Second Best Attraction - Flavortown!

Carnivals and Fairs were known for the thrilling rides, rigged games, and chaotic atmospheres. The most popular being the games, but what was the second most sought after attraction at them?

The food. Whether it be the voluptuous, juicy turkey legs… or the sweet berry delights, you always had a few you would dream about days before you actually arrive. This is what Antheia found herself doing on the way to the carnival.

Just a couple days ago, Tarantula had brought Veria with her to the carnival. Apparently, it was a wondrous endeavor, and her pack-mate highly suggested visiting. So here Antheia was, trudging through the melted snow to get to her destination.

It was at the old museum, she remembered Tarantula had said. She’d rarely passed through there, but was for the most part able to recall the directions to it on her own.

Well, it wasn’t hard to miss. It was like a beacon in the night - surely you could see it from the other islands, even! Antheia found herself picking up pace, her claws and talons pitter-pattering towards the entrance. The old building was once oh so dull, falling apart and quite literally a danger hazard. It still probably was a danger hazard, but… who cares! There’s games to be played, and talents to be shown.

That’s what Antheia thought she was going to do anyway. Except, she found her plans quickly sidetracked this time around. It was like she had been entranced, savory smells dancing around her nose and compelling her to open her maw. The smell was so strong, she could even taste it on her tongue.

Like a moth to a flame, Antheia followed this aroma down the lit museum hallways towards the back of the building. After some quick twist and turns, she finally located where the smell had been coming from. A decent sized crowd had formed around a generously lit platform. Antheia stood on her tippy toes, trying to see between the shoulders of others.

To her surprise, a Therizinosaurus was in the center of this all. Plumage as black as obsidian, with a burst of warm oranges on their chest. Smoke billowed up from rocks, and the delightful smell mixed with char much stronger here. What was this large herbivore doing?

Antheia walked carefully through the other creatures gathered around, pushing her way closer to the front of the crowd. She was able to get up close and personal now.

“Ah, welcome carnival-goer! Glad to have you here.” The therizinosaur spoke. “My name is Flambé. I’m here to cook y’all food, just like the humans used to! It is a unique way to add endless depth to your once bland palette.” She chirped.

Antheia tilted her head. How did they even learn to do this? Like the humans used to? They must be able to interpret the books from humans very well.

Flambé dragged her claws against the hot flat stone. It had been put atop a blazing stack of dry driftwood, fish and vegetables sizzling loudly. She stabbed the fish, slicing it clean in half with her sharpened claws. They were oddly sharp - not naturally this sharp anyway like most others Antheia had seen.

She placed the fish fillet skin side down on the hot surface, the juices splashing and bubbling underneath it.

The Therizinosaurus would step to the side, rummaging in some old glass jars. It looked like she had a wide array of herbs and spices to prepare this meat. Flambé passed momentarily, before grabbing one of the jars. She brought it over to the flat stone, beginning to sprinkle the herb over the fillet. She then grabbed another jar, which seemed to be some sort of white mineral. It looked like… the salt rocks?

Tipping the jar over again, she began to shake it over the fish as well now. Satisfied for the moment, she set the second jar aside and used her palm to press the seasoning into the meat.

“You’d be surprised how these simple ingredients can greatly influence and improve the flavors.” She exclaimed, smiling all the while. After a few minutes, she’d grab mushrooms and toss them alongside the fish. “You can do this to anything! It isn’t only for meat. I know you carnivores may be wary of trying things that are not your basic proteins - but the juices from these mushrooms will seep into the fish and further enhance the flavors.”

The mushrooms sizzled, and once more Flambé would season them with the other array of seasonings she had.

“To make sure the fish is cooked all the way through, we can put the shell of a turtle over the top to steam it all together.” She commentated.

After a few more minutes, the Therizinosaurus lifted the turtle shell off. “Annnnd, viola! We have a nice, tasty meal.” She grinned. “Now, who will be the lucky taste tester?” She hummed, scanning the crowd.

“You, Crylophosaurus!” She pointed to Antheia with one of her claws. Antheia looked around, then pointed to herself.

“Me?”

“Yes, You! Come on up, pal!” She’d laugh.

Antheia nodded eagerly - She had to admit, the smells were extremely enticing. There was no way she could reject such a fine meal. She climbed up onto the platform and stepped up beside Flambe.

Grabbing the turtle shell, the feathery herbivore would scoop the mushrooms and fish fillet into it. Garnishing it with some leaves, she’d push it towards Antheia. “Go ahead- try it.” She urged the hesitant theropod.

Antheia nodded quickly, holding the makeshift bowl in her talons. She’d lower her muzzle, before taking a nice bite out of the meat. She made sure to include the mushrooms, too - even if she didn’t want to necessarily.

Immediately, the flavors hit her tongue and overwhelmed her mouth. Her eyes widened in surprise at just how much this truly did enhance the meal. She chewed it slowly, wanting to really savor this meal that had been offered to it. It tasted so, so good.

Finally, she swallowed it. She stared at Flambé in awe. “This is amazing.” She spoke after a long pause.

The crowd cheered excitedly. “And there we have it, folks! See how easy this was to achieve? You too, could do these very simple steps to amaze your own friends and family.” Flambe stated, taking the empty bowl from Antheia.

“Thank you so much for this opportunity! I will definitely need to try this more on my own…” She trailed off, thinking about the flavors still. She quickly stepped off the platform, eager to head home to her colony to tell them about this experience.