video; un: specs

[claritatis]

Name: Ignis Scientia
Date: 8th May
Format: Video

---

I have a need for a few volunteers. Though you won't need to be physically present.

[Ignis had given some consideration to leaving the house he'd previously occupied with (fluctuating levels of) companions, but has ultimately decided that the twelve feet of snake-tail he's now pulling along is far better suited to a larger home. Thus, he's speaking from the kitchen of a house some might recognise as having been the home of Prompto, or Steak and Red Wine, or even Caren Ortensia.

And he's planning to make good use of it.]

This world offers a good number of culinary challenges, and opportunities. If you have a moment, I'd like to hear about something that you're missing from your home - sweet, savoury, anything that comes to mind - and I'll need it described in as much detail as you can manage.

[He pauses for a moment, considering his next words.]

If I can, I'll do my best to replicate it for you. As closely as possible.

Comments

[bravers]

Slum food. Mainly barbeque. No idea why, it tasted like shit back then.

Why're you doing this?

[claritatis]

Because it's something I'm very capable of doing, and I feel that many of us could benefit from a little joy being given, no matter how small.

I believe we should work with our strengths, don't you?

[bravers]

It's not like what you're doing's going to fix any of this bullshit.

[Sorry, Ignis...]

And look, no disrespect, but I ain't sure you're gonna be able to find some rats.

[Or worse...]

un: whosasking

[sneakofhand]

Dire lobster. Either that or eel keesh.

un: wildcard / text

[electrod]

stir fry. the spicier the sauce the better, tho if that also gets a hint of sweetness you're gonna win a jackpot

you're a hobby cook, or are you trying to make a business out of it?

video;

[worldcleansing]

It's probably a little bit of a cheat to answer, but homecooked food. I've learned to cook to a degree, but it's not I'll never have the same kind of dedication as someone who's determined to make good meals for their family.

un: ardbert | text

[notbert]

I have no particular need for a specific food style but I would offer my services aiding in the reproduction. I am curious about these flavors from other stars.

[Ignis likely knows by now the guy is insanely good at dissecting the structure of food but had weirdly lacking cooking skills. He's better now. At least he's good enough to quickly pick up the basics and expand on the knowledge. Whether either of these facts help his case remains an unanswered question.]

video | un: nibelung

[sonnestark]

Oh! What a great idea— there are places here in the city that make dishes and pastries similar to what I might have had at home, but it's not exactly the same.

[A chef who's willing to try and replicate favorite dishes? That's an opportunity she can't pass up.]

Have you ever heard of maultaschen?

video

[exsoldier]

[ Zack's first meeting with Ignis had been under such dire circumstances, and had come and gone so quickly, that he hadn't actually given much thought to the man until seeing his face pop up on his Watch. Suffice to say, Zack's glad that they're now able to talk about something as mundane as food. ]

Hey, Ignis! [ The face that appears on the feed is a marked difference from what Ignis might remember. There's color back in Zack's face, and his veins are no longer stained black. His gold eyes are bright and curious, and the feathers in his hair have also returned to a healthier hue.

Behind his head, Ignis might also catch a glimpse of wings (a new addition). ]

You're into cooking, huh?

[claritatis]

[It takes a lot more than this to ruffle Ignis Scientia.]

I'm sure no one is thinking for a moment that a meal is going to solve the problems here.

However, no one is demanding that you participate, either.

[claritatis]

Can you describe them in more detail?

[claritatis]

I'd call it a hobby for the moment, but who knows. I have been looking for something to occupy my time.

That sounds like an easy enough challenge.

[claritatis]

[He chuckles quietly.]

I think I know what you mean. It isn't really a meal that you miss.

[claritatis]

Of course. It would be a pleasure to have you along.

[Ardbert is certainly no chef, though Ignis doesn't judge him for that. He finds the way the man approaches food to be intriguing.]

[claritatis]

[He shifts position slightly, giving her his full attention. Admittedly, something sweet had been what had began this entire thing, years ago. Ignis' dedication to perfecting the things he chooses to spend his time on have led him here.]

I haven't. Can you describe it for me?

[claritatis]

Ah, Zack!

[It's been a while and the man looks far better now, but he still recognises him easily. Ignis smiles immediately on seeing him appearing so well, and he does spot those wings.

He may ask about those in a moment.]

You might say that. I've been cooking since I was very young. It does me no harm to put it to use here. Did you have something in mind?

[sneakofhand]

Whatever you say, mate.

You know lobsters right? Red, look sort of like a bug, feelers and all that, big claws? Dire lobster's that, but massive. Like four foot long. I had them all boiled up, right? With a whole ton of butter and spices. You just crack off the shell and go.

Eel keesh is your standard eel pie, except without a lid.

[sonnestark]

It's a little like pasta— ravioli, specifically, but from southern Germany. It's stuffed with meat and spinach and parsley, sometimes onions.

[She's tried to recreate it a time or two, but her cooking skills leave... much to be desired. They hadn't seen much use during all her years in the military, admittedly.]

Usually served in broth, but you eat the leftovers with butter and sweet onions.

[worldcleansing]

Maybe it's better called a mood or an atmosphere. I've learned to make some of the traditional dishes here, but I lean heavier on what's considered Western food since the ingredients are easier to come by. Even when I make something I've had at home, it's not the same.

It seems you've missed cooking. Did the cafe spike your interest?

[electrod]

if you can replicate favourite foods of the mirrorpals you'd have a guaranteed core customer base. then you can pay me for the idea : )

[bloodwit]

There are a few.

But foremost, something called [...] jelly tarts. I could guess at the ingredients, but if you're skilled with baking, you would likely want to refine it.

[exsoldier]

[ Cooking since he was young, huh? Either Ignis has always liked cooking as a hobby, or there's some other reason that he'd taken that job on for himself, even when he was a kid.

A pang of yearning for his mom's home cooking aside, Zack tries to think of what favorite dish of his Ignis could recreate. ]

You know, some sushi sounds great right about now. But... that might be kind of complicated? And you need a certain quality of fish.

[ They are right near the harbor, but still, it feels like he'd be asking too much. ]

[lightblooming]

This is so sweet of you to offer, but... I'm afraid that my answer would be a little strange.

[claritatis]

You could say that. More that our conversation gave me the idea.

[He recalls Light asking if he made a habit of offering to cook for strangers. He supposes that he does, now.]

Cooking for one person does lose its appeal, and the challenge is welcome too.

[claritatis]

If there's one thing not in short supply here, it's fish. I'm sure I can approximate something quite closely, if you'd like.

There's no obligation, of course.