Original subtitles

We're at Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle,

and since this morning,

wait times to cross the border have ranged between 45 and 50 minutes.

We met with…

People coming home after the long weekend will need patience today,

as the lines are long.

- Sonia… - On it.

Not her!

Watch it!

Unbelievable!

Hi, Mario. How are you?

I didn't know you were working today.

When did you leave, Mario?

Earlier…

I see you did groceries. Anything to declare?

You must have a little alcohol, some cigarettes?

I'm not allowed.

You're allowed.

You just have to pay taxes since you weren't gone long enough.

TOP CHEF WINNERS INVITED TO THE ÉLYSÉE

Hello!

You know it's forbidden to use your phone while driving?

Yes, but you may have noticed I wasn't driving.

Passport.

Yes. Get it?

Because I was on the phone, not driving.

- You're French? - Yes.

They even wrote it on the cover of the passport.

French passport.

Where are you coming from?

New York. I've been working there a few weeks.

The visa is in there.

What do you do for work?

- I'm a chef. - A chief?

What?

Chief what?

A chef…

I'm a chef!

Like a cook?

Yes, a cook.

What is the purpose of your visit today?

I'm visiting my daughter in Montreal.

How long are you staying?

I don't know. It depends.

On what?

On how it goes. It's been a while.

So, you don't have a job to get back to in the US?

Of course I do.

Name of the restaurant?

Tartare.

Is there a problem?

You don't think I'm trying to immigrate to Canada?

Should I?

Of course not.

Even less so now.

Anything to declare?

What do you have in your vehicle today?

Nothing. Personal items and a birthday gift for my daughter.

I missed her birthday.

- Any weapons? - Weapons?

Of course not.

- Drugs? - No.

Alcohol, tobacco, food?

No…

Open the trunk please.

Of the car?

Open the back trunk.

What's the gift, sir?

A little something I made myself.

But it's fragile. It shouldn't be shaken.

Sir, a few minutes ago, I asked if you had any weapons.

Those are kitchen knives, work tools.

So you plan to work during your stay?

That's not what I mean.

Isn't that alcohol and food in the cooler?

What's with this country?

You're not going to nab me over vegetables and wine?

The food and alcohol aren't the problem.

The problem is you lied.

You knowingly made a false declaration.

Yes, but it's because you made me nervous.

If you weren't so…

So…

You know what? I think we got off on the wrong foot.

Let's start over.

I'm sorry.

I did bring a little food and alcohol for my daughter,

which may be a bit over the limit.

So tell me how much I have to pay.

Give me a small fine if you want, and we'll call it a day, OK?

Unfortunately, that's not how it works.

So apologies don't matter?

First, I have to check the system.

Some items in your cooler may not be allowed across the border.

Second, unless you let me open the gift,

I'll have to scan it to verify its contents.

Go ahead, really!

I came this way to save time, not spend the day.

You can always turn back if you want.

That's exactly what I'll do.

I'll find a more welcoming border.

- What? - This is confiscated.

But it's mine.

The knives too.

What? You have no right!

She has no right!

She's crazy! This woman is off her rocker!

Go on.

I'm off.

You know what? You can keep it!

Stupid country!

Some temper.

For destruction.

But, Sonia…

Look.

For now, destroy the food.

We'll wait on the rest?

How's it going?

Good, you?

Not again!

I tried to distract him, but…

Dad?

That's the shed. There's no one inside.

Just shovels and the mower.

Don't worry about it.

And Lili? Where is she?

The girls?

Her friends aren't here. Lili's in her room.

I'm off.

Bye, thanks.

Hi, sweetie!

You're alone?

Dine and Zoé aren't here?

They had something.

Both of them?

Did you have a fight?

No.

They're at chill-leader practice.

What?

Chill-leader. They dance and jump.

Cheerleader.

That's what I said.

You didn't want to go?

You like dancing and jumping too.

It was too late.

Too late? School just started.

They said they were full.

Excuse me? They were full for you, but not for Dine and…

I didn't want to anymore!

I did at first, but…

I changed my mind.

Listen up, my little rascal angel sent from Heaven.

You, Lili-Beth Latendresse, are amazing and brilliant,

and you can do anything you want in life.

Don't let anyone step on your toes. Got it?

Speaking of, you're kinda crushing me, Mom.

Sorry.

You, you…

My God…

That smells amazing. What is it?

It's nothing special.

Nothing special? Even the potatoes are special.

There's no way you made that.

Can I try it?

What the hell? That's incredible!

Tell Louise to send me the recipe.

Station 201.

Speaking.

What?

What do you mean, a fight?

Stop it!

She started it!

You didn't have to fight back.

Go on.

Mégane Moisan is a bitch!

Oh yeah?

We don't use that word!

It's 'cause of the mini chefs contest.

What's the mini chefs contest?

You have to cook a recipe.

Yeah, I know what a chef is.

It's a contest at your school?

Not just our school.

It's the whole province, I think.

The teacher asked if anyone was interested.

Mégane looked at me and yelled:

"Hey, Mini Cop!

"Why not do that instead of chill-leading?

Then we could laugh when you lose."

She called you a mini cop?

Why did she call you that?

Everyone calls me that.

OK.

Tomorrow, we'll go see your teacher

and tell her we want to talk to Mégane and the whole class.

Forget it.

I have a better idea.

I'm gonna enter the contest and win.

You'll see. That'll shut them up.

I shouldn't have said she can do anything.

Relax! It's just a bunch of kids.

She can't even cook an egg.

Well, Sami will teach her.

Right, Sam?

Yes!

Yes, yes, yes.

Why did you say that? I'm a terrible cook!

Don't exaggerate. You're not terrible.

Yes, I am. I can only make burgers and fries.

Is there a problem?

I'm telling Sami it's a great opportunity, and he's really excited.

Yeah.

So take that.

Put it in there.

Press down hard.

There. Easy as pie.

Go on, do another one.

Yes, yes, yes!

I told you I don't have anything.

Have a nice day, Lucie.

- Amazing, right? - So good.

Even these little bits.

Jesus, guys.

Is it just me,or did someone cook up a storm last night?

And there's enough for everyone!

Yeah, no, it's just that…

We didn't think…

OK, I get it.

No, it's not what you think.

No, it's fine. We have different lunch times anyway.

Just 'cause I bring donuts and coffee a few times a week…

doesn't mean I should expect anything in return.

Sonia, look, have some if you want.

We didn't offer 'cause…

We didn't think you'd like it.

No, 'cause I don't like nice things.

That's not it.

It's from there.

No!

Christ! I told you not to.

Not to what?

Tell me or do it?

It was gonna be destroyed anyway.

OK, so that excuses…

Sonia. It's your kid's school.

Again?

You gotta get over it eventually.

You can pull up a chair.

The reason I asked you here is to talk about the contest.

- The mini chefs? - Yes.

Did you know your daughter wants to enter?

Yes. Is that a problem?

Of course not.

I won't tell Lili she can't enter.

Obviously, she's allowed.

But I was thinking…

Maybe you should try to talk her out of it.

I just want to make sure it doesn't make things worse for her.

You know? She's had a bad run lately.

If she was humiliated again…

You seem convinced she'll lose.

But she will lose.

Unless Lili-Beth has hidden talents.

It's three months away. She has time to prepare.

No, I'm not trying to be mean.

It's just that they've held the contest for a few years now,

and you should see the level.

They're even bringing in famous French chefs as judges.

The decorated ones with the red, white and blue collars.

Like the flag.

Seriously, the only kids brave enough to enter

are all mini Bocuses.

Mini what?

Bocuse.

Bocuse who?

I don't know.

Apparently, he's a very famous chef who revolutionized modern cuisine.

Revolutionized…

Yeah, look.

Take this.

This is last year.

The best mini chefs from across the province

face off in a prestigious culinary competition

with a first-rate jury.

Each participant hopes to win the top prize

with a dish they've practiced and perfected over several years

just for the contest.

Passionate about food since birth,

these young chefs have all the talent…

Done!

Wait! The finishing touch.

There! The smiley meatball nest.

Taste it.

You know, Michel, I thought about what you said the other day.

Go, go, go!

I'll tell you…

Jérôme, I had an idea.

I could use all of this and do the vegetable three ways:

lace tempura, a light purée, quick-set jelly.

I made a little dish.

You'll see.

What do they want?

It's for me.

Victor…

If you want to make lace tempura, go back to your kitchen in France.

Here, you do your job and let me do mine, OK?

And clean your station, please. It's a mess.

Let's go!

HAILED THE COOK OF THE CENTURY

THE POPE OF FRENCH CUISINE

Oh, crap.

Not her!

You promised I wouldn't get her.

It's all good.

So, here are all the objects Border Services agrees to return.

But like I said, the food has been sent off for destruction.

What a waste. You could have eaten it.

That's not allowed.

You even destroyed the truffles?

- The duffels? - Truffles.

Yes, sir. Truffles are a phytosanitary threat.

You need a special permit to import them into Canada.

Luckily, they were just American summer truffles,

not Périgord black truffles,

'cause I wouldn't have been the criminal here.

Are we good?

Nothing to declare?

Yes, sorry.

Just a little jar, but I know it's legal.

There.

They're not fresh truffles,

but I want to surprise my daughter with her favorite dish.

Good. Well, listen…

Yeah. Goodbye and thanks.

Those stinky things are edible?

- Apparently. - Oh yeah?

Mr. Mayer? Can I talk to you?

Please, I just want to…

I just want to ask you something.

Everything is settled. You have no right.

Mr. Mayer, it's not about the other day.

It's something else.

Please. Stop the vehicle.

I just have one question. Please!

You got your knives back because of me.

And…

This too, which I didn't scan.

Have you heard of a chef named Bocuse?

Are you kidding?

Have you heard of a queen named Elizabeth?

So you can do that type of cuisine?

Of course.

Seriously? You do Bocuse?

I didn't say I do Bocuse. I said I can.

There's a difference.

I do Victor Mayer, and it's just as good.

Why do you ask?

It's for a contest.

My daughter is entering a contest for mini chefs.

JURY OF PRESTIGIOUS CHEFS

Yes!

But why Bocuse?

He's dead. We're in Canada.

Can't she do something modern from here?

She has to win.

They said if she does Bocuse…

Those contests are bullshit.

They always reward the same dishes.

Juries only like what they already know.

OK. Have a nice day.

Please, sir, can't you help my daughter?

It doesn't have to be now or take much time.

We could do it virtually if you prefer.

Just to give her a few tips.

And why would I do that?

Why?

So we agree. There's no reason.

The other kids tease my daughter at school.

She feels rejected. They don't respect her.

Feels rejected…

I'll show you someone who doesn't get any respect.

Go, aspiring chefs! Only three minutes left.

One minute left!

And time.

I have here the results of the 23rd edition of the top chef competition.

Fabio Luca.

- Daniel Simoneau. - For the 24th edition, Alain Michel…

Nick Merere.

Astryd Donelly…

- For the 25th edition… - David Lacerte, Michael De Las…

Adrian Frankeur.

The winners of the 26th edition.

- Étienne Smith. - Marco Briano.

And last, but certainly not least,

after years of unsuccessful attempts,

finally, his well-deserved title…

Jérôme Cra…

Hi, Dad!

Hi, Gaëlle.

You'll never guess what happened.

Where's your daughter? I'll give you one weekend.

And I'm warning you, I'm here to win.

Lili-Beth, this man is going to help you. His name is Victor.

Hi.

Is he my dad?

- What? - Of course not.

Come.

Why would he be your dad? If he was, I'd tell you.

Get in!

- Great! - Thank you.

So, do you know what dish you'd like to make?

Want me to teach you something totally crazy

that plays with shape and matter with powder and dry ice?

- What is it? - It's like magic.

For a contest, it'll wow them.

Is it like Bocuse?

No, not at all. Totally different.

I'd rather we stuck to what we discussed.

OK, what do you like to eat?

She likes everything.

Your dish has to show your personality.

What do you want to say about yourself?

I want to say that…

- That? - That?

That people should like me?

Who cares about that?

You just have to win.

They'll like you if you win.

But what matters is how we do it.

That's why I thought…

We're doing Bocuse.

Well, listen, show me what you can do.

So, here.

Fridge?

Yes, right there.

Cut this up.

Go on.

Careful.

Yes.

No, all wrong.

Is that really necessary?

Chopping skills don't matter at all.

You can make great food with bad knife skills.

But in a contest, you have to play the part.

From the moment you walk in, those jerks start judging you.

I'll give you a tip for chopping.

Think of someone you hate. Pretend it's their finger.

Is it normal there's a dude staring at me?

Don't worry about him. He's a bit lost.

Dad!

Come. I'll put on some music.

I'll let you practice.

I'll go for a little walk to get inspired.

Hello, ladies!

HOUSE FOR SALE

HELP OUR COMMUNITY

What is this crap?

Excuse me, sir.

Hi. Is that all your produce?

It's not bad, considering it'll all go bad anyway.

How's that?

No one shops here anymore.

They get their groceries on the other side.

In the States?

Where can we buy local products?

Local?

Specialties that represent your area.

Come.

It's corn.

You want something that represents us?

This is it.

Best in the area too.

Corn. It's…

I was expecting something a bit more…

Fancy?

Fancy. Fancy, yes.

Yeah, yeah.

- Wait! - Yeah?

Yeah.

Hang on.

That's heavy.

I thought it was a good idea, but…

I think people found it a bit too fancy when it came out.

So I got stuck with it.

It's too bad,

'cause it's hard to beat when it comes to unique and local.

From the land just behind here.

What is it?

This, my man, is maple cognac.

Maple cognac?

Yeah.

That's ridiculous.

It's good! The guy worked hard.

I'm sure, but you know what real cognac is, no?

Taste it.

- No, that's not… - No, hang on.

I'm not going to drink that.

Stop.

Just a drop.

That's good.

Careful.

Cheers.

What did I tell you?

It's…

You downed it.

No, drink like a normal person.

Hang on.

Yes.

You can smell the maple, but it's not overpowering.

That's nice.

Obviously, it's nothing like real cognac.

For me, it's that little taste of caramel and leather.

That aroma…

takes me back to the Oldsmobile we had when I was a kid.

Me and my sisters stuffed into the back seat

while my dad took us for a ride.

My mom bursting out laughing when he tried to put his hand up her skirt.

All of that in this?

Yeah.

I think we've done enough.

But there's still people I hate.

Hello?

No, sorry, but we were really…

I swear, we were raised around pigs.

We had them at home.

They were like family!

Bacon by the ton.

I swear.

They don't see food.

My favorite border guard!

Good morning!

Good morning, America!

I made a little brunch.

Pardon the noise. I had to poke around.

Ah, the father! Sit down.

We'll start with a little apple-celery purée.

When I saw all these vegetables, I was inspired.

By the way, the golden rule in the kitchen, Lili,

is we never waste.

OK?

And there!

Eat up!

We have a big day coming up.

We'll go when you're ready.

Go?

We'll get the ingredients for our competition dish.

Right, Lili?

I mapped it all out.

She's just like my daughter at that age.

The one in Montreal?

Yeah. She's the only one I have.

Still, sometimes I feel like we're strangers.

I was too busy with my career back then.

I kind of messed everything up. Even my wife left.

But that's life.

You?

Me?

Yes, you.

I'm good.

So you found a recipe?

Yes, it's what woke me up this morning.

- We're doing Bocuse? - It's Bocuse.

You'll like this.

The dish was inspired by a woman who was Bocuse's first boss.

But I had a revelation.

The choice of dish isn't important.

What's more important?

Lili, what's the most important thing?

What we name it?

No, that's not it.

The presentation?

That helps, but no.

The cutlery!

No. The most important thing is the narrative.

The story behind the dish.

People have tasted everything. Globalization has made them jaded.

You can serve the best tomato, and they'll say it's just a tomato.

But imagine, instead of serving them a tomato,

you serve them a tomato from Simon's garden.

You talk about the fervor with which he works his land

by the sweat of his brow.

You describe his farm, tucked amid the evergreens,

swept by the north winds that give the fruit that intangible boreal flavor.

Then you have something.

That's where I went wrong before.

I was a perfectionist. But who cares about that?

What do we want? Emotion.

We want to be swept up in a great story,

something bigger than the dish.

That's what we'll give them, Lili! Yes!

We'll do Bocuse, of course,

but we'll win over the judges

with the narrative of your land, your artisans, your region.

What is this?

What is this?

Moisan?

You could have told us. I know them.

Their daughter is in Lili's class.

Moisan. Mégane Moisan?

It's OK.

And you think alcohol is wise?

They're children.

The judges aren't children.

The small bit of alcohol evaporates anyway.

It looks closed anyway, so we'll have to find something else.

No, we'll get it at the store.

Let's go!

Come on! No.

What matters is that you make a good dish, OK?

Let's go.

Chickens!

Hello, sir. We're here to check out your little operation.

- You raise free-range chickens, right? - Exactly.

Certified organic, no antibiotics or meat and bone meal.

Great! We'll take three.

Is three OK? Good for a first try.

Fresh or frozen?

Fresh. No, no.

Only fresh.

I'll have a look.

Sorry, I'm all out.

No more fresh?

When will you have some?

Not this month. Not next month either.

We'll take…

We'll take one of these.

No, those ones aren't for sale.

What do you mean, not for sale?

They're reserved.

Everything is reserved.

I think I searched his Winnebago when he was coming back from vacation.

So, that'll be $150.

$150 for this?

Well, how much for a chicken?

A chicken is $3,000.

$3,000 for a chicken? That's insane.

It's because of me?

It's because of me, isn't it?

Maybe, yeah.

Funny, huh? Now you care about our vegetables.

When we came through with our seeds, you weren't so hot on them.

I may have been more hot on it

if you hadn't smuggled them in shampoo bottles.

That's 'cause your goddamn rules are crazy.

A test here, inspection there.

I don't make the rules, sir. I just enforce them.

How come we never have issues with the other guards?

It's since you came back to the village.

What, you didn't like the city?

Let's go.

Whatever. We can find veggies anywhere.

Here!

Do we really have to come here?

Don't tell me you have a problem with them too.

I processed their son last year.

He went to party across the border. He drank.

I told him to come sober up inside, but he refused.

So I called the cops.

They seized his vehicle. He can't drive for two years.

Whenever I see the family in the village, they yell insults at me.

Oh my God. It's him. It's the son.

Lili! Hide.

Visiting farmers with you is a delight.

Hello!

Hello. Can I help you?

Absolutely. I was wondering if you had any nice pork bladders.

Pork bladders?

Yes, to cook a dish.

Oh yeah? I didn't know people ate them.

No, it's to make a cooking pouch.

Let's go see. If we have any, they're all yours.

We never know what to do with them.

There you have it! Nice little bladders.

Great news! They'll save them for us.

Lili, you can practice all you want.

It'll taste like pee!

Not at all. It's delicious, you'll see.

OK. So…

Now we can finally start to see our creation.

What's missing?

CHICKEN - VEGGIES - TRUFFLES

Did that French guy leave? I found more.

Did you see who he's with?

TRUFFLES

So?

- What is this? - Quick.

Let's go. Quick!

What's she doing here?

The bladders are for you?

Go! Scram!

OK, calm down!

Scram, Frenchie! You better not show your face here again.

Aren't you ashamed, psycho?

You're the psycho!

Oh yeah?

Lili, hang on!

Hang on!

Move!

Out of the way!

It's not gonna go down like this.

I'm one of their customers!

Hey, Kevin? Yeah, it's Sami.

Listen, I heard about what happened today.

I wanted to tell you the bladders aren't for Sonia.

They're for her daughter, Lili.

She's entering a cooking contest and needs to practice.

She's just a kid. What did she ever do to you?

So, listen, if you don't change your attitude,

you can keep the ham and ribs you supply to my restaurant.

I'm done.

If that's how it is, I'm done.

But if that's how it is, I'm done.

If that's how it is, I'm done. I won't say it again.

So?

I'm done. He won't listen.

Fine. I'm quitting the contest.

What?

Everyone's against us.

No, sweetie. No one is against us.

They're against me.

No one is against either of you, OK?

And who cares about them? We have the bladders.

What about the rest?

Well, Ludger has the liquor. The chickens…

I have chickens.

We have the chickens.

And you guys grow vegetables, right?

Corn isn't really…

No, no, they have a greenhouse.

They can grow whatever you want.

Right, guys?

Don't forget I let you steal my Wi-Fi.

The greenhouse is for our peppers.

Want Sonia to find out about your illegal seeds?

And the other stuff you stash in your suitcases?

Cheeses. Tequila. Smokes.

There, it's all sorted.

Lili, we're not gonna let those people get to us.

We'll show them. We're gonna win the contest.

Lili, we had a deal.

We're going to win.

We can't let those idiots get to us.

We'll show them what we're made of. We're gonna win this contest.

You can't be serious.

Gaëlle?

Wait… Gaëlle?

You say you're having car troubles

and you're stuck in some godforsaken village.

And like an idiot, I move heaven and earth to come save you.

All to find out you not only lied, but you're doing yet another contest!

No, but…

You swore you were done with contests, Dad.

You didn't get your title.

When will you accept it?

You said you were back on track. What is this?

I am back on track.

"I moved to New York to be closer to you."

The contest is for the girl, not me.

- The girl? - Yes.

Don't make me laugh!

Stop lying!

You've never done anything for someone else.

The only thing that matters to you is you.

Your merit, your talent, your glory!

Unbelievable!

It's always the same story. You're nothing but a liar!

Never again!

But…

You can see I'm not lying!

This car is a wreck.

I don't believe it!

Um, maybe I was just pretending I didn't want to do the contest.

I'll do it if you still want to help.

You're sweet, but forget it.

I can tell you don't really want to.

Yes, I do.

I should get out of here anyway.

So, your daughter is right?

Like you said, everyone is against us.

So? We're gonna let those idiots get to us?

OK…

I'll show you how to make the dish, then it's up to you. OK?

Can you get us a chicken?

What is that?

It's factory farmed.

It's fine. It's just to show the recipe.

Can you get us some vegetables?

Carrots, onions, peas…

You don't have truffles, do you?

Like chocolate?

Not chocolate. Mushrooms.

Oh, I have mushrooms.

Those have no taste.

I have something else.

You said it's just to show her.

It's fine.

Go to my car and open the glove compartment.

Get me the jar that's in there, OK?

Go on.

Here we are.

What is that?

Sorry. That cupboard is for my personal projects.

What?

I'm not really a cook.

I'm a molder. Resin and plastic.

I cook because I got this opportunity.

- Sonia didn't tell you? - No.

This is her dad's restaurant. But her dad…

She tried to sell it, but no one was interested.

So she gave it away to any immigrant who wanted to settle here.

Wow!

I jumped on the occasion.

But it's while we wait for Aya to get her equivalency in medicine.

Our dream is to open an orthopedics clinic.

Aya treats the patients, and I make the supports.

What does it have to do with this?

People found out I could make aligners.

You know the thing to whiten teeth?

It's easy for me. Know what they charge at the dentist?

It's crazy.

And where are you and Aya from?

Morocco. We're Moroccan.

You're Muslim?

You're not bothered by the pork and alcohol?

We're Muslim, but not on the weekends.

We eat everything.

But…

I don't want to insult you.

The bladder… Won't it taste bad?

No, you won't taste it at all. Go on.

OK, let me and Lili work.

Leave us the kitchen. Thank you.

Chicken in half-mourning, en vessie, Bocuse style.

You'll see. It doesn't look like much, but…

Enjoy!

So?

Mr. Victor…

Mr. Victor?

It's delicious.

It's not delicious.

It's totally insane.

It's the best chicken I've ever had.

You're exaggerating.

No, it's truly extraordinary.

It's incredible.

Imagine, Lili, if we had used a real chicken?

Bocuse must be turning in his grave.

Why's that?

He would never have used a factory-farmed chicken.

He was fortunate enough to work with Bresse chicken,

a fabulous chicken with origine contrôlée status

found only in France.

Well, we have the Chantecler.

The…

The Chantecler chicken.

It's the best chicken in Quebec.

They say it's even better than Bresse chicken.

Never heard of it.

Yeah, it's so good, you can't find it anywhere.

There are only three or four breeders.

I see.

And what's this?

- That is… - Truffles!

That's what makes it taste good.

That's why it's in half-mourning.

A white sauce with black truffles.

Too bad you're not doing the contest.

We wouldn't have won anyway.

CHANTECLER CHICKENS

NO RESULTS IN YOUR AREA

Lili?

What's going on?

We're back in the contest!

And we'll win, thanks to the Chantecler chickens.

I thought there weren't any Chantecler chickens around here.

There aren't.

Oh yes.

Yeah?

Oh yes. It's perfect.

We'll take five.

Only five?

That's enough for her to practice?

Don't we need a lot more?

The five are for the contest.

For now, Lili can use chickens from the store.

Yes!

These ones aren't ready anyway.

What do you mean?

We're buying live chickens?

Yeah, it's genius. They'll be Lili's chickens.

She'll raise them, feed them. Right, Lili?

Yeah!

Pretty great narrative, no?

We can go.

If you want.

Why don't we park?

Go ring the doorbell.

I don't know if she's home.

Exactly. You can find out.

Actually, Sonia…

Can we use our first names?

Of course. I was thinking the same.

It's more intimate.

It's easier.

Oh, crap!

I'm sorry. Sorry, ma'am!

It's you.

This is rich.

Are you hurt? Are you OK?

Hang on, don't move.

Are you OK?

Sorry, I didn't see you.

Promise you're OK?

Yes, I'm fine.

Are you sure?

What are you doing here?

Well, uh…

I was in the area with Sonia and Lili,

who you saw last time.

And since we were passing by, I thought we'd come see where you live.

Without bothering you.

Of course.

Can we go somewhere to talk? I want to explain…

Explain what? What is there to explain, Dad?

That he wasn't lying.

The contest is for me.

Yeah, I insisted. He didn't want to do it.

Fine. But you show up here with no warning.

I understand.

I understand perfectly.

I don't!

She should consider herself lucky.

If my dad showed up like that…

My dad doesn't even know I exist.

I don't know his name.

Him and my mom had a whirlwind romance.

Lili, please.

He wasn't from here.

My mom couldn't find him when she learned she was pregnant.

All I want is for him to show up with no warning.

I could tell him he's my dad and I love him.

OK, enough. Back in the car.

I'm not done!

Go on.

Yeah, got it.

Well…

What can I say?

It's my fault. I wasn't honest with you.

Whenever I try to fix a mistake, I make another one.

And this contest…

You can't resist. You're like a junkie.

I guess I just wanted to be proud of myself for once in my life.

Since it's for the girl.

But you're my priority.

I wouldn't be peeling leeks 10,000 km from home if it wasn't for…

Don't butter me up with stories about your crappy job in New York.

I spoke to the family in France. They know you're chef at Tartare.

Jesus! Two stars.

What a sacrifice.

I didn't want to worry them.

I'm not the chef.

Yeah, sure.

Jérôme Crapp is the chef.

Jérôme Crapp?

That pretentious idiot? Mr. Perfect Purée?

I didn't know anyone else.

I could have come here, but I didn't want to cramp your style.

So you're his sous chef?

Station chef?

Garde manger?

He didn't put you on grill, did he?

I'm a commis.

Commis!

You're kidding me.

Listen, you caught me by surprise, but…

If you can make it back to Montreal sometime…

I will. I'll ask for time off.

I'll come over, cook for you.

I'll even get everything for your favorite dish.

It's not the season.

There's Oregon truffles.

- Oregon? - Yeah.

Are they any good?

They're not French, but they're fine. If not, I'll get a jar.

No need to get a jar.

The cousin gave me a ton. I don't know what to do with them.

Oh yeah?

Check it out!

Look!

I have truffles for our dish.

Tons of preserved Périgord truffles.

Look.

Delicately raise the skin.

Spread it out nicely.

Push it to the end, all the way.

So we can add more.

Push it to the end. It has to go there.

Go! Steady hand.

Push! Push!

Go on, push, push!

Crap!

Crap…

It's OK. We'll wash this one too.

She needs to practice. Make it over and over.

It's the only way she'll improve.

But cost-wise, I'm not sure I can afford it.

Just put it on the menu.

If you're serving that, I'll eat here every night.

Definitely!

I can't stop talking about that chicken.

There you go!

- Go on. - Bravo!

OK, well, I'm off.

Safe travels.

Yes, thank you.

Thanks for everything.

Yeah, it's…

OK.

Yes.

Picotte!

Duduche!

Come, girls!

The bus!

Bye, Grandpa! Bye, chickens!

Bye, sweetie! See you tonight.

I'm practicing with Sami.

Cop! Cop! Cop!

Well done! Very inspired.

Excellent! Excellent, Lili.

Very steady, very good.

That's because it wasn't tight enough.

Next time, be very careful.

Chicken en vessie.

Two more chickens, Lili!

There. Arrange the slices.

The arrangement will be your signature.

HOUSE FOR SALE

INN

Ms. Margaret Lipton!

Congratulations!

Welcome! Welcome to Cornburg!

Welcome to Cornburg!

Mr. Daniel Sanchez.

There's other stuff on the menu.

We'll have more tomorrow.

- Excuse me? - Yes?

Could I possibly interview Lili-Beth?

Absolutely. Just have to ask her mom.

Yeah, and her mom is the border agent who worked at Lacolle?

About 10 years ago?

You know?

The one involved in this.

You journalists, always with the coffee and cigarettes.

I make aligners for whitening.

- Oh yeah? - Yeah!

I'll give you a good deal. Free, even.

Oh yeah?

And I'll tell you what to write.

THE VILLAGE PRIDE AND JOY

Wonderful, isn't it?

Plus, it's great publicity for our local farms.

You must be in on it too?

Mini cop! Mini cop!

Let go of her!

Stop!

Let go of her! She said stop!

Mégane Moisan?

They better not touch you again.

And I wanted to say,

thanks for putting my dad's liquor in your dish.

You're super chill.

Yes, the village diner is straight ahead.

Hi, Sonia!

Mario.

How's it going?

I was gone an hour. Filled the tank and got two cartons of smokes.

For my taxes. Want me to open the trunk?

All good, Mario. Thanks.

Thanks.

Bye now!

Buckle up, Mario.

Oh yeah.

Yeah…

- Agent Latendresse? - Yes?

- You're Benoît Michaud's fiancé? - Yes, why?

BORDER AGENT DUPED BY FIANCÉ

We just stopped a car leaving the border. You processed it.

Wait, why are you…

Mr. Michaud is trafficking for organized crime.

- What? - Were you aware of his activities?

No, it can't be.

GOOD LUCK

Victor!

Hi, sweetie!

How are you?

Hello!

Victor! So nice to see you.

How are you?

You won't believe how things have changed here.

Not only can we get all the products we want,

but everyone wants to be a part of it.

I knew these idiots would come around eventually.

No kidding!

Lili's become a real superstar.

The whole village wants her to win.

The mayor even put together a group of fans to cheer her on at the contest.

That's great!

Just one small issue.

What?

It's about the truffles.

What about them?

They're not really local.

But they're the heart of the dish.

That's the flavor.

- Yeah… - It's not a bad thing.

It's just that people want to be part of it.

You know…

Find a better idea, something local, from here.

Like?

Sorry. We didn't exactly have a choice.

A choice in what?

You'll see. They have some great ideas.

Hello.

It's from here?

From the forest behind my house.

The thing is there won't be any left for the contest.

So I did some tests.

Not very gourmet.

In that case, come see here.

If you want emotion, nothing like a chili.

It's very local.

We're proposing a poutine-chicken.

We put the curd cheese under the skin.

When you cut it, it oozes out. Look.

Taste it. It's awesome.

We also have Ms. Laforêt.

Mr. Dubuc.

And finally, Madam Mayor.

This isn't just my idea.

It was a concerted effort by many of the villagers.

And what is the…

The village coat of arms.

I have to say, I like it.

What's it made of?

- What's it made of? - Yes.

The thing that represents us the best.

It's… corn!

Oh, corn is a no.

Yes?

We could do a smiley face.

What?

A smiley face instead of the weird pattern.

No, Lili, don't be silly.

We're trying to win.

It's my daughter. Excuse me.

Hello? How are you, sweetie?

You have no idea how happy I am to hear from you.

Yes.

Let me write that down.

Everything OK?

It was Gaëlle. I'll finally get to see her.

Not November 30?

Yes.

You're seeing her November 30?

Yes, why not?

We're all in Montreal that day.

It's the day of the contest!

Crap. Crap!

Wait, it's fine. I'll work something out.

I'll propose the week before.

It's fine.

Yes, sorry, sweetie. Me again.

So, you said you were in France the week before?

Right. So I thought maybe you'd prefer another weekend or…

OK. Yes, OK. It doesn't work for you.

No, listen, if that's the only weekend, it's fine.

It's just that…

I thought it might be better for you

with the jet lag coming back from Paris.

You won't be in Paris?

You're not going to your mother's?

OK, you'll be at your grandparent's.

You'll be with my parents, Grandma and Grandpa in Périgord.

You'll be in Périgord?

Victor!

How's my cousin?

And how's America?

I hear you're killing it out there!

Good for you.

I always said we didn't deserve you.

To what do I owe the pleasure?

Fresh ones?

Well, as you can probably guess, there's nothing right now.

I went out yesterday with the pooch.

No, they're not ripe.

Late November.

Yeah. I'd say it's a bit early.

But we did have a lot of rain this year.

So I'd say no guarantee, but it's not impossible.

Yeah, not impossible.

OK. Keep me posted.

Victor, you asked for help to be closer to your daughter.

I'm trying, but when you're at work, work.

Yes.

No guarantee, not impossible.

Not impossible, but no guarantee.

Crap.

Hi, Sonia.

It's not Sonia, it's Sami.

Sonia didn't want to bother you, but we want to know if…

If I made a decision?

No, I haven't.

But I thought that worst-case, we could take the guy's mushrooms.

- Didn't you say it tasted like cardboard? - Yes, but…

Listen, you're the boss.

But we'll need a little notice.

Yes, of course.

Could you put Sonia on?

Victor?

Sorry to bother you. It's just that everyone was wondering.

How are you?

I'm good. Sonia, I made a little mistake.

I think…

I've really insisted on it from the start, but maybe I was wrong.

I mean, local, not local…

I think the important thing is what brings people together,

like what happened between us.

Two very different people coming together,

who now might be building something

that we wouldn't want to ruin over a few small details.

Don't you think that's what matters most?

What binds us,

that desire, the secret hope…

Yes.

The hope she wins.

We hope Lili wins.

Well, yes. That's what we all want.

Dig! Yes.

Yes, very good.

Hey! I think we found some.

We have some!

Very good.

I won't brush them, OK? They'll keep better that way.

- Can you do me a favor? - What's that?

- Package them. - For your daughter?

It's a surprise? OK, no problem.

Wrap it all up, the old way.

Sounds good. Ciao.

Yes, sir! Yes! Very well, so…

Sorry. That was the bank.

Hi. I'm here for the chickens.

ST. LAURENT SLAUGHTERHOUSE

Hello, Sonia?

I know why you're calling, but I can't talk.

I'm driving.

It's just that we have a problem here.

If there's an issue with the mushrooms, get something else.

Yes, but…

Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow.

Listen, that's not what…

OK…

Nice dog…

Dad!

Yeah! We good?

I can go?

We're good?

How are you? Good to see you. Did you have a nice trip?

I'm parked this way. Come.

Slow down.

What's with you?

Wait up!

Is this why you're nervous?

What do you…

Think I didn't catch on when the cousin brought this?

He wouldn't say what it was, but I'm not an idiot.

I redid the wrapping, 'cause it was pretty obvious.

You've got some nerve.

You know we can't bring this into Canada?

I didn't know.

If I had been searched, I'd be in trouble.

And I'm trying to get permanent residency.

I'm sorry.

I forgive you, because I know why you did it.

My favorite dish. You wanted to surprise me.

Don't look at me like that.

It wasn't hard to guess.

I'm drooling just thinking about it.

Look, I feel terrible about this, but I have to reschedule our dinner.

You know the guy who was supposed to cover for me?

He's injured. It's chaos over there. I have to get back.

- To New York? - Yes.

See, they won't leave me alone.

When did you find out?

I found out when I was driving over here.

You still came?

You could have messaged me.

No, but I wanted to see you.

I promised.

Crap…

You may convince me you've changed.

If you had always been like this instead of trying to impress.

That's always when things fall apart anyway.

What do you mean?

All those contests.

You're the best chef I know, but when you want to win,

you're just over the top.

You lose your mind. You forget what's essential.

- No… - Yes.

OK, I'll sort everything out, and we'll have our dinner in a few days.

We'll talk.

I'll keep them till you're back.

No, I have to clean them.

I can do it, Dad.

No, I'll do it.

No, I'll do it. Come on!

- But I'll do it. - No!

Don't just stand there.

Scream at me, hit me, something.

What's going on?

I'm not going back to New York.

The truffles are for Lili. Her contest is today.

She'll lose without them.

Just because it's for her.

Come on! Let's go.

I'm OK.

It's beautiful!

Come! You're gonna do great.

Come on, where is he?

OK, you'll be in the third group.

Come on. Thank you.

Come.

Don't worry, sweetie.

Go, Lili! Go!

Save some for later, OK?

Where is he?

There he is!

How are you?

Victor, finally! Sonia is…

I'll be back. I gotta find…

He needs the shitter.

Give. Thanks.

Crap.

I'd use the other one if I were you.

My dad is sick, and…

It's gnarly in there.

Everything OK, Dad?

Yeah, fine. I need help, though.

Here.

No, look.

Here.

It's too much.

OK, hang on.

Go on.

This one's for you.

Take it.

You didn't tell me what dish you're making.

Chicken in half-mourning, en vessie.

Bocuse?

Yep.

Dad, Bocuse is dead. And we're in Quebec.

I know.

Can't you make something new from here?

Crap!

You OK?

- Victor! - Hi!

Yes! How are you?

I got held up, but I'm here.

It's fine.

Wow, Sonia. You look great.

Thanks.

Really, it's…

So, we have everything we need?

Let me see.

So, you got some of those mushrooms?

Isn't that what we decided?

Yep, that's exactly it.

OK, well, we've got everything.

We have the veggies, the maple cognac, the chicken…

What is this?

- Where are the Chantecler chickens? - Yeah, that's the thing.

That's why I called.

I wanted to explain that we couldn't.

Couldn't what?

Lili and my father got attached to the chickens. We couldn't…

You can't be serious.

- But it's OK. - It's OK?

Lili, you raised these chickens just for this.

Yeah, but Picotte and Duduche…

What about Picotte and Duduche?

I didn't know that…

Didn't know what?

That a chicken has to die so we can eat it?

You think he grew up in his little plastic bag?

Victor, please.

No, but… Lili!

We did it all for nothing? What's your narrative now?

"Here's a chicken raised 3,000 km from my house,

stuffed with antibiotics, shitting out steroids."

It's fine. We'll call Free Range Chickens.

It's no use. With Lili's success, they sold out.

Then we'll get our chickens.

The slaughterhouse will work it out.

Stop. It's too late.

No, it's never too late!

No, I don't want to.

You're not gonna complain now.

Do you know what I sacrificed to get you where you are today?

I put you before my daughter.

I lied to her because of you!

And this…

Think this miraculously showed up?

Do you know how hard it was to get this?

And the risks she took?

All so you could win. We had a deal!

I wonder who's shitting steroids around here.

Mom…

Excuse me.

I have an extra one if you want.

Goddammit, Sonia, it was just a truffle!

You smoking this?

Uh, yeah, sure.

Thanks.

Don't lecture me.

You wanted her to cook with cardboard?

I've had it with her holier-than-thou attitude.

She came to me. She begged me to do it.

I didn't ask for this.

I know.

I mean, we can't always follow the rules.

- Maybe. - Not maybe!

What's the harm in bending the rules just a little?

Who does it hurt?

It hurts me.

Maybe the rules help me know who I'm dealing with.

What are you talking about?

OK. I, um…

I fell in love with a man.

I thought he loved me too.

But he used me for years.

To smuggle drugs.

He's Lili's father.

I must have been pretty naive, huh?

Or blind.

I don't know.

I'm fine.

Just keep it to yourself.

It's bad enough that Lili

has a mother everyone thinks is too strict.

She doesn't need to know her father

isn't the beautiful stranger she thinks he is.

That he's a dirtbag rotting away in prison.

Can I just ask for one thing?

Can you just go cheer her on in the contest?

Because you must know she's not doing it for herself.

It's crazy.

You think you're moving forward, but you keep making the same mistakes.

Don't confound me with that sleazebag.

I'm just disappointed.

I thought that…

Thought what?

I thought you cared about us.

Victor!

Up here, Victor!

Our man!

Our hero!

Ladies and gentlemen, now for the third group of aspiring chefs!

Mini chefs, please proceed to your stations.

You must be so proud.

You can take out your boxes.

I'll go over the rules.

Once the timer starts,

you'll have 90 minutes to make a meal with the ingredients in your boxes.

Are you ready?

So, in ten…

Nine, eight, seven, six…

Wait. We're not making that dish anymore.

Hang on, sweetie.

We're leaving.

I have a better idea. Sonia, come.

Everyone, come…

I'm OK. Don't worry, I'm OK.

I have a better idea. Come.

We're leaving.

Come.

How's it going, Sam? It's working?

Yes, just one more minute.

How's it going, chef?

Almost done.

Good.

OK, let's go, kids.

OK, everyone.

So…

I have a big announcement to make.

I want to thank you for being here.

And thank you to my daughter.

Thank you for being here.

And for reminding me that by chasing after awards,

you forget what's essential.

You know, it took me a long time to figure out that…

glory means nothing if we can't share it with the people we love.

It took me a long time.

But thanks to you,

thanks to Sonia and Lili, I think…

I think I understand.

So, my announcement is more of a request.

I'd like to settle with you in the village.

If Canada will have me.

And if Sonia agrees.

If I agree?

Sonia.

Will you allow me…

to take over your father's diner?

Yes.

What about Sami?

I could open my clinic.

Orthopedic supports.

And the teeth whitening?

Yes, we'll keep doing that.

I promise to be loyal and honest.

I promise to observe the laws and regulations of your country to a tee.

Oh, and I also promise…

This is important.

…to never again threaten and…

chickens whose first names we know.

Never again.

Excuse me.

I also want to make it up to you, atone for my mistakes.

I know I can't change the past, but I want to do better.

I really want to be there for the people…

the people that matter to me.

And if ever…

If ever?

If ever?

Well, if ever. If…

First off, you don't have a Canadian work permit.

I'll get one.

Where will you live?

I'll get an apartment.

You didn't plan to live with us?

Unless…

- Unless? - Unless you wanted that.

OK, I see.

- Where will you buy your products? - Locally.

Only? What will you do if you can't find something here?

Nothing.

You won't try to slip something by?

You're a new man?

Yes.

I'll consider it.

I have to think about it.

I understand.

Take your time.

I accept.

You accept?

I accept.

OK. So, we have another big announcement.

So…

Lili and I…

We're doing the contest again next year!

But wait.

We're not doing Bocuse this time.

We're making an original, exclusive dish we'll premiere here tonight.

Is this a joke?

Corn? You're serving us corn?

It's a dish that represents who I am and where I'm from.

That's why I'm proud of it.

The spoons.

Sorry, I forgot something.

For you.

One for you too.

And one for you.

You want us to eat it with this?

Crisped corn with maple water

on an herb custard with black Périgord truffles.

OK. I'll admit it is impressive at first glance.

Explain how this represents you. I don't understand.

Corn is my village's specialty.

I made the crisp with my friend's dad's maple water.

The eggs come from chickens I raised myself with my grandpa.

The herbs come from workers who are friends with my godfather.

He's the one who showed me how to make a mold for the corn on the cob.

Good job!

It all works, and it's delicious.

OK. But what about the truffles?

It's not very…

The truffles…

Oh yeah, the truffles!

So, the truffles…

they come from my dad.

He's not my real dad.

But he's my best dad.

The one who loves me.

He imports them directly from his family in France.

By the way, the truffle custard is also my big sister's favorite dish.

Well, big half-sister.

This contest…

Say he has a permit.

What? I don't understand.

For the truffles. Say he has a permit.

Oh yeah! For the truffles, he has a permit.

My dad has a permit.

ALL STIRRED UP!