translations
✦
Assessing the New Menu
Soun: You're still here? I thought you were finished with preparations.
Koki: …
Soun: What are you making? It looks like stew.
Koki: …I found a place where there's plenty of good game. This sample was made with the meat I caught there.
Koki: Eat up.
Soun: Oh, thank you.
Soun: …This is …What kind of meat is this?
Koki: Badger.
Soun: …There's a particular scent that may be unique to badger meat. Though it seems there's more to it than that, no?
Koki: I simmered it in sake.
Koki: I tend to put wine stew on the menu 'cause most of the customers drink wine, but…
Koki: Depending on the kind of meat, I think it's better to use local brews based on where the meat's from.
Soun: …Interesting. It would also be a good way to appeal to customers who prefer sake. Not only does it have a palatable enough flavor, it has an understandable selling point as well.
Koki: The problem with wild game is that you can't catch 'em all year round. But that's how hunting season's like.
Soun: I see. If that's the case, why don't we adjust our plans and offer seasonal dishes based on the game that's available?
Soun: It would be good if we could procure a steady supply of local liquors, too…
Koki: …
Soun: Speaking of which, this sake stew… It feels as though the richness is different than usual.
Koki: …
Soun: There's a slightly cured taste to it. Did you do anything different to prepare it?
Koki: …Heh.
Koki: I usually use fresh game, but this time I aged it a little. Guess that freshly killed isn't the only way to bring out the flavor.
Soun: Indeed so.
Koki: …Your tongue isn't broken.
Soun: Ah, so it seems you were testing me.
Koki: …
Soun: Well, no matter. It's good to hear that my taste buds haven't grown dull. I look forward to serving this dish in the lounge.
Soun: I'm sure our customers will also be pleased. Keep up the good work.
Koki: …Right.