Night 8: Elysium, Potato Fries with Mayonnaise
The Late Night Diner is a part of Rhodes Island's canteen. That goes without saying – to whom had anyone ever heard of a diner in the boiler room?
As the name implies, it opens around midnight. There are only a handful of customers at a time.
Operators off their night shift could take an order and bring back to their quarters. Night owls could sit dining-in while leeching off the Diner's wi-fi. The Doctor would come for instant noodles from time to time.
Drinks are in the cooler. Anyone burdened by their own thoughts could take one and chug it down, anytime.
Menu? No such thing exists. What the Chef prepares is what you get. It all depends on his mood of the day.
Welcome to the Rhodes Island Late Night Diner. In here, you might even meet a familiar face or two.
"Hey hey, do you know who I saw here two nights ago? It was Silverash!"
"For real? Someone like, totally busy all day every day would come here for snacks?"
"Why would I lie to you about it?! Gina saw him too! She even took a pic! Look at it here..."
"Wow for realzies! He's s like, so handsome! Even just sitting there drinking tea!"
"I told you! He's so good looking!"
A couple of girls off night shift were sharing gossips from past few days. They were also busy sending fries into their mouth from a small basket on the table.
Is Silverash handsome? Most operators on the ship would have an absolute "yes" for answer. But to a certain little Iberian bird with a shock of red hair, the answer was also quite affirmative. It just lay on the complete opposite direction.
"Even if he is the head honcho of Karlan Trade and a six-foot-two Feline, there was never a chance Silverash would beat me! I am, after all, the absolutely extraordinary man of Iberia, or even of the entire land, with an once-in-a-century countenance!"
It was not just him in the mood for bragging. When Elysium argued about the handsomeness of various operators with Thorns, he had indeed said something like that.
"Humph. It must be so exciting. Taking looks at Silverash, of all things," Elysium bit a stick of fries in half and huffed through his nose, "Here I am, sitting right in front of them and they don't even acknowledge me. ME! Handsomeness extraordinaire! The fools!"
He dipped the other half in mayonnaise and popped it in his mouth.
If one wants their potato fries crispy, they must use thick-cut – about a round thicker than an ordinary chopstick. It's even better if they cut the fries as thick as one's little finger. This way the moisture inside could be perfectly preserved, making the fires crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The thick-cut potato sticks were boiled in water with a few pinches of salt – it adds flexibility to the fries and gets rid of excess starch in the process. Afterwards pour out the water and let the fries dry, then roll them in a tray of starch powder. Then put them into a fryer for first round of frying. When the fries take on a slight brown colour, it means they are mostly cooked. Take them out and let the frying oil heat up, then go for a second round. This will make some more moisture leave them so their outer crust takes on a hue of golden brown. Spray some salt on the freshly made fries and shake thoroughly, and they are ready for the plate.
Only a handful liked cold fries. They are limp and dry and stick to the roof of the mouth. Can't even lick it off. Steaming hot fresh fries, the ones that can make one hears that "crunch" when bites down, are the only type infused with souls.
As for the mayonnaise, the Chef made it also from scratch. Put together fresh egg yolks, salt and yellow mustard, break apart and beat quickly while adding oil into the mix. Droplets at first, till egg yolk and oil are thoroughly mixed and turned smooth. Then up the amount of oil. When the content turned light yellow and reached sauce-like consistency, squeeze in a few drops of lemon juice to adjust the sourness. Some minced fired garlic or celeries can be added too for extra flavour.
When crispy hot fries met the rich and savoury mayonnaise, it was a match made in heaven. Just like –
"Just like my fiery red lock meets my once-in-a-thousand-year face," Elysium gestured wildly towards the man across the table, "A match made in heaven!"
"Isn't it the bog-standard for potato fries combo?" Thorns, being dragged out to the Diner, was unimpressed, "This is the ultimate life goal of you Iberian Liberi?"
"Preposterous! Utterly preposterous! No self-respecting Liberi from Iberia would set their ultimate goal as "getting some fries"!" Elysium passionately rebutted while stuffing his face with fries, "It's only for those shore-dwelling Liberies who wrestle with sea-terrors all day every day!"
"So what is your ultimate life goal?" Thorns reached towards the last piece of fry in the basket,
"To have everyone of this land inspired by my handsomeness, "Elysium snatched the last fry and with it, wiped the remaining mayonnaise off the dip bowl, "then go down to the dock to get some fries."
"Wait, didn't you just say –"
"Yeah, but the fries are just SO! GOOD! For realzies!" Elysium kissed his fingertips impatiently, "Ey boss, more fries!"