Hiroki Yasumoto Roasts Junya Enoki's Overseas Souvenir!? Chef's Coat Comes in Handy for Eggplant Cooking Challenge

"It Sounds So Cool in French!" Hiroki Yasumoto Gets Excited Over the French Word for Eggplant!?

This episode featured "Craving It Now! Let's Enjoy Eggplant!", a segment dedicated to eggplant, the quintessential summer vegetable that topped a ranking of favorite summer vegetables.

The cast learned basic facts about eggplant and took on a history quiz related to it. A splendid eggplant was even hung from the ceiling of the studio as fun trivia about the vegetable was introduced. Upon learning that eggplant is called "aubergine" (French for eggplant) in French, Yasumoto got excited, saying, "So aubergine means eggplant! Now that you mention it, there's an eggplant mark on aubergine packaging! It sounds so cool in French!"

The cast also tasted a variety of eggplant dishes in person. Faced with the eggplant dishes, Enoki shouted "Je t'aime!" while Yasumoto commented, "Turns out I really do like eggplant." Finally, the show connected live with Mr. Kagawa of Hertic Farm in Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture, introducing "Gohobi Nasu" eggplant, a treat-worthy branded variety grown by Kagawa, who runs an eggplant farm. Tasting the "Gohobi Nasu" eggplant grilled with ginger and soy sauce, the hosts raved, "This is so good!" and "It's sweet!", praising Mr. Kagawa's eggplant.

Hiroki Yasumoto & Junya Enoki Make Quick-Pickled Eggplant to Celebrate Tuesday Host Yoko Hikasa's Birthday!

Next, using the "Gohobi Nasu" eggplant, the cast set out to make quick-pickled eggplant for the hosts of each weekday from Tuesday onward. Yasumoto immediately put on the chef's coat he'd received as a souvenir from Enoki, remarking, "Who knew this would come in handy so soon." Enoki also expressed his surprise, saying, "I'm amazed too! I never imagined there'd be a cooking segment right when I gave you that chef's coat."

Since Tuesday host Yu Serizawa can't eat food made by others, she said, "So please let Ms. Hikasa eat it instead! That would make us happy!" and "Yoko Hikasa, happy birthday!", and it was decided that Hikasa would enjoy it in honor of her birthday.

Yasumoto showed off his skillful hands, while Enoki proudly declared, "The quick pickles made just for Yoko Hikasa are ready!" Regarding having the hosts from Tuesday onward try it, Yasumoto said hopefully, "I bet Hikasa will eat all of it," and the two once again offered their congratulations, saying, "Happy birthday!" From start to finish, the episode was a lively, laughter-filled edition of the show brimming with love for eggplant.

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