Page 28 of Timeless: Encore

“Petra. Do you see value in the French system of hierarchy of the kitchen?” Emilie sits at the counter while the three of us tie on our aprons.

Petra is a slight, owlish woman with huge glasses who gives off a silent-but-deadly vibe. “Great kitchens are comprised of people who become like family. Dedicated chefs who work hard, play hard, and have a common goal of putting out perfect, delicious food. So, yes. Following the traditional hierarchy is important because it allows the team to focus on their role.”

It’s a great answer. She shares my philosophy, French food isn’t synonymous with fine dining because there are better chefs in France. Or better ingredients, even. It’s the rigorous, standardized training system that I experienced at Le Bernardin.

Emilie taps the tip of her pen to her lips. “Justice? Do you have any opinion on this?”

“Of course.” Justice is extraordinarily handsome. Short, black hair. Huge blue eyes. Angular, chiseled face. He exudes a calm confidence, almost like his superpower is to slow down time. His movements are elegant. Precise. As are his words. “The genius of thebrigade du cuisineis how close it is to an assembly line. When the structure is fully embraced, the entire staff understand their role and are able to cook and serve perfect, delicious food.”

Another great answer.

“I envision the brigade as follows. I am the Owner and Executive Chef. This is my concept. My vision. My recipes.” I pace the kitchen. Back and forth. “Chef du Cuisine will oversee all daily kitchen operations including hiring, firing and scheduling, administrative operations, and ensuring my vision is executed day in and day out. I anticipate having several sous chef positions, line cooks. Dishwashers.”

Justice glances around my ginormous kitchen. “What stations do you anticipate implementing?”

“Great question. We’re in Seattle. Land of the most delicious seafood in the world. Probably the most important station will be the fish station. Sauces. Meat. Sides. Salad. Dessert …” I trail off a bit. “I’d like to have innovation and cohesion.”

Petra laughs. “Sometimes those are diametrically opposed, but when the team is able to embrace both concepts? Magic happens.”

Oh, I like her. this decision is going to be tough.

“Emilie has explained how this weekend will go. Today will be a cooking skills day. Rather than reinvent the wheel, I have five one-hour tests. The most important is knife skills. I want you to prep ten vegetables in an hour.” I hand each of them a printed list. “Next will be eggs. Please prepare a perfectly poached egg and a beautiful omelet. The third and fourth test will be combined. Roasted fish. Hollandaise sauce. We’ll take a long break to hang out, eat, and visit. Later this afternoon, will be the consommé challenge.”

Day to day, neither will be involved in prep or preparation of any of these things. However, if they have amazing skills they will insist on perfection of the staff. It will also give me a glimpse into how they work. Kitchen dynamics are nearly as important as skill.

To say I’m in my element is an understatement. I’m keeping a fairly decent poker face, but I haven’t felt this excited about my career since before Mia was born.

Both Petra and Justice produce innovative, impeccable dishes. Thank God I have Emilie with me to evaluate because they are neck and neck. We send them upstairs to shower and change while we go out to my new greenhouse to chat.

“Justice’s fish dish was so harmonious and balanced. The use of blood oranges heightened the dish. And his plating. Exquisite.” Emilie sighs. “And wow, is he pretty to look at.”

I purse my lips at her. “No fraternizing with the candidates, missy, but I agree with you.” I stare out the glass for a second. “I agree with your assessment of Justice’s food. As for Petra’s dishes, every single one of the elements responded to each other. The sense of balance in each bite was extraordinary. She’s so in tune with flavors, I get the feeling that if you blindfolded her and gave her little bites of food, she’d be able to identify anything. Her palate is incredible.”

“Can we hire both?” Emilie stares at the two resumes. “It could solve the problem of staffing when you’re on the road with Zane.”

“It’s unorthodox.” I shake my head. “They’re giving up current high-profile jobs to work with me, I don’t want them to be competitive. It sets the wrong vibe for Gus.”

“Yeah. I know. I just like them both a lot.”

“I do too. Tonight let’s show them the restaurant.” We walk back to the house. “Then, let’s just go about this weekend the way we planned and try not to become predisposed to either of them. Let things unfold the way they ...” I listen to myself speaking and realize I sound like the Zen version of Zane.

But hey! I’m not anxious. Or stressed. In fact, I haven’t thought about anything but the task at hand for hours. Holy shit. I feel normal and I haven’t taken a benzo in nearly two months.

“Fee?” Emilie touches my elbow. “You stopped mid-sentence.”

I shake the cobwebs away. “Oh, fuck. Sorry.”

“Remind me of what the rest of the weekend looks like.” She plucks a stalk of lavender from a bush we walk past.

“Tomorrow, they’re doing the mystery baskets with a ninety-minute deadline.” I’ve put together a bunch of weird ingredients like the showChopped. “In the afternoon, we’ll head to Pike Place Market to peruse the stalls for a bit of a break. This will give me the chance to see who I really vibe with, which is critical considering we’ll be working so closely together.”

She nods. “Or, people.”

I laugh. “Or, people. Monday is the hardest day. I’ve given them each an envelope they’re not supposed to peek at until that morning. The challenge is to provide a sample tasting menu for six they believe would be an excellent fit for Gus. I need them to cost it out. Shop. Cook. Prepare. It’s an all-day thing. Zane and Mia will be back by dinnertime, so they’ll help give feedback on the food.”

Emilie scratches her cheek. “Who’s joining us?”

“Ty and Zoey.” I can’t help but squeal a bit. “I texted Ty a couple weeks ago on the off-chance they’ll be home. Turns out they’re getting in tonight. We’re all going to surprise Zane. He’s going to be so excited.”

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