Shokugeki no Soma – 07
“That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as meat.”
It’s a long weekend! That means I have more time to catch up on anime! At first I felt pretty lukewarm about the spring season’s anime offerings, but now I feel like a lot of the “good” shows I’ve been watching have become “great” shows. Things are getting hot!
Truly, Shokugeki no Soma knows how to catch your attention. The first thing I saw when I pressed play were Mito’s boobs bouncing around in various bras and bikini tops. That’s just how this show says “welcome back.” At first I wasn’t so keen on Mito because she was a walking talking stereotype of a rowdy Americanized girl, but by the end of this episode I loved her. It’s little touches like seeing a girl agonize over which lucky bra to wear to a competition that make you feel like you really know her. From being a character as flat as a loli’s chest, she turned into a fleshed out person with desires, motivations, and a complex personality in the span of one episode.
They fleshed out her character – literally and figuratively.
Mito is, unsurprisingly, another rich kid. She got into this crazyass cooking school because her parents want her to honour their family name. It would be very difficult for anyone not in the 1% of income earnings to have a chance to regularly cook with A5 meat and grow an appreciation for it, but Mito managed to intimately know her high quality meats. So of course, I wrote her off as being another spoiled chef who looks down on everyone else because that’s just what rich people are supposed to do. Thankfully, there’s a lot more to her than that.
Mito just really loves meat. If meat were a person, she’d marry it and change her last to – oh wait, her last name is already Meat. Anyways, Mito is mostly just picky about meat because she loves it so darn much. She’s not trying to be rude, she just wants to use the best meat she can so she can strive to create the ultimate dish bursting with umami. At least, that’s what it seems like. I’m starting to see that these high class chefs might not just be elitist just for the sake of giving Soma opposition for plot convenience, but that they have a deep-seated reason for their biases. Maybe they’re not just assholes, but just really passionate about food to the point where they’ve forgotten that you don’t just have to use A5 meat for food to taste good. It’s an important revelation for me because it makes the haughty attitudes a little more forgivable now that I know there’s a story behind them.
Anyways, back to Meat Girl. I thought it was cute that she’s actually sensitive and very delicate in her cooking techniques. Being able to precisely tell the internal temperature of her roast and the way she could recognize the delicate undertones in the meat’s scent was impressive…and it contrasted wildly to the way she butchered up the beef like a serial killer in the beginning of the competition. She seems to be confused about what kind of person she wants to be since her dad didn’t let her be girly. Now I’ll actually be interested in seeing how she fares as a regular cast member now that she’s been declawed and has pretty much fallen in love with Soma for addressing her feminine side.
Soma’s first real competition was wonderful. It was an exciting match that focused on Mito because we already saw Soma slave away over a multitude of donburis, so it would just be boring to see that all over again. The twist at the end where Soma amped up his dish at the last minute was perfect too. Even little things can totally transform a dish and elevate it to new heights. It was a concise, exciting match. This is the gateway for Soma to challenge more and more chefs now that he’s becoming notorious as someone who has actual skills to back up his big mouth. I’m so glad this is going to be 24 episodes because there’s still so much more that can happen!
What’s cooking? I made Soma’s Chaliapin steak donburi last week….but then he changed the recipe so now I made his crappy version instead of the super delicious one. Ah well, it still tasted great to me – even if my whole house smelled like green onions for two days afterwards. That’s one thing they don’t warn you about in anime.
I’ve been hinting incessantly about the release of a cooking post and now I can finally say I’ve cooked enough food to write one! Expect to see something tasty on Metanorn’s front page in about a week! Well…hopefully it looks tasty. Or at least moderately appetizing?
Her cooking superpower is that she’s too stubborn to just use a darn meat thermometer…
About Overcooled
A neuroscience graduate, black belt, and all-around nerd. You'll either find me in my lab or curled up in my rilakkuma kigurumi watching anime.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
In one show we go: UBW.
In another show we go: Unlimited Cooking Works.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Is that a bad thing? đ
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
Surely Gilgamesh has some cooking knives in his treasury!
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Real fancy and expensive ones.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Only the best! He has the original ginzu! And if required, the original prototype of Caliburn!
http://typemoon.wikia.com/wiki/Gate_of_Babylon#Unnamed_items
Sharp objects I think his treasury is full of them. ^^;;
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
You know, I have an intolerance to onions, and it used to be quite major, but it has gotten “better” over time. I love the look and smell of them on any plate or in any dish, but I’m still somewhat “biased” against them. Soup stocks are fine and dandy as they’ve been clobbered a bit, but you will never find me wanting a raw slice on a burger, nor will you ever find it on my favorite dish they are traditional served with, Cincinnati Style Chili.
But, dammit, I really want that don!
POWUH: 800-899 and Flying Sage with 856 comments
I’m not a meat eater, so nothing there looked interesting to neat, but I do like a slice of vidalia onion on my veggie burger at times.
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When I was much younger my parents grew some vidalia in the patch for just that purpose (though we never had veggie burgers in the early 80s)
POWUH: 900-999 with 915 comments
I hate raw onions, mostly because it’s kinda spicy and I hate spicy stuff… And the tears… But whenever they are cooked, they are a lot better imo.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
I would put raw onions on a burger for a little peak in flavor but agreed that they’re better when cooked. When I’m making an omelet, I add ham, onions and green peppers. But I wait until everyone else is out of the house to make it. Because if one sees me making it, they’ll want some followed by the others hearing the commotion and then they’ll want a piece as well.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
So, as I pray.
Unlimited Onion Works!
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
As a kid I hated onions too but now I’m kind of okay with them in moderation. I’m trying to be less picky now…But raw onions is still a definite no for me.
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As you get older, you gradually accept the taste more. By itself, it leaves a bitter, sour aftertaste. Personal experience after trying once. Mixed in with other ingredients, it’s really something else.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Ditto. Hated tomatoes when young. Picked them out of burgers. Same with onions. Now scoff them down. Pickles on the other hand…
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Talk about raw power!
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Oh, now that I can’t ignore. Out of curiosity, what animes this season turned out good for you?
Warning! Under no circumstances do you watch this anime on an empty stomach! For you may hate it due to mouthwatering foods you will never attain to eat. This is such a tease, damn it!
You know when you’re reading a manga chapter towards the end and there’s these end card-like panels with a random sequence/story that’s otherwise irrelevant to the main plot? I hear that’s where the opening scene for the episode was taken from.
The feel in the Shokugeki stadium proved more intense than expected. Specifically when Soma walked in after being announced and everyone basically roaring angrily at him. Youâd think an execution or gladiator match was being held instead of a high stakes cook-off. After Soma won the challenge, an odd scenario went across my mind. With Ikumiâs expression of despair over the official decision and Somaâs eyes covered in shadow, I felt like he was about to put a collar around her neck and say âYouâre mine nowâ. LOL. As if that wasnât enough, she was actually wearing an accessory around her neck.
I like how Ikumi was fleshed out to give more insight on where she came from and what lead her to become who she is now. Most of the time in anime or maybe even in real world social standards from centuries past to these days, highborn individuals like her are practically scheduled and programmed after birth and donât get to be their own person. Itâs like theyâre brainwashed until a certain age is reached and become self-aware of what theyâve become while reflecting on the means that caused their change in mindset.
Last but not least, Erina shows she is ruthless no matter whom it is displeasing her in any manner. She didnât waste any time dropping Ikumi, proving to be as lethal as the schoolâs custom to mercilessly excise anyone who doesnât meet their standard. Soma pretty much had her on her knees, so she shouldâve considered the possibilities of him winning from the start.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
Shokugeki no Soma started off awesome but I feel there was a bit of a slow start with Jojo, Arslan, and Hibike Euphonium. I didn’t start really liking them until the most recent episodes. There are still shows I have to catch up on though so maybe they’ll be late bloomers too.
Ahhh the boob thing was like an omake extra. Good to know!
I loved how intense the match was too. The stakes felt so much higher with the roar of the crowd in the background. At the end I think Soma might as well have said that because her heart is totally his. She’s surprisingly adorable! Glad she’s finally letting herself be who she wants to be.
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Then it’s a good time to catch up with Seraph of the End since the 7th episode has the group finally going outside and things have already kicked off. Arslan is shaping up nicely as well.
Considering what this show might try to pull, I don’t think they’ll be a point trying to make any distinctions.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
@Overcooled: Here’s some of this season’s music:
Shokugeki no Soma – OP (Full ver.)
[IEgg] Owari no Seraph OP&ED Single – X.U.&scaPEGoat (SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]) (320K+BK)
[IEgg] Arslan Senki ED Single – Lapis Lazuli (Aoi Eir) (320K+BK)
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Just waiting for the full version of Shokugeki no Soma’s ED and UBW’s OP. Aimer is just a goddess, seriously.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
UBW ED > OP.
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Here you go:
[IEgg] Fateďźstay night [Unlimited Blade Works] ED2 Single – ring your bell (Kalafina) (320K+BK)
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
CD already on the way. I also think posting links to material of questionable legality isn’t wise… (as if anyone doesn’t know where to find them.)
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
I think the site that’s linked is legal. Fosh showed it to me when he sent me a link so I could download the Toaru Majutsu no Index movie. Though the file itself was over 1 GB in memory.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
I would prefer no links of that sort also. Can mention they are available, but there is a significant difference to linking it. People know where to get things anyway.
POWUH: 900-999 with 915 comments
Well, each with your own. To me, at least, it’s the other way. Not a great fan of Kalafina, really.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Kalafina is an acquired Gothic taste. Magia is the only thing I know about Madoka. đ
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Even then, I liked Connect by ClariS a lot better. Though Magia had it’s fair share of contribution to the grittier tone the show took later, and I started to appreciate it myself.
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
UBW OP > ED bruh
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*Turns sign around!( đ
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Hey! No false information.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Personally, I prefer the OP over the ED. It’s just too epic.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
I prefer the ED styles.
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I go more for the music itself than the styles. The full version won’t have styles, anyway.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Oh they do…
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I meant when the full single gets released.
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I know right? I’m tired of these songs that when the full version is released, the second part suddenly takes a turn for the worse =.=
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Do you have any particular songs in mind?
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Two from last season: Flyers by Bradio fron Death Parade had a great 90-second version, but the single release turns into a thoroughly disorganized mess, with an overly long solo and jarring transitions. They turned a tight and punchy short version into a meandering disappointment.
The other to mention is Platinum Jet from Shirobako. They use the “let’s just stop and redo everything over again (and add a solo-y part) to more than double the length of the song.” Not as much of a mess, but still disappointing.
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The one closer on my mind right now is Parasyte’s awesome opening that becomes a screaming mess on the B-part.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Then I guess I’m fortunate not to have listened to those.
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If I had to guess, they’ll both be out before the month is over. I saw on an article that Seraph’s OP & ED were supposed to be released on May 20th and here they are available to anyone willing to download. I’ve been listening to them, even now as I’m writing out this comment and I’m absolutely hooked. So much it’s difficult to decide which is better.
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What, no picture to show the fruits of your labor like last time? Bummer…
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Hehe, you’ll have to wait for the Otaku Cafe post~
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I’ll be waiting. Until then.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Onions have recently been banned at my house because of a shift to a FODMAP-free diet (look it up if you want to wonder how you would ever cook again without onions, garlic, or other things because of IBS). I have been finding otherwise that raw onions are a bad deal anyway because who wants to do that to their friends (or themelves).
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Miku is unhappy because of the lack of negi.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
Yeah, I wouldn’t miss onions much, especially raw ones. But I think I’d miss garlic.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Ooh, not much of a fan of garlic, though. Especially the scent it gives when it’s raw.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
*notes weakness* đ
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
He’s a vampire, what do you expect?
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
*vampire with garlic immunity* đ
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
I had a feeling someone would say something along those lines. And my title crucifies me further đ
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Oh, my I love cooking with garlic! And shallots! Heck over in Etotama I droll whenever they cart out the sesame oil, which is like all the time, and is a no-no for my own IBS! Curse you Eto-shin!
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Hehehe. Then when your recipe calls for 1 clove of garlic you dump in an entire bulb? I never follow the instructions for garlic content. My policy is: there is no such thing as too much garlic! đ Also garlic is a good antioxidant. Vampires should use more.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Hey! Don’t you dare mimic Nagisa Shiota. đ
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Are you going to counter by dressing up in sweet lolita fashion? đ
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Not even if my life depended on it.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
You could make a clean getaway doing that… đ
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Not without damaging my pride and dignity in the process.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
*scribbles in notebook*
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@Overcooled: Psycho-Pass Producer Expresses Interest in Making More
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
I’m…a little worried about this.
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The feeling is mutual.
POWUH: 900-999 with 915 comments
Three with me.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
I was already pretty shaken with how the second season went and I still have yet to see the movie.
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I mean, Urobutcher is coming back to the movie on the Screenplay, while he was only as a supervisor on the second season. The script was on the hands of two pretty newbie scriptwriters, so I’m hoping for something good as long as Urobutcher is back.
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Provided Urobuchi stays for the entire project from start to finish.