Ahn Hyo-seop provides intensive cooking lessons to Hong Hwa-yeon

Hong Hwa-yeon joined the kitchen for training in the JTBC drama 'Final Table' after Ahn Hyo-seop persuaded her to overcome her refusal to cook and a self-described "tap water allergy." The training included technical lessons on salt distribution, heat control, and meat-grilling techniques ahead of a high-tension first round of the finals.

Hong Hwa-yeon, who waved away any possibility of having talent in cooking, entered the kitchen under the strict guidance of Ahn Hyo-seop. An episode of the JTBC drama 'Final Table' captured the process of Ahn Hyo-seop and Hong Hwa-yeon working together to learn how to cook.

"I have a tap water allergy": Hong Hwa-yeon's refusal and Ahn Hyo-seop's persuasion

Prior to the intensive cooking training, Hong Hwa-yeon adamantly refused to enter the kitchen. She offered the eccentric reason that she had never cooked, lacked talent, and even had a "tap water allergy" that prevented her from doing dishes. Ahn Hyo-seop persuaded her by emphasizing that, as a restaurant owner, she must possess basic cooking skills. Ultimately, Hong Hwa-yeon joined the kitchen on the condition that she would only stay until a new kitchen staff member is found.

"Salt should be sprinkled in front of you": Ahn Hyo-seop's detailed technical instruction

Ahn Hyo-seop's lectures toward Hong Hwa-yeon after she entered the kitchen were sharp. He corrected her movement of sprinkling salt from above her head, instructing that to ensure the salt is distributed evenly, it must be sprinkled closely in front of one's eyes. He also pointed out issues with heat control not matching the size of the pot, ordering her to be careful not to burn the sides of the pot.

Ahn Hyo-seop's guidance continued during the meat-grilling process. He explained that meat should be placed at the smoking point, emphasizing that once oil is applied and smoke rises, the meat should be added. He particularly drew attention to the sound made when meat cooks, conveying the principle that "if there is no sound, there is no color or taste." Regarding knife skills, he passed on specific techniques, such as using the weight of the knife to slice by pushing forward.

Conflicts over original intentions and the start of the first round of the finals

Beyond the training process, conflicts and backstories between the characters were interwoven. The story depicted suspicions of manipulation by Byeonghyeon Group surrounding the death of Chef Choi Seung-yu, and the confrontation between characters attempting not to lose their original intentions. The subsequent first round of the finals began amidst tension as characters reunited after six years. Chefs, including Chris, faced their respective missions, bewildered by the difficulty of the finals being higher than expected.

Source: DRAMA Voyage (YouTube)