitious. How should I say it, the flavor is difficult to emotionally connect with."
The judging continued.
Master Lee Seon-young's Royal Sinseollo received praise for its perfect appearance and refined flavor.
However, the judges also commented that it felt too textbook-like and lacked a sense of personal memory.
The social media celebrity chef's Rainbow Cotton Candy Affogato attracted attention with its dazzling appearance.
However, it was harshly criticized for lacking depth of flavor and focusing too heavily on presentation.
Even the dishes created by these outstanding chefs received a mixture of praise and criticism from the two masters.
The tension inside the studio continued rising.
Joy and disappointment appeared across the contestants' faces.
Finally,
the judges stopped in front of Station 9.
Hong Man-gi and Lee Yu-han.
Every camera and every pair of eyes in the studio focused on them.
David Chen and Master Kang Min-jung silently looked down at Hong Man-gi's Spicy Cream Jeyuk Rice Bowl.
"Hmm...?"
"Hmm...."
Compared with the glamorous, luxurious dishes from the other contestants, Hong Man-gi's food looked far too simple and ordinary.
