Chapter 15 Michelin Review
So, in addition to his busy business, Pei Song began to visit various Michelin restaurants to study their dishes and services.
Every time he returns, he makes adjustments and innovations on the menu.
"This 'Golden Silk Jade Dew' is good." Shi Yanchen tasted Pei Song's new dish, "It's very creative to incorporate Western plating concepts into traditional Chinese cuisine."
As word of mouth grew, the restaurant began to attract gourmets from all over the world.
One day, a Michelin inspector quietly dropped by and posted a long and favorable review on social media.
"It looks like we're not far from a star rating." Shi Yanchen said as he looked at the review.
Pei Song frowned: "Isn't this too fast?"
"Why do you say that?"
Pei Song hesitated: "I hope the Michelin star rating is a recognition of the strength of our restaurant, not for other reasons."
Shi Yanchen put down his phone and looked him straight in the eye: "Do you think Michelin's reviewers will change their evaluation due to any external factors?"
Pei Song shook his head.
"Then don't care what others say." Shi Yanchen said firmly, "What's important is that you do have the ability."
These words gave Pei Song great confidence.
He began to innovate boldly, combining special cuisines from all over China with local ingredients from Country D to create one amazing new-style Chinese meal after another.
"This month's sales have hit a new high." The manager handed over the financial statements, "Especially the newly launched 'Jiangnan Impression' series, which is very popular among local diners."
Shi Yanchen looked at the report with a satisfied smile on his face: "It seems we can consider expanding."
"Expand?" Pei Song said in surprise, "The current scale is already very good."
"The coffee shop next door is ready to be transferred." Shi Yanchen said, "I have asked someone to negotiate. If the price is right, it can be converted into a private room to receive some important guests."
Pei Song knew that this was Shi Yanchen's usual style of doing things - always thinking one step further than others.
As the restaurant became more and more famous, many media began to pay attention to this Chinese restaurant founded by international students.
When asked by a reporter about the secret of success, Pei Song thought for a moment and said, "Maybe it's because we always focus on the quality of the food itself."
Shi Yanchen added: "Also, never be satisfied with the status quo."
Indeed, under Shi Yanchen's promotion, the restaurant has always maintained its momentum of innovation.
From dishes to services, from decoration to atmosphere, every detail is constantly being improved and enhanced.
After one semester, "Xunwei" has become one of the most popular restaurants around M University.
Not only local students flock to it, but many business people also frequent it.
"Actually..." One day, Pei Song hesitated to speak.
"What do you want to say?" Shi Yanchen asked.
"I am very grateful to you." Pei Song said seriously, "Without your investment and guidance, I would not have been able to do this in such a short time."
Shi Yanchen looked at him and smiled: "You deserve it. And..." He paused, "I'm not at a disadvantage either, I can eat the food you cook every day."
This sentence suddenly made the atmosphere a little ambiguous.
Pei Song felt his face getting hot, and quickly changed the subject: "By the way, there is a food festival next Tuesday, should we participate?"
"Go." Shi Yanchen made a quick decision, "It's a good opportunity to see the level of our competitors."
Although the restaurant was very successful, Pei Song did not relax his academic requirements.
Every morning, he still goes jogging with Shi Yanchen; after returning home in the evening, the two often discuss homework together.
"You are such a workaholic." Pei Song couldn't help but say as he watched Shi Yanchen handling restaurant affairs and academic papers at the same time.
"Same here." Shi Yanchen looked up at him, "Aren't you the same?"
Indeed, in order to balance his studies and the restaurant, Pei Song filled almost every minute.
But strangely, he did not feel tired. Instead, he felt more fulfilled than ever before.
"When we have a holiday," Shi Yanchen suddenly said, "I'll take you to France and Italy to see the Michelin restaurants there."
"Ah?" Pei Song was stunned, "But the restaurant..."
"I have already made the arrangements." Shi Yanchen said, "Besides, this is an inspection, not just a trip."
When Pei Song heard the word "inspection", he knew that Shi Yanchen was planning for the future of the restaurant again.
This semester's operation not only allowed Pei Song to accumulate valuable experience, but also gave him a deeper understanding of Shi Yanchen.
This seemingly cold man is very thoughtful about many things, but he just doesn't like to take credit for it.
"Never think that you are good enough." This is what Shi Yanchen often told him. "You know, in this industry, only continuous improvement can help you gain a foothold."
As the semester was about to end, an unexpected good news came - Michelin's official review team had made an appointment to visit next month.
"Are you ready?" Shi Yanchen asked.
Pei Song took a deep breath: "I'm ready."
He knew that this was not only a test for the restaurant, but also a test of all his efforts this semester.
Shi Yanchen, who was standing beside him, was still calm and composed, as if he already knew the future.
On the way home that day, Shi Yanchen said, "Before the Michelin review, the restaurant will be closed for three days."
"Why?" Pei Song was looking down at the day's business data.
"Training," Shi Yanchen said, "I invited several former service directors of Michelin restaurants to guide us on etiquette details."
Pei Song raised his head: "Such a big deal?"
"Star-rated restaurants are not just about the food," said Shi Yanchen. "Service level and dining experience, every detail is important."
The three-day training was extremely intensive. From the angle of placing the tableware to the gesture of pouring wine, each waiter practiced repeatedly until perfection.
Pei Song was also dragged to attend courses on table manners and wine pairing.
"You are the chef, you also need to understand these things." Shi Yanchen said.
On the last day of training, Shi Yanchen organized a mock assessment.
He invited several famous food critics in the circle to experience a complete dinner according to Michelin's standards.
"The overall feeling was good." After the dinner, a critic said, "Especially the 'Longjing Shrimp', which blends the fragrance of tea into seafood, which is very creative."
"The service was good," added another reviewer, "but they could use a little more storytelling when introducing the dishes."
Pei Song took note of every suggestion carefully.
After the guests had left, he was about to go to the kitchen to check on tomorrow's preparations, but was stopped by Shi Yanchen.
"Come with me."
They came to the terrace on the third floor of the restaurant.
The M University campus is quiet and beautiful in the night, and the melodious sound of church bells can be heard in the distance.
"Do you remember the first time we met?" Shi Yanchen asked suddenly.
Pei Song was stunned for a moment: "I remember...I suddenly moved in that night..."
"Do you know why I agreed to let you live here?"
"Because...the rent is expensive?" Pei Song asked tentatively.
Shi Yanchen chuckled: "Because of the bowl of noodles you made for Su Mi before."