Original subtitles

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(upbeat music)

- Who's on scallops? There are three orders waiting.

It needs to emulsify.

If the eggs are cold, run them under hot water first.

(bell dings) Service!

- What's wrong with the place downtown? They've got peanuts.

- Yeah, and like three health violations.

- Three's not bad. I mean it's not good. What?

Why you doing the face. - Come on, man.

You promised to be my wingman today.

And you didn't even dress the part.

- Hey, this is a clean shirt.

And I didn't know we're going to Café d'Or, Manny.

- What's wrong with Café d'Or? - For starters,

there's a stupid accent over the E.

- Joe, please. For once can you not act like a grumpy old man?

I just want to have a few drinks with my buddy,

and maybe lock eyes with some European princess

who wants to escape her security detail

and get a tour of the city.

- Isn't that the plot of Roman Holiday?

- So I'm a hopeless romantic. But can we please

have a nice time without you being all... Joe?

- All right, yeah. Sorry.

We'll have a nice time. Promise.

- Thank you.

(playful music)

(speaking with French Accent) - Bonjour, how are you today?

That's very nice. Oh, those look very good, yes?

Aw, okay, that's good job. I like this.

(gasping) Mushrooms are in.

Oh, this one is my favourite.

(speaking with a French accent) - "I'm Jacques. I'm so cool

and effortlessly French..."

(snickering)

- Bonjour, Emma. How goes the shift?

- Great. Never better. What are you doing here Jacques?

Trying to steal my souffle recipe?

Parce que votre soufflé ressemble à une crêpe.

- Non. If you're going to speak French, speak it correctly.

Parce que votre soufflé ressemble...

- Parce que vôtre soufflé ressemble...

- Non, ressemble. - Ressemble...

- C'est incroyable.

It is like a pig with truffles in its mouth.

- Seriously, Jacques. What are you doing here? It's your day off.

- You didn't you hear?

They plan to announce who will be executive chef today.

May the best chef win.

- Hmm. Okay.

Zut alors.

(mellow jazz music)

- Unbelievable. They don't even put out nuts.

- This was a bad idea. What are we even doing here

in the middle of the day?

- What, you want to go at night and miss the lunch specials?

- Lunch specials? I don't think they have lunch specials here.

Hey, do I look stupid?

Like, am I under dressed or something?

- No. Why would you say that?

You're the best-dressed guy here.

- Oh, yeah? What about him?

Alright, ignore Mr. Monopoly Man over there.

Hey, you're just nervous, okay? And that's understandable.

Trying to get out there and date is terrifying.

Trust me, I know. - You know?

Joe, you haven't been on a date in like two years.

- Okay, so I'm married to my work.

So it's more like a loveless marriage.

But hey, today isn't about me.

So we're gonna have some beers,

and go out and chat to some people on the patio.

And don't worry about the money. Drinks are on me today.

- A beer's like 20 bucks here.

- One drink on me.

(dishes clattering)

- Hey, can we talk?

- Why does Jacques always wear a hat?

Do you think it's a Ratatouille situation?

- They're making the announcement today.

- You're kidding me? Are you sure it's today?

- Yes, I'm sure. Why would Jacques be here on his day off?

- So, this is actually happening?

Emma Kane, executive chef? (squealing)

Okay, pageant girl advice.

Remember to hug second place and smile.

- Okay. - But not with your eyes

'cause that shows weakness. - Okay.

- You have a speech? - Better.

I have a 34-point manifesto titled,

Much Adieu About Cooking.

It's a pun. Much a do.

Anyways, it's Shakespeare.

- Yeah, maybe you should just say thank you.

(bell dinging) - Ooh. This is it.

Wish me luck. - I gotta accept a delivery

but I will meet you on the patio for drinks later.

- Okay. (bell dinging)

- Gather around everyone. I have an announcement.

- Hmm? - I didn't say smother me.

Now.

I'm here to tell you that the rumours are true.

Our executive chef will officially be retiring

at the end of the month.

Yes, yes, I know,

we're all very sad to see him go, et cetera, et cetera.

But you'll all rest easy knowing

that the kitchen will be in the very competent hands...

of Jacques Laplace.

- Oh. - Him?

(tense music)

- Well, the other applicants lacked a certain uh,

je ne sais quoi. - That means...

- I know what it means. - Ah, besides, he's French.

Jacques, would you like to say a few words to the kitchen?

- Merci, Madame Campbell.

I'd like to first thank everyone in this kitchen.

I know this is my day, but cooking is a team effort, no?

And there is no one on this team I would like to thank more

than Mademoiselle Kane.

A round of applause, s'il vous plaît.

(quirky music)

(chuckling softly)

- He reverse pageant girled you?

- He even got the whole kitchen to clap.

- Oh, he's good. He's very good.

- Ooh, hi. Could I get a gin and tonic, Hendricks please?

And make sure you muddle the lime.

Oh and tonic on the side? That would be great. Thanks.

And sorry. If I could just get one ice cube please,

thank you so much.

- Okay, maybe it's a good thing you didn't get the job.

- How is it a good thing that I didn't get the promotion?

- Seriously, girl. You've been breaking you back

over this promotion and for what?

So that you can fry up some more pretentious French food

in the name of fine dining? - Okay. But French cooking

is the closest thing to art on a plate. I love it.

- Do you, though? You literally threw up last week

when you cooked that... - Ew, ew. Don't say it, please.

Okay fine. But it's not like it's all bad working here, you know?

- Emma, you worked 82 hours last week.

Don't you want a personal life? You could start dating again.

- No. Definitely not.

Remember, Steve? Broke up with me over text.

- Okay, in Steve's defence, you did let yourself

into his apartment and reorganized his whole closet.

- Well, who doesn't organize their wardrobe

according to Roy G. Biv? Crazy.

- Uh-oh. Incoming, five o'clock.

- Huh? - Hot or not? Make up your mind.

- I don't know. Stop.

- Uh, how can we help you?

- Hello, ladies.

- Oh, sorry. I'm happily taken but my friend here...

- Oh, no, no. Sorry, it's a no.

- Don't mind my friend. He's got horrible stage fright.

But a really firm handshake.

- Oh, we already shot him down.

- What? Just like that? Did you even try shaking it?

(playful music)

- Okay, fine. Message received loud and clear.

Well, now we know why this place has only got one star.

The food is bad and the people are worse.

- You do know it's Michelin Star, right?

It's printed in the menu. - Maybe we should dial it down.

- Why? I'm just correcting him.

- Is it a Michelin Star, though? Is it really?

Okay, wow, yes it is. They are very clear about that.

- You were saying about the food?

- All right, so this place might have a Michelin Star but look,

I'm a chef and I gotta say the food coming out of that kitchen

it's not looking so great.

- Okay and how many stars does your restaurant have?

- Well, I don't want to say five...

- Well, that's literally impossible.

- Four. - Also, impossible.

- Three. - You know what I think?

I think that your restaurant has zero stars

because you're probably the worst chef in the city.

- Appreciate the review.

You two have a good time, okay?

- Thank you. Have a great day.

- Mm, I will. We will. Yes. - Good. Good.

- Okay. Okay. - Good.

- Yeah. Maybe you shouldn't start dating again.

- Where's my gin and tonic?

(sighing)

- Think about it. We get one slice of pizza and then we...

- No, no-no. I can't. I have to be home by 6:22

so I can get changed for the gym by...

- 6:41 and be four minutes early for your 7p.m. class. I know.

- You go on ahead.

- Please don't tell me you're gonna do something stupid.

- No, no. I'm just gonna get that promotion.

- It's the same thing.

- Mrs. Campbell Patrick?

- Do you really expect me to tip you before you bring over my car?

- Oh, no, no, I'm actually not a valet.

I work in the restaurant?

Anyways I was just wondering if I could maybe discuss

our recent hiring decision with you.

- HR exists for a reason, my dear.

Their offices are not here. - Yes, I know.

If I could just have two minutes of your time? Please?

(tense music)

- 90 seconds, starting now.

- I know you gave Jacques the role

but I just need you to realize that I'm just as qualified as he is.

Not only have I worked here longer but I work harder.

Just look at the shift schedule.

I easily put in 20 hours more than him every week.

I'm talented, I'm dedicated and I'm hungry for this job.

So, please, won't you reconsider?

- Jacques ran a small kitchen before coming here.

Now, I know who you are. I've read your CV.

I've seen your work. I'm telling you,

you do not have the experience to lead a kitchen that size.

- But if I just had the opportunity to...

(playful music)

- And wouldn't you know it, that's 90 seconds?

So, thank you and goodbye.

- What about a bet?

- Yeah, I'm listening.

- You don't think I can run a kitchen.

But I bet you that I can turn around, not just any kitchen

but the worst restaurant in the city.

And get it a five-star review.

If I can do that, you're gonna give me that promotion.

- Well, that is a very interesting proposition.

As it happens, I'm looking to trim the fat of the budget.

So, if you lose, you're not only getting a demotion,

you're getting a pay cut too.

Do we have a deal?

- Deal.

- Good. You have two weeks.

- Wait. Two weeks? Two weeks is...

- That's all a true executive chef really needs.

I'll pick the place,

I'll have my assistant email you the address.

Bonne chance!

-Good talk, thank you!

(upbeat music)

(sizzling)

(indistinct chatter)

(static)

- Swing, swing batter. Strikes! He strikes!

Why you throwing balls? You can't have that!

(sportscaster on radio): We had the rookie from Chicago

who was looking great this year...

Here comes the pitch and it's another ball.

The starting pitcher just cannot seem to land anything...

- Mmm.

(crowd cheering on radio)

Swing, batter, come on swing. Swing on that one,

it was right down the pipe. Come on!

Once, guys!

- Okay.

Oh.

(quirky music)

Okay, it could be worse.

Maybe not.

(upbeat music playing)

Oh, no.

This is like hoarder reality TV.

Hello?

Anyone there?

(high pitched beeping) Oh!

(tense music)

Oh, my God. You are the worst chef in town.

- Yeah. Nice to see you too.

What are you even doing here?

You stalking me? - What?! No. No, no. No!

- 'Cause it kinda seems like you're stalking me.

- Who would want to stalk the worst-dressed guy in a bar?

Hmm. - And she's back to the insults.

- No, I'm not. I...

(sighing) Listen, can we start over?

I really just came here to get some food.

- Okay. Take a seat.

- Thank you.

- I'll be right back.

- Okay.

So, where is the menu?

- There isn't one.

Joe's every meal is tailor-made to each customer since 1982.

- Then uh, what's this?

- We're out of ingredients and this was going to be my lunch.

- Remind me what kind of cuisine you cook?

- It's whatever I feel like.

- And this is what you felt like cooking today?

- Hey, I'm sensing a little bit of skepticism here.

- No, no. No, I mean, it looks like food.

- So, take a bite then.

- I will.

- Hmm. Your fork's not moving.

(suspenseful music)

- Okay...

Here I go.

Mmm. This, what is this?

Did you put pesto in this?

- It really complements the soy sauce and anchovies, right?

And the freeze-dried squid gives it that crunch.

- This shouldn't taste this good. This makes no sense.

Who taught you how to cook?

- Name's above the door.

- So you're not...

- Joe Paretti Jr. This place was originally my old man's.

- Hmm.

Emma Kane.

- So Emma Kane, still think I'm the worst chef in the city?

(giggling)

(mellow music playing)

- So, how much do I owe you? - Forget about it.

It's nice to cook for someone who actually enjoys it.

- Are you sure you can afford to be giving out free meal?

- Just late filing taxes this year.

- Only this year?

- All right, fine. Your bill comes to $62,500,

payable to the great State of Washington.

Thank you and come again.

- Seriously, Joe. What if I could help you?

- Not this again. Are you with that slime ball real estate developer?

Because I ain't selling. - No, no, no. I'm a chef.

- Get out of here? What at the place with the star or whatever.

- Yes, at the place with the star.

And I'm telling you, you have real potential.

Sure, you're a little rough around the edges but

I promised that I can turn you and this restaurant around in two weeks.

- Look, I appreciate the offer

but we Parettis are a proud people.

And this is a family business.

It's all I got left of my dad and it's how I support my mom.

- With what money?

- I've got regular customers.

- Look, this is your last chance to save your family legacy.

And take it or leave it. 'Cause if I go, I mean, I'm gone.

You know?

Okay, well...

Thanks for a lovely meal.

What did I just do? What did I just do?

Oh, Emma Kane, you're so smart. You just give him an ultimatum.

What could possibly go wrong?

What could go wrong? You're a genius.

It's the best line you've ever had.

- Emma?

- Hey, what's up?

- You really think we can turn this place around in two weeks?

- I really do.

- Okay then.

- Okay then, so, we're doing this?

(both): We're doing this.

- Yes! Oh, my gosh, okay. You won't regret it. Joe...

- Paretti. - Paretti!

You won't regret it, I promise. We're gonna do it!

Okay, I'll talk to you soon. Okay, bye, bye.

(playful music)

(upbeat music)

- No, trust me. My mom forced me to compete in pageants

until I was 15. And this is some Pageant Girl 101.

If you want to win, you gotta make sure everyone else loses.

- I'm not sure I'm following.

- Think about it. Bet or no bet,

you gotta make sure that Vivian sees no other choice

but to give you that promotion.

That means getting rid of the competition.

(scoffing) You gotta get inside Jacques's head and sabotage him.

- You just want to see what's underneath that hat.

(laughing) - Well, is it died roots?

A bald spot? A rat giving instructions?

We just don't know.

- Coaster!

- Seriously, though.

I'll try to trip up Jacques and you focus on turning around

Joe's slop shack or whatever it's called.

- I'm very glad that you're on my side. Speaking of that slop shack...

What do you think? - Mm. Oh, he is handsome.

- Stay focused. (giggling)

- Founded in 1984, blah, blah, blah...

Oh, wait, hold on. This place got some really good press back in the day.

- Yeah. - Well, what happened?

- Well, I don't know. The reviews take a nosedive

in 2017. They say it's disorganized, unclean, erratic.

(solemn music)

Oh, no. Joe happened.

- So, it's the girl from Café D'or

and she's not stalking you? - I don't think so.

- Dude, that is awesome! Fate has something in store for you, Joe Paretti.

So what's the deal, is she gonna be like part-owner or what?

- She just wants to help out, you know?

Thinks I'm a diamond in the rough and that I got real potential.

- Like a My Fair Lady situation?

- What's with all the Audrey Hepburn references?

- I don't know, I like Audrey Hepburn, man.

But I'm just happy for you.

You know, I wish someone would walk into my life like that.

(laughing) - Can you believe these things?

You can eat this, right? - It's a dragon fruit, Joe.

- Okay, Harry Potter. So, how's the dating situation?

- Not great but I downloaded some apps.

- Okay, that's good. You know, you swipe up, you swipe down,

left, right. All around.

- You've got no idea what you're talking about, do you?

- Not a clue. I will take two of these.

- All right, well, you are lucky you get a discount here.

- I agree. Thank you. Yes. Good day.

- See you tomorrow, Joe. - See you tomorrow.

(cell phone ringing)

- Sarah?

(Sarah): Just checking Jacques can't fire me, can he?

- No. He's hot kitchen, you're pastry. Why?

(Sarah): Because I'm about to wage some serious

psychological warfare on your behalf.

- Wait, warfare? What do you mean, warfare?

- Okay, gotta go. - No, Sarah! Wait, what...

(sighing)

- Emma?

Ready for your first day at Joe's?

- Let's do this.

Thank you.

(quirky music)

- All right, buddy. Let's see what you're hiding underneath that hat.

(with a New York accent): Hey! I'm working here!

(tense music) Je n'y crois pas!

- You are frickin' kidding me.

He's faking that accent.

- We got everything we need. We got onion, peppers, chilies.

I don't even know what this spikey thing is but we've got it.

What? Show a little excitement.

- I'm not excited, Joe.

You don't think we can really cook in this kitchen, do you?

- Yeah. What's wrong with it?

- It's a mess! There are boxes everywhere...

- It's called, organization... - The pans are caked with grease...

- I don't know who this guy is but he's giving me the creeps.

- Hey, that's my culinary idol. - He's a baseball player.

- His name's Goose Ellington and he changed the game forever.

- Okay, fine. Whatever. Listen, cooking is an exact science

and the kitchen is our laboratory

and it really, really needs to be clean.

- Okay, fine. I'll buy a mop. Happy?

(laughing) Okay, okay. We'll clean up.

- Okay.

♪ I took a trip across the sea ♪

♪ To find somewhere for you and me ♪

♪ I wonder what it is you'll say ♪

♪ When your smile outshines the brightest light of day ♪

♪ Mm mm mm mm mm ♪

♪ Oh tomorrow ♪

♪ When I finally find that peace of mind I seek ♪

♪ No more loneliness for me ♪

♪ I'm coming home so I can breathe ♪

♪ Finally breathe ♪

♪ And feel the light ♪

♪ You bring ♪

♪ Yeah ♪

♪ Sha la la la la la la la ♪

♪ Sha la la la la la la la ♪

♪ Mm mm mm mm mm ♪

♪ Brought back some sunshine of my own ♪

♪ I'll pick you up and take you home ♪

♪ Pick up my uke and sing and play ♪

♪ So I can see your smile outshine the light of day ♪

♪ Yeah ♪

♪ 'Cause your smile outshines the brightest light of day ♪

♪ Brightest light of day ♪

♪ Mm mm mm mm mm ♪

- Wow! It looks bright in here. You did such a good job!

- Well, you did help, when you weren't mourning the loss of your pickles.

Well, I'm out.

- I thought we were gonna finally start cooking.

- No. I have plans and I hate being late, so bye!

(mysterious music)

- That was a close one, little guy.

(exhaling deeply)

(soft jazz music)

- I literally cleaned for the last nine hours

and he fought me every step of the way.

It's like he's emotionally attached to his garbage.

- But in his defence, you are weirdly intense about cleaning.

- I watched a grown man cry when I threw out a jar of pickles, Sarah.

I can't do it. There's no way I'm gonna win this bet.

- What if I said, you didn't have to?

- Wait. You have dirt on Jacques?

- Enough to bury him.

(gasping) - Okay.

- Get this. Mr. French, isn't even French at all.

That accent is fake.

- Wait! That's insane. Are you sure?

- Oh, I'm sure. I tried to take his stupid hat

and he went full Al Pacino on me.

- That lying little snake.

- Yeah. But think about it.

If I can get proof that Jacques is faking his accent,

Vivian is definitely not giving him that job.

- We're gonna Pageant Girl him, aren't we?

- Oh, we're gonna Pageant Girl him so hard.

- I'm so excited.

(laughing)

(mellow music)

(door bells chiming)

- Hey, buddy.

I was wondering if I could return this dragon fruit.

I cut one open last night.

Not as tasty as they look.

- Did you at least bring me the receipt,

so I don't have to weigh it back up again?

- Yeah. Of course. It's uh...

somewhere in here.

Ah.

Yup.

- Really?

(door bells chiming)

- You all right, buddy?

(tender music)

Why don't you just go over there and talk to her?

- Are you crazy? She's way out of my league.

- So. Pretend you're Cary Grant from one of those movies you like.

- No. I don't have the jawline or the charisma.

(whispering) She's coming this way.

- Look at the time, gotta go Manny.

- Joe...

- Hi. I was just wondering if you carry any organic papaya.

Great. I'm Céline, nice to meet you.

And you are...?

- Manny. Manny Magaña.

- So, you think you can help me out?

I'm trying to make this summery salad for my aunt.

And let's just say, she's not easily pleased.

- Well, that's because she's never had a Red Lady Papaya.

- Okay. I'm liking the sound of this.

- If you follow me right this way.

(chuckling)

- So, this is what I was thinking.

The restaurant been closed... - Whoa! Who said it was closed?

- Well, it was a dump, no one worked here

and certainly no one ate here, so...

- I keep telling you, I got like six regular customers.

- Okay. Sure. Anyways,

what I was thinking is that we do a grand reopening.

We can also arrange for a critic to be here on the day.

But before we do all that, we really need to polish up your theory.

- My theory? What theory? It's food.

- Yes. And it's complicated.

Can you even name the five basic flavour profiles?

- Yeah, sure. You got sweet, sour,

salty, bitter and...

soy sauce? - I think you mean umami.

- Okay, whatever. Look, I'm not very good with theory and stuff.

I didn't learn to hit a baseball by reading a book.

I just step up to the plate and take a swing.

Come on coach. Please.

- Fine. We'll start with the practical then.

Follow me.

So, we're going to be cooking a classic French staple.

Ratatouille over a tomato paprika sauce.

It'll give you all the basic insights into French cooking,

while also requiring you to be... - More refined.

- Less you.

So, first, we're going to do a chiffonade cut.

So, you're gonna grab your herbs and stack them on top of each other.

Biggest leaves on the bottom. - Mm-hmm.

- And then, we're going to almost roll them

so they're in one solid bundle. - Mm-hmm.

- And then, we chop.

How's it going over there, slugger?

- Oh, I'm doing just fine, thank you.

- Okay.

- Now we need to prepare the tomatoes.

In order to get a nice smooth sauce,

we need to first remove the skins.

Which means, blanching the tomatoes, obviously.

So, we let them boil just for half a minute and then we take them out.

Now, we're going to gently peel back the skin on each one.

What happened?

- Yeah, you know that part where you said to be gentle?

Yeah, I didn't do that.

Are you gonna use all tomatoes?

- Then we add a garnish... et voila!

- I don't think mine looks right.

- Right? A starving French peasant wouldn't even eat that.

- Hey, I followed your instructions.

- Did you, though? - Well, maybe if you didn't

lecture me like I was in school...

- Well, tough. Because you're here to learn.

So, you'd better bring your A game tomorrow.

- Wow, you really laid it on thick with him.

- I'm so over this. Can we just sabotage Jacques already?

- I'm working on it.

(groaning)

- Chocolate?

- Ooh, did you steal that from work?

(chuckling) - So, you got a tough student.

What are you going to do about it?

- I don't know. The more I try to teach him, the less he wants to learn.

- So, just pretend to be his bro.

- What do you mean?

- Emma, guys are simple.

They just want to know that you can chill, speak their language.

Get on the same level as them.

If you want Joe to actually listen to you...

- I have to become his bro.

That's smart. Well done.

(giggling)

(upbeat music)

- Ready to cook?

- I was thinking we could take the lessons outside the kitchen today?

Like a school field trip maybe?

- I already graduated.

- Why do you have to be so immature?

Bro.

- Okay, bro. What's the field trip?

- We're going to a museum.

- Yeah, I think I'm good. - No, no, no, no.

We're using the buddy system. So, we're going together.

- Jacket. - It's allowed, okay. Let's go.

(birds chirping)

- Hey, I love museums as much as the next guy...

- Somehow I doubt that.

- Okay, but maybe I don't get the point of having

a museum dedicated to food. - Mm.

- You know what a museum for food is called?

- Okay. - A kitchen.

- Right. Well, let's do a little exercise.

Take a look at this exhibit and tell me what you see.

- I see blue corn and dolls.

What?

- You really don't get it do you?

Did you know that the Indigenous people of the Americas

cultivated corn over 7000 years ago?

And not just the one lame variety that we eat today

but hundreds, thousands more.

They used the corn husks to make dolls for their children

and when someone got married,

some nations would make a ceremonial cake out of corn.

These are the three sisters. Corns, beans and squash.

They would plant all three right next to each other.

The tall corn stalks would be perfect for the beans to grow over,

while the squash leaves would trap moisture in the soil

and the beans would replenish nutrients.

I mean, it was genius, truly.

And that's the incredible thing about food.

It's not just about what's on your plate, it's history.

It's a celebration of different peoples and cultures.

It's... beautiful.

- Yeah, it is beautiful.

- What?

- I don't know, I just...

never thought about food that way.

- Oh, well, that's because you grew up learning to cook in a kitchen.

For me it started in museums and libraries.

No joke! I'd run to the library after school

and take out any cookbook I could find.

- Get out of here. What, like, Joy of Cooking?

(chuckling) - Yes. Joy of Cooking,

Better Homes New Cookbook. Anything by Julia Child.

I just loved looking at them.

You know, the pictures and the ingredients lists.

Every page had a recipe for happiness.

And I just had to follow the steps.

(cell phone ringing)

Oh. Hold on, just a sec.

- Yeah, for sure. - Sarah? What's going on?

(Sarah): Operation Sabotage.

I've got a voice recorder on.

Let's see if I can trip up Jacques. You want to listen in?

- Okay, just uh... make it quick.

(blender whirring)

- Hey, Jacques. Sorry about the whole hat thing the other day.

- Pas de problème, Sarah.

- You and I never chat. Like, whereabouts in France are you even from?

- Paris. - What neighbourhood?

- Ninth arrondissement. - What street?

- Rue Clauzel.

- What's the population of Paris?

- 2,165,423 people, according to the latest census.

(dramatic music) Is that your phone?

You're not supposed to have your phone in the kitchen!

- Abort! Abort! Abort!

- Sarah? Sarah, wha...

(phone beeping)

Sorry, I just had to take that.

- Hey, uh, I've got an idea. Come on.

- Oh. Where are we going? - I'm gonna show you

where I fist fell in love with cooking.

- Okay. Sounds good.

- Okay.

(mellow music)

(indistinct chattering)

(laughing)

Corn dogs?

So, you bring me to the bay. - Mm-hmm.

- To tell me where you found your love of cooking.

And it's not freshly caught seafood, it's corn dogs?

- Hey, don't knock'em till you try'em.

These aren't your average corn dogs.

- Uh-huh. - They're Korean.

- Here, watch.

- Mm.

Okay, these are amazing.

- Right? - Mm-hmm.

- They use panko instead of cornmeal...

- Mm-hmm. - And add chunks of mozzarella into it.

Here try it with the chili mayo.

- Okay.

(crunching)

Why do we even bother eating the regular ones?

- Right? - Mm-hmm.

- No one knows. (chuckling)

- Okay, I'll bite.

What do corn dogs have to do with the Joe Paretti origin story?

(chuckling)

- Honestly? - Mm-hmm.

- Just like this. My dad and I used to go fishing

in the bay but we'd never catch anything big enough to cook.

(chuckling)

So we'd get some food and walk around the beach.

- Mm-hmm. - I remember being, maybe like,

six or seven and just chomping down on the skewer.

Thinking it was the best tasting thing in the world.

(heartfelt music) Looking back,

it was probably the experience, you know. The people.

I miss that guy.

He wasn't perfect but he was a good dad.

What? Do I have something on my face?

- No, nothing. Nothing.

Um, let's make a toast.

To good food and good memories.

- To good food and good memories.

- Tink.

(chuckling)

- I like getting walked home. Makes me feel warm and safe.

Kind of like one of those weighted blankets.

(giggling) - Ah.

Hey, can we be real for a second?

I think you're a really good guy

and I think you have the potential to be a really great chef.

- Why do I feel like there's a "but"?

- But you need to let me help you.

That means, not fighting me every step of the way.

I can be the Coyote Banks to your Goose Ellington.

- Wait, hold up.

Was that an actual, bona fide baseball reference?

- Okay, full disclosure,

I did spend an hour looking them up online,

and I still don't understand their relationship.

- Coyote Banks was the relief pitcher

who'd come on before Goose. He'd pitch a few innings,

and then Goose would get up there and work his magic.

- Okay, well, that's perfect.

Think of me as your Coyote Banks.

Just try to learn something.

- Okay. Then, let me officially welcome you to the team.

- Okay. Um, I will see you tomorrow.

- Tomorrow. - Okay.

- Yes. - Yes.

(chuckling)

You don't get it, Manny.

You get this certain rush when you nail the perfect recipe.

Life is too complicated not to be orderly.

You know who said that?

Martha Stewart.

- You know she's friends with Snoop Dog?

I like to think they have a relationship like ours.

- You got any clarified butter?

Also and I'm Martha or Snoop in your head?

- What's wrong with regular butter?

- It's got like milk proteins in it, so it burns at a lower heat.

(door bells chiming)

You okay, man? You look kinda red.

- Okay, don't look but the girl from the other day

just walked in. What are you doing?

- Why would you point her out if you didn't want me to look?

(whispering) - Stop it! - What?

Why don't you just ask her out already?

- Because maybe she just wants to buy her groceries in peace

without having some random dude hit on her.

- That's a pretty good point.

(cell phone buzzing) Oh.

It's Emma. She's outside the restaurant.

Can I pay for these later? I gotta go.

- Hey, Joe.

- Did he just walk out without paying?

- Yeah, he does that. But how did the Red Lady Papaya go?

Did your aunt like it? - The papaya, yes.

The rest of the salad, though, not so much.

But she's coming over tonight to watch Philadelphia Story, so...

- Oh, with Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn?

It's one of my favourites. - Yeah? Me too.

Anyway, I've gotta make a dinner for her first and she's...

- Incredibly picky? - Exactly.

My family's half Korean and half Chinese,

so we usually end up doing some kind of fusion dish

but I was thinking of mixing it up and doing a veggie lasagna this time.

Really pull out all the stops.

If you can help me pick out some vegetables?

- Yeah, I can help you with that.

These just came in from Spain.

And they're pretty fresh.

(music crescendo)

- Hey, sorry I'm late. I got held up talking to Manny.

- Oh, no. It's totally fine.

It's not like being 4 minutes and 23 seconds late is a big deal.

(quirky music)

No seriously, it's not a big deal.

- Well, if you're stuck out here again,

you can always use the master key.

- Oh. Oh, there's a key under the dead plant. Yeah.

- No, not under it. In it.

- In the dead plant? - Mm-hmm. Smart.

- That makes sense.

Yeah.

Thank you. - After you.

- Okay, now for the great reveal. Let's see.

Pretty good. Let's see how it tastes.

- So what are we thinking?

Eight out of ten? Nine out of ten?

We don't have to rate it.

- How did you manage to chop something that badly?

- Okay so I made one mistake. Big deal.

- Don't tell me you used that ratty old knife?

- Yeah. That's old reliable.

- Joe. Fine cooking is precise cooking

and that knife doesn't allow you to be precise so,

moving forward, you're gonna have to get a better knife.

- Yeah. Not interested.

- Are you serious? It's just a knife

- I don't want to use another knife.

- The grand reopening is just in a week.

And there's no possible way you can use that. I mean, it's falling apart.

- I heard you and I said, no.

(tense music)

- Joe. Give me that knife. - Never.

- Don't make me take it away from you.

- You want to take it, you're gonna have to pry it

from my cold, dead hands. - This is literally insane.

- It's okay, buddy. She's not gonna take you away.

Is she?

- Fine. Have it your way.

- I'm just trying to have some fun.

We can have fun.

- It's like a dog with a bone. He won't let me touch the knife

and he certainly won't let me take the knife away.

Sarah, what's wrong? - Nothing's wrong.

Except for the fact that Jacques never drops his act, not even for a second.

And I just wanted an easy win tonight

but this caramel ganache refuses to come together.

- Okay, well, maybe we improvise.

What about some peanut butter and salt? Maybe try that.

- That's not in the recipe.

You never deviate from the recipe.

- Oh, my gosh. - Oh, my gosh.

- No, don't say it. - So, Joe's rubbing off on you.

- Do not say that. I'm the one teaching him.

- Seems like he's rubbing off on you.

- Can you just help me with this knife thing?

- Okay. Maybe talk to Joe's mom.

She might have some insight. - Okay but how would I do that?

Oh, no, don't say it, Sarah.

- Meet the family.

- Yeah. Okay, you might be right.

Let's try it.

That is really good.

(joyful music)

- So, in order for you to help me become a better chef...

- I need a better idea of where you came from.

- Which means, Sunday dinner with my mom.

- Exactly. - Yeah, I still don't get it.

- Well, too bad because we're here.

- That's not my house.

- Joe, the mailbox literally has your name on it.

(chuckling) - That's weird.

- Okay, let's do this. - Okay, wait, wait, wait. Wait, wait.

- Uh-huh. - Before we go in there,

I just want to warn you, my family's kind of a lot.

- Okay. - Once the cops had to come

and break up a family board game night.

- That is a disturbing bit of trivia but trust me,

it's gonna be fine. - Okay, I trust you.

- Okay, good.

- Hi, honey.

And you must be Emma. Oh, my goodness, just look at you.

- Hi, Mrs. Paretti. - Please, it's Lorraine.

Come here you little thing. - Wow, yeah.

- What's up, loser?

- Oh, I thought we were just having dinner with your mom?

- Nope. Emma, this is my cousin, Alex. Ignore everything he says.

- She is way out of your league.

- Okay. One, she's my co-worker,

and two, she's not out of my league.

- Hey, I'm just sayin'. You wore the same pair

of sweatpants for two months. - Wait, what?

- Are we talking about the sweatpants again, Joey?

- Oh, there's more.

- I remember it like it was just yesterday.

It was the summer of '04.

And the sweatpants started as a distinctive shade of light grey...

- Uncle Paul, we really don't need to hear this story.

- He was walking down main street when they first ripped.

- Mom, do you need help in the kitchen?

Let's go to the kitchen, okay?

- Hey, Joe? Joe?

- You're dead meat.

- Come on, I'll show you the back yard.

- Okay.

(birds chirping)

So, what's this?

- You don't want to get involved, Emma.

That's the great bocce ball rivalry.

Two dummies, equally lacking in brains,

duking it out every Sunday.

- And yet, one dummy reigns supreme.

21 games to nine.

- And you're trying to hit that white ball right there?

- The pallino. - Ah.

- There's a little bit more strategy to it. I mean, just...

- Seems easy enough.

- Looks like we got ourselves a game.

- Okay, let's go.

(playful music)

- I haven't heard from you much. You've been busy this week?

- Yeah, sorry. It's just,

I got a lot to learn but Emma's been a really good teacher.

- So, it's going well? You're happy?

- Yeah. Yeah, it's going really well.

- It's so good to see you smiling again.

- Score's tied two, two.

Next point wins.

- I don't care what he said,

I think you're pretty good at this.

- Don't listen to him, Emma.

He's trying to get inside your head.

- Seriously, it's been a good game.

- Ah, you punk!

- And that puts me in the lead!

(chuckling)

- Ha-ha! In your face Alex! In your face!

Ooh, I think your crown is on my head!

(mockingly) Your crown is on my head.

- Emma. - Hi.

- Hi. - Hello.

- How are you? - I am great.

- Great? - Yes.

- Uh, my Mom's wondering if you want to help her in the kitchen.

- Oh, sure, yes. I will be right there.

(chuckling)

- Thank you so much.

- I heard you lost again.

(indistinct chattering)

- Honey, have you ever made pasta dough before?

- Not in a really long time.

- Do you mind finishing up the kneading for me?

- Oh, yeah. I can figure that out.

Um, hey, Lorraine, can I ask you something about Joe?

- Of course, sweetie.

- He's got this really old,

really beaten up knife that he refuses to get rid of.

- Old reliable. - Oh, you know it.

- Of course I do.

Joe got that knife when he was 16 from his dad.

Now he was happy to get it, excited.

But it wasn't until his dad died a few years ago

that he really got attached to it.

- How did he, you know?

- Poor man had a stroke.

One day perfectly healthy and the next day in the hospital.

Joe took it real hard when he passed.

He got obsessed with the idea of keeping the restaurant open

and doing things the exact same way his father had done them.

But Joe Sr., bless his heart,

always had help running the place.

But Joey's too proud for all of that.

Until you.

- I'm so sorry, I didn't know about any of that. His dad or...

- I can see why Joey likes you.

You're strong and sweet like a good balsamic.

(laughing)

Deep down Joey's just a little boy.

And I know if you gave him a new knife as a gift,

it would mean the world to him. And he'd use it.

(thudding) - Oh.

- You two are paying for the next window!

- I am so sorry.

- Oh, honey. Don't you worry about it.

Cooking is like love.

It can be a little messy, you can make mistakes

and you can figure it out along the way.

Now, let's go make another batch.

- Okay.

(gentle music)

(cricket chirping)

- Ah, we always knew Joey here wanted to be a chef.

When he was a kid, he used to skip school all the time.

- Like playing hookey? - All the time!

The Vice principle called me so often

we actually became really good friends.

- And every time, without fail,

Lorraine would find him hiding out in the back of the restaurant.

Watching his dad at work.

- We were never mad at him, his father and me.

We always knew Joey was destined for the kitchen.

And when you know, you know.

(tender music)

- What about you, Emma? When did you know?

- Um, high school, I guess.

- I called dibs and you know it.

- No dibs at dinner. Standard rules. I got there first.

- Boys, behave!

(tense music)

- Sit down! Both of you.

Your mother's worked hard on this meal.

(both): Sorry, Emma.

- It's like she's one of the family.

To Emma.

(all): To Emma.

- Okay. (laughing)

(crickets chirping)

(gentle music)

- This is my favourite spot of the house.

- I mean, it's so cute. Look at this pond.

- Yeah, I actually used to try to fish in there if you can believe it.

- Oh, wow. Let me guess, you didn't catch a thing?

- Not even a tadpole.

(giggling)

I was pretty upset,

so, my dad got me this dinky little telescope.

- Mm-hmm. - I was obsessed with space.

And we set it up right out here.

- I bet the views were incredible.

- Oh, no, awful. Yeah, apparently

all the suburban light pollution makes stargazing impossible here.

- That makes sense.

- But even if we couldn't see anything,

we'd still come up here most nights.

Open up a root beer and...

enjoy the fresh night air together.

I miss that.

(heartfelt music)

You okay?

- Yeah. Yeah. No, it's just been a really nice night.

Just chatting and sitting with your family, it's just...

Mm. Mm-mm.

Bubbles up my nose.

(laughing) - You okay?

- Yeah.

- You don't really talk about your family.

- Yeah. Maybe because I don't have anything good to say.

My parents fought a lot.

We wouldn't sit around the table together.

No one even cooked, really.

We just kind of ate whatever came out of the freezer.

- That's why you were checking out cookbooks

from the library when you were little. Yeah.

- Cooking was the first thing I ever felt in control over in my life.

So, yeah, that's probably why I'm a messed up control freak.

Thanks Mom and Dad.

Hmm.

Sorry, I just made this weird. I didn't want to...

- No, no. - Dump that on you.

- No need to apologize.

I think you're one of the most impressive people I know.

So what if your family's lousy?

If you're ever hungry, if you're ever lonely,

you can just come over here.

No, I'm serious.

There's always a chair for you at our table.

- Thanks, Joe.

- But you could be a little less controlling.

- Oh. (laughing)

Drink your root beer, Sir.

(laughing)

(soft jazz music)

- Hey.

Mrs. Campbell Patrick?

- Ah, well, if it isn't Eliza Dolittle.

- It's Emma, actually.

- Yes, I supposed that reference was a bit too highbrow for you.

So, Emma, to what do I owe the pleasure?

- Well, I was just wondering... - Oh, I did not say to sit down.

- Oh, yes, yes. Of course. Whoa, of course.

I was just wondering if I could ask you a favour.

- Well, you've already done that, dear.

- Yes, yes! And I'm very grateful.

It's just that Joe's restaurant is reopening in less than a week

and I was wondering if I could bring him in for prep tomorrow.

Just to give him some real kitchen experience?

- Why would I ever do that?

- You're a high roller.

Aren't you curious to see what you're betting against?

- Tomorrow then.

- Great. Awesome. Thank you, Mrs. Campbell Patrick.

I'm just going to say hello to everyone in the kitchen

and then I'll be on my way. Thank you, thank you.

(playful music)

(dishes clattering)

Hey. Thought I would find you here.

- Oh, good. It's just you. Ah, how was the weekend?

- Oh, it was good. Like really good.

I think we're finally starting to understand each other.

Um, hi. Sarah? What's going on?

- Oh, if Jacques is not going to drop his fake accent,

we gotta trip him up some other way.

- Okay. Cool. Um, whatever you're planning, Sarah.

We really don't need to do it. We don't need to do it!

Okay. See you tomorrow.

- Jacques, hi. I wanted to apologize

for grilling you the other day. Really not cool of me, I know.

- It is not a problem.

- I know you must be missing Paris so much so I had the boys

whip you up a little something.

They're frog legs.

I heard the French each 80 million pairs of these bad boys a year.

Which is disgusting but that's France for you.

Am I right?

Jacques, whatever could be the problem?

(suspenseful music)

- Are you recording me again?

- No, never.

That's for quality assurance purposes.

- Écoute, ma chérie.

In less than a week, I will be the boss of this kitchen.

And if I have to, I will make serious changes

to the relevant teams. Including pastries.

- Well, you're never getting that job.

Emma made a bet with Vivian.

And if she can turn around Joe's restaurant,

then she becomes top dog around here.

And then it's bon voyage for you, casse-toi.

(with New York accent): Then I better show you

how ruthless a New Yorker can be. Hmm.

(mysterious music)

- Here we go.

- Hungarian paprika. - Good. And...

This one.

- Chocolate with...

- Uh-huh. - Tonka bean.

- Perfect! And finally...

- Oh, man! That's spicy!

Rose harissa, that's rose harissa.

- All right. I think you're ready.

- Ready for what?

- I've arranged for you to work at the Café d'Or tomorrow.

It's the best way to polish your skills. You up for it?

- Are you kidding me? I was b...

(coughing)

It's stuck in the back of my throat.

- Water. Water, more water. Yeah.

(giggling)

(groaning)

(upbeat music)

(door bells chiming)

(whistling) - Joe Paretti, cleaning up.

What's the occasion, my friend?

- Emma arranged for me to work at the Café D'or.

So, I'm going to rock up there

and dazzle her with my cooking skills.

- And good looks. (chuckling)

I knew it! You are trying to impress her.

- What? No. I just want to look good for once.

What's so weird about that?

- You once wore the same pair of sweatpants for three months.

- Why do people keep bringing up the sweatpants?

Oh, don't give me that look.

What about you and your vegetable girl?

Have you asked her out yet? - First of all, her name's Céline.

And we share an intellectual bond.

- You haven't asked her, have you?

- It's not that easy, man. I want to. I really do.

And I have this picture perfect image in my head of how I do it.

Where I'm all smooth and witty, like a young Clark Gable.

But then, I open my eyes and I'm...

I don't know, I'm just none of that. I'm just... Manny.

- Look, Manny. I don't know Céline,

but from where I'm standing, you're more than enough.

And you got to believe that.

- You still have to pay for that.

- Want a bite?

- Okay, you have everything? - Yes.

- Oh, no, no, no. What about the spare socks?

'Cause anything can happen. - Spills happen. I know.

- Good, good. Oh, and I like the hair. You seem serious about the job.

(giggling) Oh, and one more thing.

- Oh, cool. What is it like a tie or something?

- Just open it.

(tender music)

- More reliable.

- It's just a stupid joke

and I know your other knife is really important to you,

so, I had a nice mount made back at the restaurant.

Just to make it like a keepsake.

- Emma, I, I love it. - Really?

Come on, done up.

- How can you cook in this many layers?

- Just relax and stop playing with your uniform.

- I am relaxed.

And it's just prep. - Yes, just prep.

(upbeat music)

- Hi.

- Can't talk. Full of rage. - Why, what's happening?

- Jacques. He threatened me after that frog stunt.

He said he'll fire me if I continue to mess with him

once he becomes executive chef. - If he's executive chef.

- See, he's already gotten inside my head.

- Sarah, stop. Just stop.

- I'm sorry, Emma. I really wanted to help you.

- Hey, you're my best friend.

You've always been there for me. It's okay, really.

Besides, I think I can actually win this bet.

Joe is a crazy talented chef. - Um, you sure?

'Cause it kind of looks like he's in a sports drink commercial.

(quirky music)

(sizzling)

- Hey. How's it going?

- I can't do this. I'm getting killed here.

- Okay, okay. Deep breath.

(exhaling deeply)

Right. Now how's it going?

- I don't know, I feel like I don't belong here.

- What do you mean, you don't belong here?

No, no, no, no. Look, eyes on me.

Are you with me? - Mm-hmm.

- You are Joe, middle name, Paretti.

- It's actually Paul. - Joe Paul Paretti. Yeah.

You grew up in the kitchen, learning how to cook from your dad.

One of the best cooks you've ever known. - Mm-hmm.

- So, don't tell me you're scared or you can't do it

because you can. I know you can.

You can do this sauce, boss.

You can do that. And take off this stupid jacket.

- I thought it was part of the uniform?

- Yeah but you're Joe Paretti, your uniform is a T-shirt.

(gentle music)

Take it off. Get it off. Let's go, let's go.

- Okay.

- Good, good. Yes, there we go.

- Let's show'em. - Let's go.

- I can do it. - Yes!

Yes! There it is. That's it.

Nice. Oh, yeah.

(playful music)

- It should be very interesting. Oh, Emma, dear, come over here.

Emma, this is Ginny Neu the food critic

who will be reviewing your efforts this weekend.

- Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you.

- We have not been properly introduced.

- Sorry, I'm just temping for the day. I'm Joe. Emma's friend.

The sauce boss.

Okay, not into handshakes, cool.

- Joe, do you know what this is?

- Um, bechamel sauce.

(tense music)

- It is separated.

- I don't know about that. Tastes pretty good to me, pal.

- In a real kitchen, there are rules. How you say, a hierarchy?

When a sous-chef, moi tells a commis chef, vous,

that a dish is separated,

there should only two words that come out of your mouth,

"Yes, chef." D'accord?

- Yes. Chef. - Bon. Now, make it again.

(Jacques chuckling)

There are chefs and then there are chefs, huh. He is neither.

But what do you expect when he learned from the worst chef here.

(laughing)

- Okay, that's it.

- Now, I've just heard from Vivian that you've entered

into quite the little wager. - Well, desperate times.

- Of course. But while you're no doubt, highly skilled,

can anyone turn a one-star grease pit

into a fine dining experience? - Maybe not alone.

But I'm lucky that the restaurant's talented owner, Joe Paretti is working with me.

- Oh, please, I've read the reviews. He sounds like a boorish man.

- Well, I wouldn't be so sure. People can surprise you.

(clattering, banging)

Um, I'm just... I'll just be... just one second. One second.

(kitchen staff): Fight! Fight! Fight!

- You're toast, buddy. - It's pain, you moron.

- I know it's a pun.

- What's wrong with you two?

- Emma. I know this looks bad but I just want to say,

he started it. - He threw the celery at me.

- Don't care! Give me those. This is a kitchen,

not a boxing ring. Everyone get back to work!

- Your great teacher is no friend of yours, hmm.

She's only trying to win a bet.

- We need a word, there, now.

What were you even thinking? You're here as a guest.

As my guest. Do you know how this makes me look?!

- He was insulting you, what was I supposed to do, just ignore him?

- Yes! Just ignore him. Why do I even have to explain that to you?

Your restaurant reopens in three days.

Are you trying to sabotage us? - Sabotage us?

Why don't you tell me what you got on the line?

Is it your family business on the line?

- Joe, I didn't mean it like that.

- Or do you have some kind of bet?

(sighing)

(solemn music) - Okay. You're upset.

And I owe you an explanation.

I made a bet with my boss

that if I could turn around the worst restaurant in the city,

I would get promoted to executive chef.

- So, all that stuff that you said about believing in me,

about wanting to save the restaurant, was any of that even true?

- Yes, of course. You have to believe me, Joe.

I meant every word I said.

- Except for when you lied.

You know when my dad died...

I thought I'd spend the rest of my life alone in that restaurant.

That I'd be doomed to wake up and go to work every day

and just watch the last thing that I have from my old man

just... slip away.

And then you came along.

And you weren't just a life line. You were so bright.

So stupidly bright that

all the darkness just went away.

And I began to think that I could actually do this.

That I could actually be something...

if I had you there with me. - Joe.

- I wish I never met you, Emma.

(melancholy music)

- Please don't go.

(soft music)

- Did something happen between you and Emma?

- She was using me, Manny.

She had this whole bet with her boss

that she could turn around the worst restaurant in the city.

- Your restaurant is the worst restaurant in the city.

- That's not the point.

She lied to me just to get a promotion at work.

- Joe, come here for a second.

Just a little bit more. Tiny bit more.

- I don't like this. - Snap out of it, man!

- What was that for? - For being an idiot.

So what if Emma gets something out of all of this.

Even Gordon Ramsay gets paid for Kitchen Nightmares.

She made you a better person and a better chef.

And she clearly cares about you more than just a friend.

So don't be stupid. Go, and get her back.

- Get her back?

Get her back?

- Joe, you're doing the crazy eyes.

- That's your problem, Manny. You think life is a movie.

But you're not Cary Grant, you're not Clark Gable.

You're just some dude who's scared to ask out the girl he likes

because he's scared to find out love isn't picture perfect.

So, don't stand there and give me relationship advice

because you don't get it. And you never did.

- You don't mean that.

- It's time to grow up, man.

I'm gonna sell the restaurant to that real estate developer.

If I want to provide for my mom, that's what I gotta do.

I'm done, man. I'm just...

I'm done.

- Yeah. Well, I believe in you, Joe.

And I'm gonna be at opening day tomorrow

whether you want me to or not.

You still have to pay for that!

(soft rock music)

(tearfully) - Joe.

Please, can we talk about this? It's just...

(line beeps)

Please don't push me away.

(♪)

- Oh, well, this is a surprise.

Wasn't that burger stand having its grand reopening today?

- I don't know. Joe won't talk to me.

- Well, that means I've won our little bet.

By the end of the day, you'll be demoted to commis chef

and Joe will have the honour of getting the lowest score

that Ginny's ever given.

Oh, come now, dear.

There's no fun in gloating if you're not gonna fight back.

- Why would I fight back?

I hurt him. I deserve this.

Um, I'm gonna put myself on the brunch shift,

if that's okay.

- By all means. Go ahead.

- Mademoiselle Kane. What is this?

- It's steak au poivre. - I know what it is.

But why did you not follow the recipe?

- Well, we ran out of brandy so I had to think on my feet.

- No! There are no mistakes in this kitchen.

You either follow the recipe or you start over!

Now, throw this away and make it again!

(sullen music)

- Hey, what's going on? Why are you just standing there like that?

- I think I'm having a breakdown.

- Honey, put the dish down.

- No, I should throw it out.

- Put it down.

Now tell me, what's really wrong?

- It's Joe. He found out about the bet.

He won't talk to me. I messed up. I really messed up.

- So what if you messed up?

Emma, you don't always have to make everything perfect.

Life isn't perfect. People aren't perfect.

It's okay to make mistakes. That's normal.

- Wait. Love can be like cooking.

- Um, sure, I guess. - Yes, yes! Sarah, love can be like cooking.

It can be messy and you can make mistakes

and figure it out along the way!

You're right. Take my service.

- What are you gonna do? - I'm gonna fix this.

(lighthearted music)

- Emma! Where is the new order?

- Make it yourself, Jacques.

- You can't walk out in the middle of a shift!

- You're right. I quit! Bon courage!

- Mon Dieu.

(indistinct chatter)

- Emma, dear. Where are you off to?

- I'm going to get Joe that five-star review.

- Oh, you're still aiming for that promotion, I see.

- Oh, no. No, no. It's not for me. And the bet's off.

Oh! I almost forgot. I quit!

(chuckling)

- Well done, Emma.

- Did you just get told off in front of the whole kitchen?

Comment dit-on en français...

So embarrassing.

(with New York accent): You better watch yourself,

Sarah. Because with Emma gone, I'm your new boss.

And I'm gonna make your life a living h...

- Jacques!

(tense music)

I was about to congratulate you on the job,

seeing as Emma just quit. I now see,

I need to replace two chefs in this kitchen.

- Mademoiselle, s'il vous plaît...

- Please. This is a restaurant, not some off-Broadway theatre.

Take your fake French accent and leave.

- Je n'y crois pas.

- Joe, come on. Open up.

Since when do you go anywhere?

Okay. Where are you?

Where... are you?

I'll deal with this later.

Okay.

(somber music)

If you won't save this restaurant, I will.

Uh. Sure, fennel, zucchini. Great. Um...

Knife. Knife, knife, knife. Knife, knife...

(tense music)

Let's do this Goose.

(fast paced music) Oh, God.

(clanking)

Hello.

- I figured it was you who broke in.

- I'll repot it I promise.

- Don't bother, they're dead.

(sighing)

(somber music)

- Looking for these?

- Give me those. - No.

- Emma, I need those papers.

- No! I won't let you sell this restaurant.

(sighing) I'm sorry, Joe.

I'm sorry that I lied to you.

I'm sorry that I disappointed you,

I hurt you.

I'm not perfect.

I'm just a person and I make mistakes.

And I want to better. I want to change.

And you need to believe me.

Because I'm not giving up.

Not on this restaurant...

And not on us.

- I don't know if people can change that easily.

- You're wrong.

And I'm gonna prove it.

(suspenseful music) - The pickle...

- Two weeks ago, I would have died before eating this.

- Emma, don't do this.

Your stomach has to build up a very specific immunity

to eat a pickle that old.

We don't want anyone to get hurt...

So why don't you just put the pickle down...

Nice and slow. Okay?

- I'm not afraid of taking risks.

I'm not the person I used to be. - No, no n...

(crunching)

- Emma! (choking)

(grunting)

(laughing)

- Do you believe me now?

(laughing)

(lighthearted music)

- I was the most pigheaded, stubborn person in the world, before I met you.

But you made me a better chef.

And a better person.

And if I can change, anyone can.

So, yeah. I believe you.

- Hey! Here comes the calvary.

- Manny! What are you doing here?

- I told you I would be here for the big day. And I meant it.

- Even after I said all of that stupid stuff?

- When did you being an idiot ever get in the way of us being friends?

(laughing) - You're lucky you have such a good friend, Joey.

He sent a message out to the family group chat

and we all decided to come over and help.

- It's ride or die, cuz.

- Guys, I'm touched, really. But we don't even have a menu.

- Hey, we'll improvise. We'll run the restaurant exactly like your dad did.

No fixed menu. People come in,

we tell them what they're eating.

- You two focus on the kitchen.

Just do what you do best. We'll handle the rest.

- So what do you say, Joe?

We doing this?

- We're doing this! (cheering)

- Okay. We've got two hours. We gotta move.

Let's go, let's go.

(upbeat music)

- Behind. - Got you.

(♪)

(indistinct chatter)

(panting) - We got customers.

Like, a lot of customers. - Oh.

- Okay, we need a waiter. - Hey, man. No one came dressed for that kind of job.

- I have an extra blouse in my bag but it's a woman's small.

- I don't like where this is going.

- Alex, will you be my waiter?

- Get up, man. (laughing)

- Is that a yes? - Yes.

- He said yes! - Yay!

- Also, Manny on front of the house. And Mom and Paul on bar.

- Okay. - You got it, chef.

- Chef. I like it. Okay.

(both): Let's do it!

(upbeat music)

- Sorry, guys. We've got way too many reservations.

- Hey, Joe said there was regulars.

We can just put them in the booth and call it VIP seating.

- Never mind. If you follow my friend right here,

he'll get you seated.

(indistinct chatter)

- Wow, look who it is. The Green Grocer strikes again.

- The Green Grocer? I kinda like it.

It's like the lamest member of the Avengers.

(giggling) But what are you doing here?

And, how'd the lasagna go?

- You can ask my very discerning aunt yourself.

Just be prepared for not the nicest of answers.

- Hello. I'm the food critic. Do we have a table?

- Yes. Yes, you do. Right this way.

(tense music)

I don't know if now is the appropriate time to ask

but do you think I could grab your number?

If you have one.

- My number?

I thought you'd never ask.

Now, we better chase after my aunt.

She'll dock your score if she has to stand longer than 40 seconds.

(lighthearted music)

- No menu?

Please tell me how exactly does that work?

- The idea is simple. You tell us a bit about what you're craving,

along with any dietary requirements and we tell you what you're eating.

- I'll grant you, that's a novel idea

but perhaps a bit too high concept for a place like this.

- I think it's cool, Auntie.

It's like cooking for your family.

They tell you what they feel like and you try to match it.

- Well, let's just hope it's not like your cooking, dear.

(quirky music)

- Uh, so, any dietary restrictions?

- No dietary restrictions for either of us. Thank you.

- I will eat whatever Joe Paretti designs to serve me.

- Okay. That's easy.

- Can I have a Mimosa? Bottomless, please.

(mellow music)

- What is it?

- Don't let the innocent look fool you. She's terrifying.

- Who, the food critic? - Yes, the food critic.

She said she'll eat whatever you two serve her. Just don't mess it up.

- Order up then.

- We got this.

- Hello again, Emma.

And this I presume is the talented, Joe Paretti.

Emma has spoken quite highly of you young man.

- I hope I don't disappoint.

(chuckling) - Go on now.

Tell me what we're eating.

- We're starting with lobster dumplings,

drizzled with a miso and coriander sauce.

- Not exactly a standard flavour combination

and certainly a far cry from the Café d'Or.

- Sometimes, it's good to take risks in the kitchen.

- On that count, we seem to agree.

Now, moving on to the main course.

- You have pan-fried trout, topped with a marrow velouté

and a yuzu gel, alongside a hasselback potato.

- That is a very sophisticated dish.

- I learned from the best.

(chuckling) - I would hope so.

(suspenseful music)

Normally, I don't eat with an audience but I'll admit,

this isn't a normal review.

Mm.

Mm.

Mm, mm... mm.

- So, how many stars?! - Paul!

(chuckling)

- Well, you'll have to buy the Sunday Newspaper to find out.

- Auntie! Sorry, she's joking. She wouldn't be so rude.

Especially considering I'm friends with the staff. Would you?

- It seems I have to pick between my professional integrity and my niece.

And, of course, I pick Céline.

As for how I rate Joe's. I award it...

Five stars! (cheering, laughing)

- Thank you.

So, maybe you're not the worst chef in town.

(laughing)

- I couldn't do this without you. Really,

I think we make a good team.

You know, maybe you should stick around.

Really do this together as partners.

Fifty-Fifty. You and me. What do you say?

(heartfelt music)

(cheering, applauding)

Subtitling: difuze