[JOICHIRO] Sorry to throw you right into this without warning,
but I wanna see how far you've come along.
Or how far you may have fallen behind.
Show me, right here and now.
I'd say it's been too long since we've had a proper food battle...
Now show me.
I knew you'd come back eventually.
Well, I'm glad to know this is why.
Well, I'm glad you're glad.
We gonna do this or not?
I'm ready when you are, old man!
(Opening Song)
(Group laughing and cheering) [ISSHIKI] I never dreamed that Soma would be the son of a former member of the Ten.
[JOICHIRO](Laughs) Yeah, I can see where you wouldn't expect that.
He lacks some refinement.
The only skills he's picked up so far have been at a Japanese eatery.
Doesn't exactly call to mind the prestige of this academy, does it?
[ISSHIKI] Haha! Yes, true enough.
That's how it seems,
but ever since Soma and I first battled,
I feel very confident that he'll be making some big waves at this school.
Oh, really?
All right, as the theme for this culinary battle...
Hey, gonna need a judge in here!
Guh!
So! What're you in the mood to eat?
Who's the judge?
Hehehe. So the love of battles runs in the family.
You two are cut from the same cloth.
I swear...
Miss Fumio!
Joichiro asked me last night to judge.
I'll be running this challenge whether you like it or not!
This certainly is worth watching, isn't it?
Gah! You scared me to death!
What are you doing here, you strange little boy?!
Well, Miss Fumio, I was coming back from working out in the fields,
when I caught wind of a rather interesting challenge...
Well, unfortunately, you can only watch the battle.
It would take an odd number of judges for us-
Ooh?
Um, Megumi?
Huh? Oh, hey, Soma. Good morning.
Uh! Oh man, Megumi...
You've got some major bags under your eyes.
Huh. I'm really tired, but whenever I think about that training camp,
I can't seem to make myself go back to sleep...
We really need to hurry up and catch something so we can start cooking!
Uwahaha!
Ah!
Ahhh!
Hey, look out!
What should I do? What should I do?
I'm sorry!
(Sobbing)
You know... I'm surprised I even made it out alive.
You're safe now, Megumi.
I think you should just get some rest.
Ah, her timing's just right.
Come here, Megumi.
Huh?
Great, that will give us our three judges.
Are we all agreed?
Mm-hmm. Yeah.
Let's see, I'm getting pretty up there in age.
My stomach can't handle anything too rich in the morning.
And I've got students up at all hours...
That's it! The challenge is...
Make a dish that makes someone feel young and invigorated,
especially first thing in the morning.
You're free to use whatever you like, provided it's available in the kitchen.
Your time limit is one hour.
And so...
BEGIN!
Something light and easy to eat...
Let's see here...
And it has to be nutritious, as well.
Got it!
Huh? Um, what?!
Why are they battling each other?
Megumi, glad you joined us.
I see you're finally awake.
Huh? Yeah! But what's this all about?!
Soma, you're father's a former member of the Ten.
There's no way you can win!
Yeah, well, at "Yukihira," we battled each other all the time.
Our first challenge was...
my last year of elementary school.
I can't even imagine. You battled an adult?
That seems like something you'd do...
Hey, wait! Did you actually win?!
Well, let me think about it...
Don't even. You know where you stand.
You're at 500 losses right now, aren't cha?
It is 489, old man!
Got a great memory for such a loser.
Huh...?
A food battle? Really?
Yeah. And I'd like you to be the judge.
Well, it's been a while since I've watched you in a food challenge.
I'd be happy to judge your little family skirmish.
But you have to promise me
you won't go soft on him and pull your punches just because he's your son.
You don't need to worry about that.
Never gone easy on him in a battle before...
And I don't plan on it today, either.
[MEGUMI] Huh? An apple?
That may be his father, but he's the former No. 2 seat on the Ten.
To challenge him like this... What is he thinking?
I see...
So these are his roots.
No matter how great the obstacles Soma has had to face,
he never backs down from a challenge.
This must be the source.
Though far behind his father in terms of skill,
he has kept taking him on...
unaffected by the 489 straight losses.
So who do think will be finishing up first?
Sorry for the wait!
Look at that.
[SOMA] An apple risotto.
Now... Time to eat.
[FUMIO] Risotto, you say?
[MEGUMI] Ohmigosh!
It really has finely cut cubes of apple in there.
Hmm... Adding fruit to risotto...
That's a nice twist all right.
It has a fresh sweet-and-sour scent to it.
Is that lemon I detect in there too?
That's right. Smells wonderfully refreshing.
Judging from the scent,
this would rouse a sluggish stomach and get the appetite going.
It could even wake a person up. An apple risotto!
Well then...
What counts is how it tastes.
Mmmm...
The apple has a crunchy texture and a slight sweetness...
And the onion is simmered till it's nice and soft.
The bacon, fried nice and crisp,
accents the risotto's overall mild apple flavor.
(Foodgasmic moan)
To a slumbering soul...
It's like a gentle awakening to the world.
Ah. Ah!
A sweet, compassionate kiss...
from the bright and crispy Prince Apple!
Apple!
So good!
Feel free to season it with black pepper.
It'll change the flavor, but it still works!
Let's see...
[FUMIO] The piping-hot sweetness of the apple and the onions...
[ISSHIKI] The savory intensity of the black pepper!
The black pepper, sprinkled on top this white dish...
It creates a contrast between sight and taste!
[BOTH] It's like a waltz between black and white!
I'm swooning!
It's as if it's seeping into every pore of my tired body.
I see, it has vitamins and lipids, as well as carbohydrates.
The rice is cooked up nice and fluffy, so it's easy to digest through this old stomach.
[FUMIO] It's the perfect dish for someone just out of bed!
But still, how did he even get it like this?
What do you mean, Isshiki?
The apple flavor is so prominent,
even with the rice and onions.
If he'd simmered it long enough to achieve such a blend,
the apple should've gotten all mushy.
So how is it still so crunchy?
You're right.
But how did he do it?
Because of this...
My secret ingredient!
You used apple juice?
[SOMA] As I was simmering the onions and cooked the rice,
I added the juice a little at a time.
Then added in the sliced apple after that, and cooked it all at a low temperature.
That's how it retained its texture.
Yes... What a remarkable idea!
He used the juice to give this dish its overall essence of "apple."
What a marvel he is!
To think, he could rise to the theme of this challenge
with such precision and knowledge...
Just how many tricks does this boy have up his sleeve?
[FUMIO] An apple risotto was the perfect answer for a tired old woman like me!
I can't imagine anything that could top it.
He is such a fearsome man.
[FUMIO] You can feel it...
Soma Yukihira's dish could be called a perfect 100,
yet Joichiro seems like he'll easily beat it.
Sorry for the wait.
[JOICHIRO] Go ahead...
Dig in, guys...
Everything he made last night was cooked to perfection.
And now that he's doing a battle, just what kind of dish will he make?
It's a true honor to be able to witness the cooking of a great member of the Ten!
Heh! Even as a student, Joichiro was renowned for his aggressive and creative cooking style.
Watch closely now!
Please enjoy the meal.
It's a Joichiro-style ramen in a thick broth.
Huh?!
What?!
[ALL] Ramen?!
[MEGUMI] I-in the morning?
Ah! That broth looks so rich...
True, ramen is eaten for breakfast in some regions,
but this looks like a thick, dense seafood broth.
[ISSHIKI] For sleep-deprived Megumi and our somewhat aged Fumio,
this dish is a little much.
Joichiro, creativity has its limits!
I swear, you were like this back then, too!
Even in a Food War, you had no problem
serving a new dish you'd just concocted or some other strange creation!
That's why your opponents were always able to beat you left and right
during all your Food War challenges!
Hmph! I was a little rough around the edges back then, huh?
And nothing seems to have changed!
Huh?
Ms. Fumio, this broth looks really rich,
but it actually has a pleasant and mellow scent coming from it.
Uh! True enough...
Well, let's judge this thing.
I... I love this!
The noodles are infused with citrus.
It's so rich and enticing I find myself wanting more.
[ISSHIKI] One thing's for sure...
I...
Just...
Can't...
Stop...
[BOTH] eating... THIS!
The broth is a delicate blend of soymilk and charred miso.
But how on Earth does it retain its rich flavorful taste?
You'd be surprised. I added a grated ebi-imo root which contains a robust flavor.
That made the broth both creamy and rich.
Ah!
Feels like my body just keeps getting warmer and warmer.
I feel it. It's from the hot sesame oil, grated fresh ginger,
and minced scented garlic.
The soy milk mellows them out,
so they slowly caress the body from the inside.
And these toppings are an incredible parade of detail to adorn the finished dish.
Thinly sliced lotus and burdock roots fried to a nice crisp,
with carrots and turnips grilled over coals giving it just a hint of char.
Then, sprinkled with rock salt to draw out their sweetness.
Just like garnishes in French cooking,
each ingredient was treated individually
to create depth of flavor and a holistic synergy.
But the most impressive of all of this...
tempeh!
"Tempeh"?
Yes, it is from Indonesia,
an ingredient made from fermented soybeans.
It's fermented using bacteria from hibiscus or banana leaves.
It is considered a traditional food,
one that has found popularity in the region for over 400 years.
It's so thick, but the taste is so light and refreshing.
It's like char siu!
Texturally it is a lot like meat.
Vegetarians and macrobians,
or anyone actively trying to avoid meat or dairy-related products like to eat it.
I added a dash of soy sauce and sake to make it teriyaki style.
Is this rich broth vegetarian?
That is correct.
It's a mixture of seaweed and shiitake,
making it a meatless broth.
When I was overseas a long time ago, I stayed on at a temple,
where I met a priest who lamented about how he had to give up meat and fish.
He was having a hard time with it.
I want to eat more meat and fish!
The errors I went through in order to make enjoyable meatless food,
was the foundation for this ramen creation.
Amazing. The combined umami of the seaweed and shiitake
produced a synergistic effect.
Even without using fish products, the result was a solid, satisfying umami.
Wait a minute, Joichiro!
So you're saying that this dish has no meat or fish at all,
yet you were able to create this much richness and depth of flavor?!
Using animal products to draw out umami and create richness is a process anyone can do.
But...
a thick, rich ramen that uses no meat or fish...
That's more interesting to the palate.
Mph.
This man's amazing.
To think, he was able to make such a satisfying dish
by heightening the deliciousness of soybean and vegetables...
This bowl holds such vitality and a wealth of ideas.
It's the very essence of a man who's travelled the world and seen wonders with his own eyes.
It packs a punch, but I keep eating more and more!
It has the perfect level of spice, so pleasing to the tongue!
I can feel the energy it's giving me!
It's warming me from the inside-out.
My cells are in boundless rejuvenation!
The clock's rewinding...
Rewinding!
REWINDING!
Thank you for the delicious food!
Not that far back!
All right, it's time for our judgment.
Phew! It was just an illusion. Huh?!
Still, you do look a bit younger.
[FUMIO] Okay, judges.
Place your bowls before who you thought made the more delicious dish.
[FUMIO] It's a unanimous vote.
The winner is Joichiro!
You're welcome!
[FUMIO] Both of them made incredible dishes with creativity and culinary exploration,
plus a gentle push to get the day started.
But after eating Joichiro's dynamic ramen,
Soma's dish pales in comparison somewhat.
[FUMIO] Joichiro wins a solid victory!
And Soma, your dish was absolutely splendid.
But for me at least, I felt it was slightly lacking.
Though it may be morning,
I'd just finished working in the fields.
I wanted to eat something more substantial.
In that respect, Chef Joichiro's dish was robust and perfect.
I see.
My dish came in at the bare minimum
of what they were searching for in a gratifying meal.
But my dad thought about how to satisfy all three of them.
To heal them to the maximum extent.
Still, I'd say you've gotten a bit better with creating your dishes.
Breakfast apple risotto.
That is a pretty innovative plate, my boy.
Hm?
Listen up, Soma:
As long as you're here at Tohtsuki,
you'll keep having food battles.
But don't go losing to anyone, until you've lost to me again.
It seems cooking is how they communicate with one another.
I swear those two are just two peas in a pod.
All that being said... Huh?
That makes this your 490th consecutive loss, SO-MA.
GRARR!
Well, that's another victory for me.
Not having even a single loss is gettin' kinda boring over here.
Aah, shut up! Wait till next time!
Um, they write it down?
ALL of their food challenges up until now?
That seems oddly organized for a couple of nincompoops.
[MEGUMI] Soma has battled like this his whole life?
Going up against his incredibly talented father,
getting frustrated over and over...
Oh, Soma! I'll do my best, too! Guh!
Huh? Okay...
Your father sure showed what he's made of.
I guess that's the skill-set needed to be invited to the Ten.
Looks to be.
I was already determined enough before, but now...
Huh?
There's unchartered lands my dad has never explored...
And now, I feel like I really wanna see 'em for myself
and experience all the different ways to cook.
Well, that sounds great.
All right! Let's both aim for the Council of Ten, Megumi!
Huh? What? There's no way I could do that!
You can and you will!
[FUMIO] You're leaving already?
That was one of your fastest visits yet.
Why not stay a bit longer and give him some more fatherly advice?
I'm not really a hands-on type of parent.
I'm sure he'll work things out on his own.
You're so full of crap.
That battle was to encourage him
to keep on moving forward, wasn't it?
The Fall Selection is coming up after all.
Is it?
Nah, it'd just been awhile since I'd had the pleasure
of seeing that frustrated look on my boy's face is all.
You still can't be upfront with me?
Well, don't worry, I won't hold it against you.
Plus, I needed to stop by Tohtsuki Academy to run a little errand of my own.
"Errand"?
Yeah, but it's nothing major.
See ya later, Ma.
Someday soon...
I'll come cook for you again.
I swear.
Even when they get older, wanderers just never change.
[HISAKO] I'm very sorry, Miss Erina.
I'm sure you're still tired from enduring the training camp,
but you do have some appointments starting today.
We'll be meeting with the owner and head chef of Kishouan.
You'll be tasting the new menu items they have to offer
and afterwards meet with the committee members from Food Executive.
Ah! Stop the car!
Miss Erina?
Are you ok?
Yes. It was nothing.
Honestly.
(Ending Song)
[YUKI] Huh?!
Did Joichiro seriously leave already?
What? When did he go...?
Just a little while ago.
I don't know where that man plans on going from here.
[SOMA] You kidding?
He could've at least let us see him off.
Well, that blows.
I really wanted him to try some Kyokusei eggs...
He never got the chance to eat any.
And I was hoping to get some advice.
I wanted to thank him for this morning's ramen.
Ramen?
Mm-hmm. You missed it,
Soma and his father had a breakfast cooking battle earlier this morning.
Why are you so cruel to us?!
You should have woken us up, Megumi!
Sorry! Please forgive me! I beg you!
[YUKI] "Sorry" won't cut it!
Oh, by the way, boy...
Joichiro wanted me to deliver you a message.
Message?
Yes.
"You need to go and air out the shop
every once in a while."
That's it.
The shop?
[FUMIO] Why not head back during your upcoming vacation?
[SOMA] Vacation, huh?
What's going to happen to us?
Our shopping district won't make it.