Ep 11. The Stagiarie

In Food Wars season 2 episode 11, titled The Stagiaire, we see Soma Yukihira and the other students of Totsuki Academy continue to undergo their internships in different restaurants around the country. Soma is assigned to work at Restaurant Kitsune, which is run by Chef Shinomiya, a former Totsuki Academy student and the youngest person to ever receive three Michelin stars.

Soma's arrival is met with hostility from the other kitchen staff, particularly his immediate superior, Shingo Ando. Shingo sees Soma as a threat to his position and reputation within the restaurant, and so he goes out of his way to make life difficult for him in the kitchen.

Despite the challenges, Soma is undeterred and remains focused on improving his skills and learning everything he can during his time at Restaurant Kitsune. He spends long hours in the kitchen, honing his techniques and experimenting with new ideas. Through his hard work and perseverance, Soma is able to win over some of the other kitchen staff and gain their respect.

Meanwhile, Chef Shinomiya is struggling to keep up with the intense demands of running a restaurant that maintains three Michelin stars. He is constantly working long hours and sacrificing his personal life in order to maintain the high standards for which his restaurant is known.

As Soma becomes more familiar with the inner workings of Restaurant Kitsune, he begins to notice some of the flaws in Chef Shinomiya's approach. He sees that the chef has become so focused on maintaining his Michelin stars that he has lost sight of what's truly important – creating food that is innovative, delicious, and accessible.

In a bold move, Soma decides to confront Chef Shinomiya about his concerns. He challenges the chef to cook a dish that is affordable and can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their social status or income level. Chef Shinomiya initially resists the idea, but ultimately agrees to take on the challenge.

Soma and Chef Shinomiya work together to create a dish that meets Soma's criteria, and the result is a revelation. The dish is simple, yet elegant, and is loved by everyone who tastes it. Chef Shinomiya realizes that he has been too focused on maintaining his Michelin stars, and that there is something to be said for creating food that is accessible and enjoyed by everyone.

In the end, Soma's time at Restaurant Kitsune comes to an end, but the lessons he's learned will stay with him forever. He has grown both as a chef and as a person, and he's gained a new perspective on what it means to cook great food.

Overall, Food Wars season 2 episode 11 is a powerful exploration of the challenges and rewards of working in the gastronomic industry. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves food and is interested in learning more about the art and science of cooking.