Chapter 312: The Aden Square Food Competition

“Today is the first day that the Aden Square food competition will be released. I wonder if some good new restaurants will appear on the poll.”

“That poll is just there to swindle those foodies who aren’t regulars here. The top 10 hasn’t changed for three years, and even the top 30 has always consisted of the same restaurants. It’s just a formality at this point, so there’s really no point in looking at it.”

“Exactly! Even the top 30 has remained completely unchanged for the past few months, let alone the top 10. I went to the trouble of dining at all of the top 30 restaurants, only to discover afterward that many of them are actually inferior to those ranked outside the top 50.”

“It’s getting worse year by year. About two decades ago, the Aden Square Aden Square food competition was actually worth consulting. All the restaurants that can make it onto the poll are worth having a taste, and the ones in the top 10 all serve top-of-the-range cuisine. At the very least, people were satisfied with the rankings given, and felt them to be justified, but now… Sigh…”

There were many people gathered in front of the central magic screen in the Aden Square. All of them were waiting for the updated rankings to be broadcast at 7am. Most of them were foodies who wanted to see if there were going to be any new restaurants, but there were also restaurant employees who had been sent there by their bosses.

A server wore a fawning smile on his face as he stood beside a middle-aged man in a set of long pork-belly-colored robes. The server asked, “Boss, our Ricky’s Rotisserie should still be in the top 30, right?”

“Of course! Our Ricky’s Rotisserie has occupied number 30 on the Aden Square food competition for three consecutive months. Our food is adored by our customers, and this time, our goal is not just the 30th spot. We are going for 29th this time!” Ricky replied with a smug voice. He intentionally raised his voice by an octave, and the triumphant smile on his face grew even wider as he sensed the envious gazes being directed toward him.

As a board member of the Chamber of Commerce, Ricky’s Rotisserie was guaranteed a spot in the top 30. Even though he had to spend a lot of money to secure that position, the customers it brought to his store resulted in far more profit than expenditure.

Following two consecutive months in the top 30, profits had already doubled for the rotisserie, and if they were to claim the 29th spot, their profits would be sure to rise again. With that money, they would be able to purchase the shop next to them and expand the restaurant. His business had been stagnant for 10 years, but there was finally hope.

That was the nature of business. In the Aden Square, it was very difficult for a restaurant to stand out with great food alone. The advertisement effect of the Aden Square food competition wasn’t as pronounced as it once had been, but restaurants which claimed spots in the top 30 still benefited greatly.

Of course, the rankings had pretty much become a money-making tool for the Chamber of Commerce. Aside from few traditional stalwarts, the rest of the top 50 were all board members of the Chamber of Commerce. Competition for the rankings was very fierce every month, and that was also just a part of business.

Look at those idiots. They take so much care when placing their votes, but what does it matter? Will good food really secure a high ranking? The system is no longer the same as it was two decades ago. Ricky looked at the expectant customers around him with a hint of a mocking sneer on his face. He looked at all of the workers who were busy gathering statistics, and raised his chin proudly. He was brimming with confidence.

Arvin prodded Rood, and asked, “Rood, what rank do you that restaurant will claim?”

“In my heart, the top four spots should all belong to Mamy Restaurant.” Rood paused momentarily before continuing, “However, the scale of his restaurant and his attitude toward cuisine will limit the number of votes he receives. Perhaps one or two of his dishes will make it into the top 50.”

“Top 50 on the first try? Is the food really that good?” Arvin was a little surprised. Even though both of them were workers, no one knew what the results would be until the votes were tallied.

“I strongly suggest you go taste their roujiamo and sweet tofu pudding. Even though it’s a bit expensive, the exquisite flavor is well worth the price,” Rood suggested with a smile.

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“Alright, seeing as you’re constantly going on about how good their food is, I’ll be sure to pay them a visit this month after I get paid.” Arvin nodded with a hint of anticipation in his eyes. One had to realize that Deputy President Robert very rarely gave his critique on a restaurant’s food. However, he had advocated for the savory tofu pudding the day prior.

“Gjerj, what rank do you think Mamy Restaurant will claim?” Harrison was trying his best to force open his eyes, which had been squashed into a narrow slit by his flabby face, as he attempted to find Mamy Restaurant on the rankings.

“Just from their food alone, they should dominate the top five. However, there are many other factors at play, so it’s hard to say. Perhaps they’ll make it into the top 30,” Gjerj mused.

As veteran foodies of the Aden Square, they were well past the stage where they relied on the rankings to find good food.

However, they had voted for Mamy Restaurant the day prior, so they stopped by to have a look. The restaurant would only open at 7:30 anyway, so they could take a quick glance at the rankings, and have something to talk about when lining up for food.

Many more of the gathered spectators also had the same idea in mind. Even they didn’t quite understand why they cared so much about a particular restaurant’s ranking.

Gjerj was a little angry as he exclaimed, “30? If they don’t make it into the top 10, then I’ll use my foot to cast votes from now on! The rankings have become more and more unsightly in the past few days! If you want to find a good restaurant, you have to start looking below number 50. However, that doesn’t really matter now. Mamy Restaurant is enough for me; I’m not sure I could stomach another restaurant’s food ever again.”

“Don’t let the other restaurant owners hear you say that. Otherwise, they’ll give you a thorough beating.” Gjerj chuckled. He looked at the restaurants on the rankings, and couldn’t help but shake his head.

Aside from the few aforementioned traditional stalwarts, many of the high-ranking restaurants could only talk the talk, but not walk the walk. Their food couldn’t even compare to the one of the restaurants that were ranked below 50.

“It’s almost time.” A voice suddenly erupted in the crowd.

Everyone raised their heads upon hearing that, and turned their attention to the first magic screen. The top 30 would appear on that screen, and those restaurants would also be printed on the first page of the Delicious Cuisine Magazine, which was released by the Food Association.

Ricky had a wide, confident smile on his face. He was going for the 29th spot this month. He had already paid the required fee, and all that was left for him was to bask in the envy and congratulations from others. That was why he had woken up early to arrive in the square.

One of the workers stepped forward with a serious expression, and placed a rhomboid magic crystal in a slot located at the center of a black pillar, which was in turn situated in front of the magic screen.

A blue light appeared, and the screen turned black before words began to appear upon it.

“29th place, Mamy Restaurant! Braised chicken and rice!”

“30th place, Mamy Restaurant! La zhi roujiamo!”

Cries of surprise and elation erupted among the crowd.

Ricky’s smile instantly froze on his face.