Which is basically also the ending of the Pixar film Ratatouille. The protagonist wows a critic with a simple dish prepared to perfection. It’s a common trope,

Which is basically also the ending of the Pixar film Ratatouille. The protagonist wows a critic with a simple dish prepared to perfection. It’s a common trope, but also true. “Simple” food prepared well can be much better than a complex dish with many flavors. Similarly, I’ve also heard (probably from a show like Top Chef, so YMMV) things like a salad or soup are also quick ways to differentiate chefs. In this case, it’s less about technique and more about identifying and mixing flavors. It works because there is no place to hide. You either have good flavor or not.