Chapter 2: Michelin's Golden Star

Macken Manson hugged a box of fresh fruit on the kitchen island and smiled at Katherine. The most twisted, distorted smile anyone who survived World War II could see and it was powerful enough to dispel the somber atmosphere in the kitchen. . Macken appeared like a warm Boggart among innocent wolves in a kitchen that reeked of mutton with star anise and a hint of aged French wine. Katherine sighed, she knew that Macken had always had a special obsession with the golden stars of Michelin. Most of his life's purpose had nothing to do with it. Because of it, he did not hesitate to lock himself in the kitchen for a few days to research a new recipe or forget her birthday to get the first gold star, even though it was really her. She didn't even remember her own birthday because at that time she was the Sous Chef of Home Sweet Home. If it's honest, Katherine is the one who brought home the first Michelin gold star and the second star for Home Sweet Home restaurant. But she was sick of hearing about them, an invisible, terrifying pressure she had to endure for three years. Katherine looked at Macken and replied briskly, "We'll have to live in hell for the next few years to hold on to those damn stars."

Macken tried to smile softly so he could ease some of Katherine's discomfort. He knew well that this powerful female Chef was in fact the most complete copy of his late wife. Katherine resembles her mother in a strange way from appearance to personality. Macken's wife was also a chef, but this role was confined to her home. Her biggest dream is to become a real chef in a Michelin restaurant. But she put her dream aside to be able to take care of her family. When Katherine was old enough, the terrible cancer took away her hope and chance to become a Chef. Since then, Macken has always struggled with the notion of trying to fulfill his late wife's dream. Even the dishes in Home Sweet Home were created by Macken using his memories with his wife. And he knew that only Katherine could take on the position of Chef. Because when he looked at her working in the kitchen, he seemed to see the image of his wife and young daughter huddled in the kitchen at home. Katherine always understood her father's feelings, so she rarely argued with him. She did not set those Michelin stars as a standard for herself. For Katherine, she always expects the satisfaction of customers, the excitement of enjoying the food is a standard measure of work performance. Katherine rolled her eyes at Macken and then turned her attention back to the large pot of sauce she had prepared early in the morning. Kenny felt strange, so he went to Macken's side and whispered: "Looks like Chef doesn't care much about Michelin stars."

Katherine suddenly said loudly, making everyone jump: “Exactly! Why should we put our ideals and life goals on such frivolous things? Our true value is the reward of our customers, not the judgment of some strange, weird guy."

Macken patted Kenny's shoulder as he watched him wince at being Katherine's soulmate. He gently approached his daughter, his gentle demeanor made everyone a little unfamiliar, especially when he casually poked a small spoon into Katherine's sauce, something no one dared to do. because she would be willing to kill anyone. Macken thinks her sauce is lacking a bit of bay flavor and needs a few slices of orange peel to taste. Macken's words suddenly became spicy in her ears. Katherine waved her hand, pushing Macken away from her sauce pot. Macken laughed like a child and said, “Katherine, the food critic is also a diner that you must try to fascinate. Dad didn't expect us to get a third star either. I heard that the food critic this time is extremely scary, she has never given a third star to any restaurant. Her life is only about taking the Michelin star.”

Katherine pretended not to have heard anything from her father. Everyone also started working at her command, but they still couldn't figure out what to do because she still hadn't revealed the menu. Kenny was as usual, quick to the point of exaggeration, he hurriedly ran up to Katherine and asked: "So what's on today's menu, Chef?"

Katherine thought for a moment, reached for a handful of bay leaves and a few slices of orange peel, put them in the sauce, and pouted at Macken. She said to Kenny, but her eyes were still full of challenges on her father, who was trying to prove herself to him: "Today we will use a special menu."

Kenny's eyes widened at Katherine, the kitchen boy surprised to hear what she just said. He couldn't believe his ears, so he tried to ask her again even though it was dangerous: “Special menu??? But we only use it for the last Friday of the month.”

As expected of everyone in the kitchen, Kenny immediately received Katherine's scary glare: "Do you need me to repeat it a second time?"

“Yes, Chef.” Kenny quickly retreated to the back of the kitchen island, hiding among the other cooks. He was immediately reminded by everyone, they did not want him to be the main cause of Katherine's rage today. Everyone else knows that Katherine is under a lot of pressure because of the Michelin star and that distracts her a bit, they hope she will be less prying and rebuking them at work. Katherine hid the sauce and said, "Let's get going."

Macken and a few others prepped the vegetables, everyone was in a steady rhythm until Katherine came to a large pillar at the base of the wall, she looked up at the menu board and suddenly asked Kenny in an excited voice. and said like a soldier: "Has the pork arrived today?"

“Not yet. Pork won't be available until Friday." Kenny responded quickly. Katherine immediately ordered him, she reached for the landline phone and held it out in front of him. Katherine's energetic gaze made Kenny realize he was like a soldier being recruited for a noble and sacred mission: "Kenny, you should try contacting the supplier."

Kenny looked up the restaurant's directory and started calling. One call, two calls, three calls… but the answer only revolves around one outcome: “Yes… we want it today. Raw pork, whole, for today… I know. Chef…we don't…”

Katherine put her hand forward to prevent Kenny from saying another word. She glanced at Macken as if pleading for his help. Katheirne lazily rested her hands on the kitchen table: "Say no more."