Lights... Camera... ACTION CHEF!!

[pixiegamer]

Hello all!

The cameras are set up... the hair and makeup is complete... and the cast and crew are ready. That's right, it's time for another Pixie Production! The executive team (er, well, really a lone executive producer :p) that brought you Loretta and Hazel's Journey Around the World (https://forums.storm8.com/showthread.php?83319-Loretta-and-Hazel-s-Journey-Around-the-World!) and The Dating Game (https://forums.storm8.com/showthread.php?88270-Let-s-Play-THE-DATING-GAME!!) now proudly presents:


Action Chef 'Nom'erica!

For those unfamiliar with how my stories go: every so often, in my restaurant or bakery, I'll take the cast of characters we have in the game and put them in different situations/scenarios, and update my wall to reflect their changing circumstances. Put together, these discrete events become a "story" that my neighbors and friends can follow along in-game :)

And this time... it's a cooking competition! The restaurant has been transformed into a battleground for two chefs to test their mettle, but only one will win! Which chefs are battling? What is their weapon of choice? Can they prove themselves as culinary masterminds?? There's only one way to find out! :)

Disclaimer since I recently became a mod: This is not an official Restaurant Story event created by Storm8. Even though I'm a moderator of this forum, I'm also a player of these games - and this fictional event is entirely my own creation :)

So without further ado, let's get started! :D


TIMELINE OF EVENTS
[01] Meet Your Hosts and Contestants! (https://forums.storm8.com/showthread.php?98401-Lights-Camera-ACTION-CHEF!!&p=1411693&posted=1#post1411693)
[02] The Mystery Ingredient Revealed! (https://forums.storm8.com/showthread.php?98401-Lights-Camera-ACTION-CHEF!!&p=1411696&posted=1#post1411696)
[03] The Battle Begins! (https://forums.storm8.com/showthread.php?98401-Lights-Camera-ACTION-CHEF!!&p=1413270&posted=1#post1413270)
[04] The Judges Make Their Appearance (https://forums.storm8.com/showthread.php?98401-Lights-Camera-ACTION-CHEF!!&p=1414160#post1414160)
[05] The Battle Heats Up! (https://forums.storm8.com/showthread.php?98401-Lights-Camera-ACTION-CHEF!!&p=1414880#post1414880)
[06] Judgment is Coming... (https://forums.storm8.com/showthread.php?98401-Lights-Camera-ACTION-CHEF!!&p=1415662#post1415662)
[07] The Judgment of the 50's Chef (https://forums.storm8.com/showthread.php?98401-Lights-Camera-ACTION-CHEF!!&p=1417845#post1417845)
[08] The Judgment of Action Chef Lee, Part 1 (https://forums.storm8.com/showthread.php?98401-Lights-Camera-ACTION-CHEF!!&p=1425067#post1425067)
[09] The Judgment of Action Chef Lee, Part 2 (https://forums.storm8.com/showthread.php?98401-Lights-Camera-ACTION-CHEF!!&p=1428887&posted=1#post1428887)

More to follow :)

[pixiegamer]

I usually post these at the end, but... this event has been going on in my restaurant for a little over a month now, and I'm absolutely blown away by how much positive feedback and encouragement it has received in that time. If you are my neighbor or friend who has been following along in-game:


♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ THANK YOU SO MUCH!! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I can't express how much your comments mean to me - they bring the biggest smile to my face, and it means so, so much to me that you continue to leave comments every time this story is updated :) One of the things I love about these games is the community surrounding them, and I'm so happy these stories let me connect with you all more.

If you're revisiting this story after having seen it live in my restaurant, thank you so much for your continued support :) And if you're a first-timer who just visited this thread, thank you for clicking :) I hope you enjoy what's about to come! :o


https://cdn.vectorstock.com/i/composite/75,65/thank-you-hand-lettering-hand-drawing-calligraphy-vector-8887565.jpg

Right, now on with the show! :D

[pixiegamer]

Gooooood evening ladies and gentlemen! The cameras are rolling, the stage is set, and the hosts are hosting! Pull up a chair and get ready, because it's time for ACTION CHEF NOMERICA to begin!

https://i.imgur.com/NjDTg9G.jpg?1
The culinary arena

But wait, you say! Where are the appliances? Why is it so empty? As the show goes on, the setup will be revealed in stages! And don't worry, the stagehands are working around the clock to make sure it all goes smoothly ;) Right now, let's meet our contestants!

Our returning champion needs no introduction. Best known for helping out Phoebe in her restaurant, this chef was also the star of last year's Pixie Productions Valentine Special, The Dating Game. At the time, he carried around a small pile of necessary knick-knacks, but last November, he streamlined and took on a decidedly more thankful look. It remains to be seen if this will affect his cooking. Everyone please welcome the original Action Chef, ACTION CHEF LEE!!

https://i.imgur.com/Dpbzbs8.jpg?1
*raucous applause*

And now onto our challenger! He got his start making 50-cent milkshakes and hamburgers, but as food costs have risen, so has the quality of his creations. He is a true veteran of the kitchen and is coming forward to prove that, as with cheese and wine, older is better when it comes to culinary experience. He was also involved in The Dating Game as an off-camera extra, but is now ready for the spotlight! Please welcome THE 50'S CHEF!!

https://i.imgur.com/iM0hfbC.jpg
*cheers and whistling*

And, of course, they are joined by your host, Alta Blue, and floor reporter Kelly Brausch. Now all we need is Gran Gran and the battle can begin!

https://i.imgur.com/PdCwFNC.jpg

Small sidenote: Thank you S8 for putting up Thankful Lee as a floor decoration last November. This show wouldn't have been possible without him! :o

[pixiegamer]

Head Judge and Co-Host Gran Gran has made an appearance! After addressing the crowd, she moves to the question-marked covers to unveil the Mystery Ingredient. Over the course of their showdown, both chefs must use this ingredient in the dishes they create.

https://i.imgur.com/sum9r67.jpg

And it is revealed to be...

https://i.imgur.com/5ZplQIG.jpg
*drumroll*

.
.
.

https://i.imgur.com/0KhqExm.jpg

TOMATOES!

Just what will our chefs do with these?? Find out when ACTION CHEF NOMERICA returns! :)

[oroeomunroe]

This is so creative and cool! I'm quite new to the forums and I've never seen a story like this :) this is such a clever idea, I can't wait to see what comes next.

[pixiegamer]

This is so creative and cool! I'm quite new to the forums and I've never seen a story like this :) this is such a clever idea, I can't wait to see what comes next.

Aaah! Thank you! Welcome to the forums; I'm very honored you would make your first post here :) Hope you enjoy the story!

[Rynetory2]

This is wonderful! I LOVE IT!! :D:D I have enjoyed your previous tales tremendously and I cant wait for the rest of this tale to unfold!! :D

[slayer7000]

So excited! Love when u do these!

[pixiegamer]

OMG! Haha :o Thank you both!

[twospoons]

Looking forward to catching up! And side note: love the pretty new avatar cake!

[Nettie75]

Kewl story, I've seen that restaurant before when I randomly tip, don't know ur player name though..

[oroeomunroe]

Your welcome! I'm happy to be here! I'm sure I'll love the story :)

[awesomejujubeans]

Love this one!! I really like how you used the mystery tables to reveal the secret ingredient. I'm rooting for Chef Lee, as he reminds me of Iron Chef Morimoto. But, I also hope the 50s Chef does well! :D

[fatbearorelse]

Have been waiting for this thread! Let's go 50s chef, RAWR!!! :cool:

[pixiegamer]

Thanks for your support everyone! Glad you're liking it so far :) Part 3 incoming...

[pixiegamer]

Gran Gran gives some final words of wisdom, and THE BATTLE IS ON! But first, an explanation of the rules is in order.

https://i.imgur.com/oOtS7oG.jpg?1
The culinary arena, set up for battle


Alta explains the following:


Each chef is allowed 9 appliances each. These can be brought out at any time, but they can't be swapped out, so our chefs have to choose carefully!
Each chef must present a 5-course meal. The battle ends when both competitors have five unique dishes at their respective stations - not an easy thing to do with a hungry audience!
Finally, each chef is allowed 3 sous chefs. Hopefully our contestants have chosen well :)


Now that that's out of the way, we return to the arena floor, where it looks like the 50's Chef has wasted no time! All nine of his appliances are happily whistling away as his sous chefs get to work. "The tomatoes immediately inspired a menu," he explains to Kelly Brausch. Could that be years of cooking confidence coming through??

https://i.imgur.com/09sMvyU.jpg
The 50's Chef's team revealed!


Lee, in contrast, only has six of his nine appliances out, and appears to be deliberating with his team.

https://i.imgur.com/4diLUul.jpg
Action Chef Lee's team revealed!


"I want to design the menu carefully," he explains. "It should be an adventure for the judges." Speaking of the judges...


https://i.imgur.com/8O0lCwH.jpg
The judges... uh... not so revealed?


Gran Gran has taken her place at the judging table as Head Judge, but where - and who - are the rest of her fellow judges??

Find out next time when ACN returns! ;)

[tikka22]

Amazingly creative, I'm so looking forward to this installment (the previous ones were awesome). You are making my day, can't wait to see who the other judges are and many thanks for the time and effort you give to not only this but all your informative posts. Congrats on being a mod, they have chosen wisely.

[pixiegamer]

Welcome back to Action Chef Nomerica! Last time, the mystery ingredient was revealed, and the 50's Chef took to it like mashed potatoes to gravy. There are no dishes on his counters yet, but his sous chefs are still happily cooking away.

https://i.imgur.com/wLQmura.jpg
The 50's Chef and his sous chefs

The last installment also established Gran Gran as Head Judge, and today, her fellow judges have made an appearance! Joining Gran Gran at the judges' table are the Snow Suit, Life Coach, and Rose Queen!

https://i.imgur.com/YmSb5xP.jpg
The judges revealed!

Kelly goes over to greet them. "Great to have you here, judges! What are you looking for in the dishes?"

"For me, health is a big priority," says the Life Coach. "Tomatoes are one of the healthiest fruits on the planet, so I want to see the chefs highlight them, rather than use them to enhance other elements. The tomato should be the star."

The Rose Queen agrees. "Tomatoes are one of the secrets to my beauty routine! But you can't enjoy them if they're overdone or just cast to the side. They should also look beautiful - no one wants to eat a dish that looks like it just came out of a dishwasher!"

((Somewhere in the back, a busboy sneezes))

And what would the Snow Suit like to see? "MgpPFHH!"

https://i.imgur.com/bmTONik.jpg?1
The Culinary Arena

Right, so there we have our judges! Now we go back to Alta, who has meandered over to Lee's station to investigate.

https://i.imgur.com/8vfcDPe.jpg
Action Chef Lee's station... what's going on here?

The Action Chef has be*** to cook, but he's only started one dish! And why is his molecular gastronomist sous chef standing to the side playing with test tubes? Alta looks to Lee for an explanation, but he only offers his signature smile as a response. Could this be part of his strategy? Or is his team beginning to fracture??

Find out next time in Action Chef Nomerica!

[Jojocl141587]

I am living for these little "episodes", keeps the game interesting between goals :)

[pixiegamer]

Welcome back to Action Chef Nomerica! When we last left off, Chef Lee had just be*** to cook, and all judges had been introduced. Coming back into the arena today, it appears the appliances are roaring - on both sides of the kitchen!

https://i.imgur.com/pRs9QHL.jpg?1
The Culinary Arena

Action Chef Lee has finally sprung into action, it seems - his final three appliances are now revealed, and it looks like he's mixing up drinks! "Gotta have something to wash down the other dishes," he tells Kelly. "And my molecular gastronomist sous chef really wanted to go for it!"

https://i.imgur.com/Gqf3kqi.jpg
Lee's cooking up a storm!

Laughing somewhat sinisterly, the molecular gastronomist agrees. "The formula is a little unstable," he concedes. "The composition will break down in an hour if not taken off the appliance in time. But if done correctly, the flavor will really pack a punch!" Incredible!!

https://i.imgur.com/EVQlBiJ.jpg
The 50's Chef, undeterred!

Alta goes over to the 50's Chef to see how he'll react, but he merely laughs it off! Gesturing to his own appliances, he reveals he's working on a shake. "I've been whipping up shakes since I was a kid," he chuckles. "A volatile mish-mash doesn't scare me!" Such confidence!

The camera pans over to the judges to get their inputs, but they appear to be in a heated discussion.

https://i.imgur.com/Xb3GomJ.jpg
The judges revisited

If a tomato is a fruit, then does that make ketchup a smoothie? They invite your thoughts! ;)

[ronnylyn]

I love this. So creative. Great job

[awesomejujubeans]

Excited to see more "episodes". :D

[pixiegamer]

I am living for these little "episodes", keeps the game interesting between goals :)


I love this. So creative. Great job


Excited to see more "episodes". :D

Thanks guys :o Glad you're enjoying it so far :)

[oroeomunroe]

I have no idea who's going to win! I'm on the edge of my seat :) really love the molecular gastronomist :)

[awesomejujubeans]

I have no idea who's going to win! I'm on the edge of my seat :) really love the molecular gastronomist :)

I know! That's a great idea. I'm going to pull my scientist back out to make goodies in my kitchen. :D

[pixiegamer]

Welcome back to Action Chef Nomerica! In our last installment, both Chef Lee and the 50's Chef were furiously cooking away, and at last, their efforts have borne fruit! Or, rather, dishes: each chef's 5-course meal is now complete! Which means... it's time for judgment to begin!

https://i.imgur.com/CAI8Po3.jpg
The Culinary Arena

Here's how judging works: each dish is judged for its taste (T), creativity (C), and presentation (P). For each category, each judge can assign up to 5 points - so a dish can receive up to 15 points per judge. With 4 judges at the table, and 5 dishes total, each chef will receive a composite score out of 300 points.

https://i.imgur.com/kQzTolI.jpg
Lee stands at the ready!

https://i.imgur.com/hE4WU2E.jpg
The 50's Chef is also good to go!

The 50's Chef approaches the table, but the judges are still in heated discussion! Ketchup may not be a smoothie, they decide (no one really adds vinegar to a smoothie!), but can salsa be considered a fruit salad? All bets are off!


Bonus picture under the spoiler: look at Chef Lee working with all those tomatoes! :D
https://i.imgur.com/zuiqdkH.jpg

[kayjco]

This is so cute and fun. ��

[pixiegamer]

Let the judging begin!

The 50's Chef starts with his appetizer, which he presents as "skewered, grilled cherry tomatoes, stuffed with mozzarella cheese and garnished with basil." The judges tuck in.

https://i.imgur.com/Pw3MMNJ.jpg

Gran Gran commends its tastiness, while the Life Coach applauds the healthiness of the dish (mozza is an excellent protein source). The Rose Queen likes the presentation, but wrinkles her nose at the sheet pan being used. "Why not opt for a tray??" she huffs. And the Snow Suit? "Mmgph mmf MMPH!" he says, and gives a thumbs-up.

The scores come in as follows:



Judge
|Taste
|Presentation
|Creativity
|Subtotal


Gran Gran
4
5
4
13


Snow Suit
4
5
4
13


Life Coach
5
5
4
14


Rose Queen
4
4
3
11


Total: 51/60



Pretty high marks all around yield the 50's Chef's first dish a tidy 51 points! He's off to a great start, but can he keep up the momentum? The 50's Chef follows his appetizer with a round of Love Shakes. "Nothing like an hors d'oeurve and drinks to whet one's appetite!"

https://i.imgur.com/D3mP9lD.jpg

Gran Gran agrees, sipping at her shake fondly. "This brings back many memories of my heyday," she remarks, and shares a smile with the 50's Chef. Ooh la la! It appears the Love Shake may actually live up to its name!

But nostalgia is not one of the three judging criteria, and so, Gran Gran must remain impartial. The judges cast their votes:



Judge
|Taste
|Presentation
|Creativity
|Subtotal


Gran Gran
4
5
5
14


Snow Suit
3
5
5
13


Life Coach
3
5
5
13


Rose Queen
4
5
5
14


Total: 54/60



It's another stunning result! The judges offer their comments: "Had it not been so sugary, the taste may have been higher for me, but the tomato flavor carried through," remarks the Life Coach. The Snow Suit shivers; he voted down the taste because it was too cold.

The 50's Chef continues to his third offering. "A classic tomato soup, garnished with chopped basil," he presents.

https://i.imgur.com/lBlAsF2.jpg

Immediately, the Snow Suit is taken! "Mmgm mph MPPH!" he intonates, taking in the steam from the soup. It's warmed him back up!

The other judges' reactions, however, are mixed. "The flavor is there," says the Life Coach, but it's rather watery."

Gran Gran rebuts, "I disagree with the flavor comment. Despite the addition of basil, the soup just seems very one-note to me. Additionally," she turns to address the 50's Chef, "especially after your last offering, the soup appears to lack creativity."

The points come in:



Judge
|Taste
|Presentation
|Creativity
|Subtotal


Gran Gran
3
2
4
9


Snow Suit
5
3
4
12


Life Coach
3
3
3
9


Rose Queen
3
2
4
9


Total: 39/60



Ouch - that's quite a tumble! But the 50's Chef isn't deterred. He brings out his fourth course, confident he can still win back the judges' favor.

https://i.imgur.com/Hen22oY.jpg

"My penultimate course is spaghetti with a 'Chance of Meatballs'" he introduces. "Though they all look alike, some meatballs are actually disguised cherry tomatoes - hence the 'chance' of meatballs. Enjoy!" he winks at the camera.

The judges share a chuckle. "I was prepared to write this off," Gran Gran admits. "But you've made it rather interesting!"

The Rose Queen, however, is conflicted. "I can appreciate the pun," she smiles cordially, "so I can understand why it looks the way it does. But it still just looks like a big old plate of spaghetti and meatballs!"

Was his cleverness enough to get the 50's Chef back in the judges' good graces??



Judge
|Taste
|Presentation
|Creativity
|Subtotal


Gran Gran
4
5
3
12


Snow Suit
3
5
3
11


Life Coach
4
5
4
13


Rose Queen
3
5
3
11


Total: 47/60



Not bad!

Finally, the 50's Chef presents his dessert. "Red Velvet Cupcakes, made red with tomato puree, topped with carved cherry tomatoes."

https://i.imgur.com/mSwhQ88.jpg

The judges are thrilled! The Snow Suit instantly chows down, smearing icing on the front of his scarf, while the Rose Queen in particular is taken with the topping. "I love roses!" she gushes. "This presentation is a win for me!"

Gran Gran commends the creativity of using tomatoes in a dessert, and the Life Coach joins in. "I don't think anyone would look at this and consider the health benefits of tomatoes," she says. "But... it's dessert. Desserts are supposed to be unhealthy!"

The judges cast their final points:



Judge
|Taste
|Presentation
|Creativity
|Subtotal


Gran Gran
4
5
5
14


Snow Suit
5
5
5
15


Life Coach
4
5
5
14


Rose Queen
5
5
5
15


Total: 58/60



An near perfect score!

Tallying up all the given points leaves the 50's Chef with an impressive Grand Total of 249/300 points! That's set a high bar for Lee - can he manage to beat that?? Find out next time on ACN, when Lee's judgment is set to begin!

[kayjco]

This really is a treat to follow. ☺️

[fatbearorelse]

Watched it live but I'm back for the reruns. Is there going to be a boxed set DVD for sale? RAWR, go 50s Chef!! :cool:

[pixiegamer]

This really is a treat to follow. ☺️


Watched it live but I'm back for the reruns. Is there going to be a boxed set DVD for sale? RAWR, go 50s Chef!! :cool:

Thank you both! :o

@Fat Bear: No DVD set, sadly :p

[pixiegamer]

Welcome back to Action Chef Nomerica! In our last segment, the 50's Chef presented his dishes and came away with an impressive 249/300 point total! That's set an awfully high bar for Action Chef Lee - can he reach it?? We'll find out tonight as Lee presents his dishes to the judges!

https://i.imgur.com/MV9Vyn0.jpg?1

Lee starts his five-course meal with his appetizer, the '****er Cutlets'. "They are chicken and fried green tomato cutlets, served with a side of tomato sauce," Lee tells the judges. "The cutlets have been sized down so they may be enjoyed as an amuse-bouche." The judges tuck in.

https://i.imgur.com/XxRYy2O.jpg

Despite Lee's description, the judges are not amused. "It's tasty, and the sizing is good for an appetizer," says the Rose Queen, "but the presentation is dreadful. No respectable chef would serve a course on a sheet pan - it looks unfinished and terribly unprofessional."

The Life Coach nods in agreement and adds: "cutlets are usually a main course. Though you may have sized them down for a tasty appetizer, downsizing has its downsides." She picks up a cutlet to prove her point. "The smaller size results in more surface area and less volume, so effectively, it's like I'm eating a chip - a very greasy chip, and not very tomato-flavored at all, save for your sauce."

Gran Gran addresses Lee sternly. "This was a very poor first showing. I hope your other courses are better."

The judges record their scores:



Judge
|Taste
|Presentation
|Creativity
|Subtotal


Gran Gran
3
3
2
8


Snow Suit
3
3
3
9


Life Coach
2
3
3
8


Rose Queen
3
2
1
6


Total: 31/60



Ouch!! That's a tough blow, but can Lee bounce back?? Find out when judging continues!

[Director's Commentary: Lee's judging is a little more involved than the 50's Chef's, so I'm breaking it down into parts. Thanks for your patience with my upload schedule, everyone :)]

[oroeomunroe]

Poor Lee! I'm kind of rooting for 50's Chef, but I'm hoping Lee's next dishes perform better :)

Happy to see new entries here! I love this story!

[tikka22]

"...downsizing has its downsides". "No respectable chef would serve a course on a sheet pan...". Ooooh! Double Ouch!!! Hang in there Action Chef Lee - The Come Back King!!! I know the next course will hit all the marks, (minus the sheet pan please).

[pixiegamer]

Poor Lee! I'm kind of rooting for 50's Chef, but I'm hoping Lee's next dishes perform better :)

Happy to see new entries here! I love this story!

Thank you so much!! :o I'm really happy you're enjoying it :)


"...downsizing has its downsides". "No respectable chef would serve a course on a sheet pan...". Ooooh! Double Ouch!!! Hang in there Action Chef Lee - The Come Back King!!! I know the next course will hit all the marks, (minus the sheet pan please).

Yes, those sheet pans are quite troublesome. They don't really make for good presentation, do they?
(looks to RS artists)

Thankfully, there are no more sheet pans in Chef Lee's assembly of dishes, but there are other courses to be judged! Thank you for your comments thus far :)

[pixiegamer]

Action Chef Nomerica has returned, and we're picking up right where we left off! In the last installment, Lee suffered a 29-point blow with his not-so-****er Cutlet appetizer. Will the rest of his dishes be enough to secure his recovery? Let's find out!

After an apology to the judges for his poor first impression, Lee brings out his second offering, the Tomato Drink.

"What you have in front of you is my molecular gastronomist's original creation - the juice of heirloom tomatoes stabilized with liquid nitrogen, topped with tomato foam, and garnished with a yellow cherry tomato slice and a sprig of parsley. Enjoy," he presents.

https://i.imgur.com/m5Rp9H3.jpg

The judges react to this far more positively. "It is, in many ways, superior to your cutlets, Chef Lee," Gran Gran says.

"The chill of the juice is very refreshing, and I like the colors you played with," adds the Life Coach. "I can also appreciate the healthiness of it - I like the stabilization by cooling rather than by adding sugar."

The Snow Suit also intonates his approval. And the Rose Queen? "I like it, but it reminds me a bit of ketchup." The judges all share a chuckle at that and mark their scores.



Judge
|Taste
|Presentation
|Creativity
|Subtotal


Gran Gran
4
5
3
12


Snow Suit
4
4
4
12


Life Coach
5
4
4
13


Rose Queen
4
4
5
13


Total: 50/60



A much better showing than the appetizer!

His confidence renewed, Chef Lee moves to his third course, the Tomato Bisque. "Fire-roasted tomato puree, cooked with basil and garnished with cream," he introduces.

https://i.imgur.com/u0C8i9n.jpg

Immediately, the Rose Queen goes for the presentation. "It's very simple," she says, "but the soup itself looks very silky and smooth in the bowl." Gran Gran agrees, and comments on the flavor: "The cream is a lovely accent, but what truly make the flavor shine are the roasted tomatoes. They bring a great dimension to the soup that cannot be underrated."

The Snow Suit nods vigorously in agreement, but the Life Coach critiques the taste. "Cream is a good accompaniment to any soup, but I wonder if you've used just a bit too much. It's not entirely working for me, but I agree with my fellow judges that the roasted tomatoes were a nice touch."

And the judges weigh in as follows:



Judge
|Taste
|Presentation
|Creativity
|Subtotal


Gran Gran
5
4
4
13


Snow Suit
5
4
5
14


Life Coach
3
4
4
11


Rose Queen
5
3
5
13


Total: 51/60



Things might just be looking up for Lee! Satisfied with his recovery thus far, Lee brings out his entree, the Chicken Parm Pie.

https://i.imgur.com/m4y6RFY.jpg

"Tomato-and-herb-marinated chicken over a bed of cottage cheese, topped with mozzarella and garnished with basil," he describes cheerfully. Unfortunately, his cheer is short-lived as the judges tuck into the meal.

"I think," Gran Gran begins tactfully, "that the combination of chicken and tomato may be a weak one for you. It didn't quite work with your appetizer, and unfortunately, it's not working here."

The Life Coach nods, and adds her commentary. "At the beginning of this competition, Kelly asked me what I wanted to see, and I told her 'dishes with the tomato as the star.' However, in this dish, you've relegated it to a side role, and as a result, the tomato flavor doesn't come through. In fact, the most prominent flavor is cheese, not even chicken."

The Snow Suit gently pushes away his plate after the first bite, while the Rose Queen clears her throat. "In addition to the taste," she begins, "the presentation leaves something to be desired. With all the cheese seeping through, this dish looks like it came out of a food court, rather than the kitchen of an Action Chef. I must also question your creativity, considering you used very similar ingredients in your appetizer course."

Gran Gran rebuts the Rose Queen's last point. "I think there is a certain degree of creativity involved," she defends. "I doubt many chefs would think to use tomato in a marinade. However," she turns to Chef Lee, "your execution was not successful, and that hurts both your taste and creativity."

The judges mark their scores.



Judge
|Taste
|Presentation
|Creativity
|Subtotal


Gran Gran
3
4
3
10


Snow Suit
5
3
3
11


Life Coach
2
3
3
8


Rose Queen
3
2
2
7


Total: 36/60



That's quite a stumble! Despite Lee's setback, however, all eyes are on the Snow Suit - where did that high taste score come from??

The Snow Suit merely shrugs and gives an emphatic "Mmgmmph mmph mgm phhPHMM!" The other judges just take it to mean he really liked the dish.

"Why'd you push your plate away then?" asks the Life Coach out of curiosity. The Snow Suit only closes his eyes and pats his stomach contentedly. Okay then.

Continuing his demonstration, Chef Lee moves to present his dessert. Despite his setback, the twinkle is back in his eye.

https://i.imgur.com/5OUsFi8.jpg

"This is 'bruschetta,'" he introduces. "My team and I really wanted to play with tomato-as-a-fruit for our dessert course. The bread has been prepared, French-toast style, with a sun-dried-tomato-infused custard, courtesy of my molecular gastronomist. It has been topped with tomato jelly, bruleed sugar, and garnished with mint."

Gran Gran gives a pleased smile. "This dish alone demonstrates why you hold the title of 'Action Chef,'" she lauds. "The taste is sublime, the presentation is beautiful, and the creativity shows in spades. It's going to be very difficult for us to find fault with this."

Her fellow judges agree, and the Snow Suit even gives Lee a thumbs-up. Gran Gran, however, continues to address him. "That being said, I can't help but juxtapose this course to the one you served just prior. The quality of dishes throughout this meal has been inconsistent, and that has not made for an overall pleasant dining experience. We will judge this course singularly, as we have with the others, but you must consider this in your future endeavors." She pats her napkin and finishes up.

Lee smiles with pride, but nods soberly at Gran Gran's final words. The judges will withhold his final score until the end, so there's no saying if this was enough to redeem him. Will the judges rate his dish favorably? Is it enough to carry him to victory??

Find out next time as Action Chef Nomerica heads into the finale!! :D

[pixiegamer]

xx