Season to Taste
"Twelve courses. That's standard Fire Nation banquet fare," Zuko explained. "And we always have the same stuff at wedding dinners! Why do you have to make this so difficult and change the menu?"
"Because this is our wedding. Wouldn't it be nice to have something extra memorable?" Katara fluttered her lashes at her fiancé, who, once again, sighed and caved to her will.
"We'll be lucky if we even get to eat that night," Zuko grumbled as the waiter wheeled a cart of covered dishes to the table. Master Chef Susur, well known throughout the Fire Nation for his fusion cooking, came to the table, bowing to his guests.
"My lord and lady; welcome to what I hope will be a whirlwind journey for your palates," he said with a flourish as the first dish was set before them. "I understand you'll be having a variety of guests from all around the world, so I've tailored each dish and given it a fusion flare to symbolize the cross-cultural union you two are undertaking."
Sifu Susur presented the first dish, lifting the silver cover off. "Our first course is stewed sea prune flambé!" The lumpy brown concoction burst into flame: apparently, Susur was also a Firebender.
"Ooh, sea prunes!" Katara squealed in delight as the flaming goo was dished out. "Dad could eat a barrel of these things."
Zuko looked at the stew set before him skeptically. "Are… are these animals, or vegetables?"
Katara blew the flames out and delicately put a spoonful into her mouth. Zuko watched her reaction carefully before trying some himself.
He gagged.
"That is the most vile, god awful—"
"It's a little bland," Katara remarked thoughtfully, chewing. "But if you're not used to sea prunes, I guess this is a good introduction."
"Thank you, milady," Susur bowed. "I had to consider the flavour quite carefully in order to make this something amateur gastronomes could appreciate."
"This is a good introduction? People are going to be sick before the rest of the meal is even served!" Zuko wiped his tongue with his napkin.
"Perhaps a little more salt?" Katara mused.
"I didn't use any salt; I opted for the more delicate flavour of soy sauce instead." Susur murmured.
"It tastes the way Uncle Iroh looks naked!" Zuko exclaimed.
"Ah, that explains the extra flavour. I was wondering what that was."
"I also used a touch of cumin - something you don't get in the Water Tribes, I believe."
"My tongue feels like it's been run over a rhino's backside!"
"I think this is acceptable, Sifu. Put the sea prunes down as the first course." Katara said.
Zuko stared at the Waterbender incredulously. "My digestive tract is writhing in confusion and asking why I hate it!"
"Should I serve it with the side of seal blubber chutney?" Susur asked.
"Why aren't you listening to me?" Zuko cried.
"Sounds delicious. Next dish!" Katara wiped her mouth and Zuko buried his face in his hands before rinsing his mouth out resignedly.
The waiter set down the next platter before the couple.
"This next one is an Earth Kingdom delicacy: roast duck with platypus bear egg and chestnut stuffing," Susur lifted the silver cover and began serving. "I've given this a touch of Fire Nation flare by adding curry powder to the stuffing."
Zuko sighed in relief. He could deal with this course, at least – roast duck, platypus bear eggs, and curry were all things he was familiar with.
Katara delicately took the first bite. Her eyes bulged.
"Hot! Hot! HOT!"
"Oh, and it's garnished with fire flakes. It might be a bit spicy," Susur smiled. Katara fanned her mouth and downed a glass of water, her eyes and nose red and running.
Zuko grinned and gave the dish the thumbs up. "Put it on the menu."
Master Chef Susur is named after a famous Toronto chef, Susur Lee. And yes, they call him Sifu (Chinese for 'master') in the kitchen. He's also my sister's hero. In case you're interested, he'll be battling on Iron Chef U.S.A. on May 30 on the Food Network (Canada).
