Episode Title:The Secret in the First Bite.Episode Description:Soma is approached by journalist Mitsuru Sotsuda, who asks to write about him as he works on a recipe for his Shokugeki. Agreeing to taste test after Soma allows her to borrow some manga, Erina criticizes Soma's dish harshly, stating that it isn't suited for the match's topic. Thinking Erina's words over, Soma is inspired after receiving some meat from Ikumi. Soma realises that his dish must stand out on the first bite, and decides to make his stew using oxtail. The day of the Shokugeki arrives, and Mimasaka reveals that as a result of his profiling, he has predicted Soma's actions and is also using oxtail, and bringing his own twist to it.