Chapter 509
Chapter 509:
Yelena found that duck dishes often carried a strong gamey flavor, but the offerings at Bearded Chef’s Bistro were exceptional. Their signature dish was smoked duck, meticulously prepared by marinating the duck in a blend of spices and salt, smoking it over camphor wood and leaves, air-drying it, and finally deep-frying it to perfection.
The camphor wood and leaves infused the duck with a distinctive aroma that was both inviting and unique. Upon first being served, the alluring scent of the dish immediately captivated Yelena, making her eager to taste it.
The golden, crispy skin of the duck provided a perfect textural contrast to the tender, juicy meat beneath, offering a delightful balance with each bite. The flavor was complex and rich, not merely salty or savory, but imbued with the subtle fragrance of camphor, layered with various spices, making the experience memorable.
To Yelena, this dish was not just food; it was a culinary masterpiece that excelled in flavor, aroma, and presentation, leaving a lasting impression on her palate. Since that first experience, she had tried smoked duck at other restaurants, but none matched the culinary artistry of Bearded Chef’s Bistro.
When Austin and Yelena arrived at the bistro around dinnertime, the place was buzzing with a lively crowd. Upon seeing them, Rodney, the owner, promptly came over to greet them with great warmth.
“It’s so busy today, do you think there’s even a table available?” Yelena inquired, surveying the packed dining area.
Rodney chuckled and responded, “For anyone else, I’d say no chance. But for you two? I always keep a table ready p>
Austin turned to Yelena, smiling. “Rodney has a private room that he reserves for us. Whenever we come, we just need to let him know p>
Yelena let out a small “Oh.” So, the reserved room was really for Austin and his friends; it had nothing to do with her.
Realizing that if she wanted to get the same special treatment, she would need to establish her own rapport with Rodney, Yelena then inquired, “If I wanted to make a reservation now, how long would I have to wait p>
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Rodney seemed taken aback by her question. After a brief pause, he chuckled.
Yelena noticed his amused expression. Why was Rodney laughing? Was it because his restaurant was so popular that even he couldn’t predict the wait time?
Her speculation was soon addressed.
Rodney responded warmly, “If you want to eat here, you don’t need a reservation. Just give me a call before you come. You’re a friend of Austin’s, which makes you a friend of mine as well p>
Yelena paused, surprised. Was her connection with Austin really perceived to be that close?
Before she could ponder further, Austin was already guiding her into the private room. “It’s too crowded out here. Let’s talk inside.” Rodney excused himself, saying, “I’ll leave you two alone. I’ll go prepare your meals p>
With a playful wink at Austin, he closed the door behind him, his smile laden with implication.
Yelena caught the teasing expression on Rodney’s face and turned to Austin, a bit bewildered. “Do you think he misunderstood our relationship p>
It appeared Rodney assumed she and Austin were in a relationship, which could explain his earlier comments. Yet Yelena was careful not to exploit Austin’s connections. Austin looked at her and asked, “So, what exactly do you think he misunderstood about us p>
Noticing Yelena’s serious demeanor only made Austin more inclined to tease her.
Yelena, trying to appear nonchalant, pretended to sip her water, but Austin’s probing question caught her off guard, causing her to choke. She began coughing uncontrollably.
Austin quickly moved closer, offering Yelena a napkin. “Are you okay p>
Still coughing, Yelena waved dismissively and managed to say, “I’m fine, I’m fine p>
Once she caught her breath, she began to feel better.