Chapter Two

" THEY HAD FRESH Chilean sea bass and the shrimp were so big and plump, I couldn't pass them up, " Dana announced to Tracy the instant she burst through the back door of the kitchen at her restaurant, Café De Marco. It was close to nine on Saturday morning and she'd just returned from an early morning food-buying excursion to the wholesale markets located near the Delaware River in South Philadelphia. She loved going to the markets. As a matter of fact, she loved everything about food-- reading about it, talking about it smelling it, preparing it and of course, eating it. " They had fantastic asparagus, so I got a lot of it along with our usual order of vegetables."

" Super. What do you want to do with it? "

" I've got something in mind, but I'll tell you about that later. First let me finish telling you what I got. I was excited when I saw what they had today and I think we should use a lot of Thai and Asian influence when we plan our specials for tonight. And before I forget to tell you, they had the most dazzling display of fresh flowers I've ever seen there so I bought big bunches of them so we could make bouquets for all the tables."

" You're talking a mile a minute, you're flushed and your hair's so windblown, you look like a wild woman." Tracy Morgan, Dana's sous-chef, leaned against the counter near the sink with a big cup of hot coffee cradled in her hands. She appeared as cool and collected as she always did and her gentle face left no doubt that she was quite amused by Dana's jabbering, albeit in the most loving way.

" I can hear myself, thank you very much, and I can tell by the look on your face that you think I'm way too hyped up and I need to slow down and you're right." As she took a moment to steady herself, Dana ran her fingers through her medium length dark brown hair in an attempt to smooth it into submission. It was fairly straight, but thick enough to take off on a whim when conditions were right. She tended to get overly excited when her creative juices were flowing and as soon as she felt her eyes darting from place to place and heard herself babbling she knew she needed to calm down. As of late, she derived most of her pleasure in life from buying food for the restaurant and coming up with interesting dishes. It was sad, but true. She took in a long deep breath and released it. " There, that's better."

" I hope you can also see the affection in my face."

" Yes, of course I can, " Dana said. As usual, Tracy had her short, spiky brown hair wrapped in a bandana and she had a face far too cute to be capable of any real meanness. She could tease with the best of them and once in a while Dana detected a sparkle of mischief in her sharp blue eyes, but she was never cruel.

" Good." Tracy took a sip of her coffee. " So, are you going to tell me what you have in mind for these Asian-themed dishes? The suspense is killing me."

" Don't get carried away. We'll get to that soon enough." Dana planted her hands on her hips. She knew Tracy was teasing her, but she liked to play along and pretend she was a little miffed by it. " I got Thai basil, green papayas, a box of fresh coconuts, and a crate of perfectly ripe mangos and pineapples. I love working with those ingredients, don't you? "

" You know I do, " Tracy said as she set her coffee cup on the counter. " Let me help you bring in the rest of the stuff and get it put away before we discuss the menu. I can't wait to see what you got."

" THESE RIPE MANGOES and pineapples smell so good, I can hardly stand it, " Tracy said as she set the last box on the counter. " The entire kitchen already smells like ginger and basil and tropical fruits and my mouth is watering just thinking about what we can make with them." Tracy leaned into the box and inhaled through her nose. " Mmm, that is heavenly."

Dana held a piece of sea bass under Tracy's nose. " Smell this."

Tracy inhaled again. " I don't smell anything except a sweet hint of the sea."

" Exactly, and did you notice how clear their eyes are? Fish doesn't come any fresher than that. The shrimp is just as fresh." Dana helped Tracy put the fish and shrimp in the refrigerator and unpack the boxes of produce.

When they were done, Tracy fixed a cup of coffee for Dana and set it on the counter in front of her. Then she poured another cup for herself. " So, while we drink our coffee, let's talk about those specials you had in mind, boss? "

" Mmm, this is excellent coffee, " Dana said after she'd tasted it. " I thought we'd do a shrimp appetizer like fried shrimp with an Asian sweet and sour dipping sauce. What do you think? With maybe just a hint of heat added to the sauce? "

" Perfect. Breaded in Panko? " Tracy suggested.

" That's even better. We have a case of Panko in the storage room and we should use some of it before it starts getting stale on us."

" What about the fresh ginger? "

" We'll use it in the sauce for the shrimp and wherever else we can use it. We could also use it for garnishing, maybe pickled or candied? "

In addition to the restaurant's standard menu, Dana liked to offer three or four additional specials based on what was available at the wholesale markets. Having to prepare the same entré es night after night got boring and in her opinion, it took all the fun out of being a chef. Having dinner specials also allowed her to make use of local products and ingredients when they were in season and at their peak.

She and Tracy collaborated each morning, always over a cup of coffee and sometimes over breakfast, to come up with the specials they'd make that day. Later in the day, when the other chefs arrived, they would review the recipes with them and go over the plating of each dish.

So that they became familiar with the specials, Dana required the wait staff to arrive an hour before the restaurant opened for a meeting with her and Tracy. That enabled them to answer the customer's questions and make informed suggestions.

Dana continued. " Also, I'd like to do the Thai green papaya salad we did about a month ago. I love that salad and we had a lot of positive feedback from the customers who ordered it. In fact, I loved it so much I'm going to have it for my dinner.

" I'll join you if you put a couple of those fat shrimp on top."

" But of course. It wouldn't be the same without the shrimp, " Dana confirmed. " For one of the dinner specials, why don't we do a shrimp and red coconut curry on jasmine rice? We'll put onions, carrots, red peppers, green beans and chunks of pineapple in it. We could also offer it with chicken as an alternative."

" That sounds delicious. Would you like me to make a pineapple and coconut sorbet and serve it with those crispy little cookies you love with the fresh ginger in them? That would make a nice cooling dessert for these dishes."

Dana nodded. " That's a brilliant idea." Aside from her considerable skills as a chef, Tracy was also certified as a pastry chef and Dana thought she was a genius when it came to desserts. Her creativity seemed boundless. " Here's another idea I had. Could you do a pineapple upside down cake with rum whipped cream? If the customers like it, I might even keep it on the menu. It's something I've always loved and I think it goes well with our style of food."

" Uh..." Tracy scratched her head and paused as if to give the request some serious thought. " It's an old-fashioned dessert, but sure, I can do that for you."

" I know. My grandmother used to make it when we went to her house for Sunday dinner. What appeals to me is that you don't see it on dessert menus and it would be different."

" Anything that makes us stand out can only be good for business. How about if I put a new spin on it and make individual ones? You know...I could do a single gooey, rum-tinged ring of buttery, brown-sugary pineapple perched on top of an individual round cake made of delicate golden sponge? Your grandmother wouldn't object to that, would she?

" Hell, no. My Grandma liked rum." Dana's comment amused her as much as it appeared to amuse Tracy. " I'll give it to you. You always come up with the most wonderful ideas for desserts and you know how to give them an up-dated touch."

" I try, boss, " Tracy said.

" We've got six ounce filets on hand, so why don't we do a surf and turf with beef teriyaki and shrimp? To vary it a little, we'll stir fry the shrimp and add a fresh pineapple and mango salsa next to it on the plate. It's unusual, but I think it will work."

" Sounds good to me and I'm seeing a garnish on top of the salsa and shrimp--just a few thin slices of pickled ginger. What should we do with the Chilean sea bass? " Tracy asked.

" I thought we'd pan sear it, finish it off in the oven and serve it with the asparagus and a side of Yukon gold fingerling potatoes. We'll arrange everything on a citrus and white wine reduction sauce. The sauce will complement every element of the dish."

" That sounds absolutely divine--simple but elegant."

" Why don't you ask Jimmy to make seafood bisque? " Dana suggested.

" Yeah, that's always popular. Are we doing a vegetarian entré e tonight? "

Dana nodded. " Yes, but it's not Asian. I bought leeks and butternut squash for that lasagna you love so much, but this time we're making twice as much because every time we put it on the menu, we run out of it half-way through the evening."

" That's because it's to die for, " Tracy pointed out.

Dana bowed from the waist. " Why, thank you. You do flatter me so."

" It's the truth. You're the most talented and creative chef I've ever worked with, not to mention the nicest boss anyone could ever hope to have in this crazy business."

" Stop it before you make me blush." Dana fanned her face with her hand. " I like you, too. Now where do we stand with reservations? Have you checked? "

" We're totally booked again. In fact, we had to turn people away."

" Wow! It's been like that every weekend. I thought it was a fluke the first time it happened, but it looks as if it's going to continue." Dana's mind drifted off for a moment as she thought about how much her restaurant meant to her and although the odds of making it in the restaurant business after the first year or two were abysmal, she wanted to beat the odds.

" Yeah, it does, " Tracy said.

" Has the bread arrived yet? " Dana referred to her standing order of crusty Italian bread from Sarcone's, the best bread bakery in South Philadelphia. If there was one thing Dana hated it was a restaurant that served good food and mediocre bread.

" It should be here soon. If not, I'll call Vinnie and check on it, " Tracy assured her. " Didn't you tell me that Karen and Laurie are coming for dinner tonight? "

" Yes, they are. This is the first time I've had a chance to socialize with them since I moved back here. You met them before, remember? That time they came to visit me in Chicago? "

" I remember and I liked them. From the looks of it, things are going to be hopping tonight, but I'll try to come out and say hello to them if I get a chance."

" I'll have to spend time with them, but I won't leave you alone the whole time they're here. That's why I want to get as much prep work done ahead of time as possible. I'll have all the lasagna done and the other specials aren't that complicated to make."

" Not a problem, " Tracy said as she went over and poured herself another cup of coffee. " Would you like another cup of coffee, Dana? "

" Please. I need more before we get to work. I was hoping it would just be Karen and Laurie, but Karen called yesterday and told me they're bringing a friend of Laurie's along, another teacher that works with her. I'm not sure I feel like meeting someone new."

" It won't kill you, you know." Tracy turned her head and glanced at Dana as she poured a little milk into her coffee.

" No, I don't suppose it would."

" You say that, but I can see by that look on your face that you're not convinced."

" I'm not. They'd better not be playing matchmaker."

" Relax, will you? It's just dinner and maybe you'll like their friend." Tracy came over and set Dana's cup of coffee on the counter in front of her. " Why don't you make an effort to be more sociable? You need to meet new people."

" Why? " Dana asked.

" Because you're too attractive to hide away in this kitchen for the remainder of your days on earth, that's why. There's more to life than this."

" I know that." Dana picked up her coffee. " Thank you for the coffee and the unsolicited advice." She blew on the hot liquid as she lifted her eyes and focused on Tracy with what she hoped was a stern gaze. " Don't you worry, I'll be sociable." Although it was evident Tracy had her best interests in mind, Dana hoped she would heed her warning and refrain from making any further comments about her personal business.

" I'm not worried, I'm just saying."

Dana changed the subject in a hurry. It made her uncomfortable to talk about her lack of a social life and it embarrassed her even though she had no reason to be embarrassed in front of her very best friend. Over the last year, she'd become more and more withdrawn and she knew it wasn't good, but she wasn't ready to do anything about it. " When Jimmy gets here, we'll have him run over to Claudio's for mozzarella and provolone for the lasagna. I need more Parmigiano Regiano and I want some of those oil-cured black olives. We can always use them. And remind me to tell him to get the ones without pits. I don't want to pay anyone's dentist bills."

" Yes, boss." Tracy performed an exaggerated salute and clicked her heels together.

" I didn't mean to sound abrupt or anything. I just don't want to talk about my social life this morning. It makes me very upset and I don't feel like being upset today."

" That's okay. We don't have to discuss it." Tracy rinsed her cup and set it on the counter near the sink. " I have to run upstairs for a minute. I won't be long and when I get back, I'll get started on the prep work and the desserts."

Tracy made a quick exit through the back door and once she was gone, Dana took time to feast her eyes on her new kitchen. She'd enjoyed this private indulgence at least a hundred times since the workmen had completed the remodeling. Her kitchen contained professional, top-of-the-line appliances and every gadget and piece of equipment a chef could ever want. As she ran her hand over the mirror-like surface of the stainless steel counter in front of her, she caught a glimpse of her contented reflection and smiled at it.

Next, she sauntered over to her custom pot-filling faucet on the wall behind the largest and deepest sink and gave it a little push to the right. After opening each of the doors to the double wall ovens and peering inside, she moseyed over to visit the true love of her life, the professional gas range with its ten burners and immense ovens. With her right hand, she reached up to caress the salamander broiler mounted on the wall next to the gas range.

Three work islands were lined up in the center of the kitchen, one with a cool marble top for working pastry dough, the second with a durable composite stone top and the third with a butcher-block surface. An impressive collection of stainless steel pots and pans dangled from hooks attached to a wrought-iron ceiling rack above the islands.

Dana wondered what had become of her. She was in love with her kitchen, smitten by her sinks and stoves and thrilled by her pots and pans. Just as she began to contemplate what had brought her to this depressing point in her life, Tracy's voice drifted in from behind her, dug its way into her consciousness and yanked her out of her private thoughts.

" Earth to Dana, earth to Dana. Are you drifting in outer space or are you listening for the mother ship to contact you? " Tracy burst into laughter at her own joke.

Dana stared at Tracy until she settled down. " No, I'm telling them to beam you up so they can perform experiments on your cute little body. I told them to start with the anal probe and then work their way up to your brain if they can find it."

" Did you say anal probe? Ooh, baby, that sounds like fun." Tracy laughed even louder.

" You're such a riot." Dana waited again for Tracy to stop laughing. " If you must know, I was admiring my kitchen. I'm pleased with how it turned out." A wave of sadness swept over Dana as she thought about the other dreams that hadn't turned out the way she'd wanted them to and she looked away. When she turned to meet Tracy's eyes she was touched by the unspoken sympathy they held within them. Neither she nor Tracy uttered a word about what had happened to Dana in the past. They'd already talked it all out and there was nothing left to say.

" Your restaurant is perfect, honey and it's a huge success. Remember those reviews we got a month after we opened? They raved about the food, and that one critic said he thought it was the best new restaurant in the city? Remember that? "

" How could I ever forget? " Dana replied.

" Who knows? Maybe we'll end up on the front page of the Sunday Inquirer's food section someday, " Tracy went on to say. " Can't you see our picture now? Right here in this kitchen with our arms around each other." Tracy closed her eyes and appeared to zone out as if picturing the article. Then her eyes popped open. " I'm assuming you'd let me be in the picture? "

" Sure I would. I like that fantasy. While we're in fantasy land, here's an even better one. We write a cookbook and it sells millions of copies and then we write a few more cookbooks and make more millions and then they offer us our own cooking show on the food network. Then we put out a line of pots and pans and kitchen gadgets and our own spice blends and sauces and scone mixes and quick breads and... and we'd be filthy rich."

" If you're going to dream, dream big, I always say, " Tracy said.

" It could happen, you know." Kidding around with Tracy helped Dana forgot her past, at least temporarily and that was always a good thing. " It has happened."

" I know, but it's not something you should count on if you live in reality."

" You're always telling me you don't like the word 'should' and too much reality can be so depressing, don't you think? " Dana asked.

Tracy seemed to consider Dana's question before she nodded in agreement. " I hate to cut you off, but we've got tons of work to do and seeing as we don't have to tape a television show today, maybe we could have some breakfast and get started? All this talk about food has made me so hungry."

" That makes two of us. Would a cheese omelet satisfy your hunger? "

" Right about now, anything would, " Tracy answered.

As she reached for an omelet pan, Dana caught a glimpse of the guy who delivers the bread coming up to the back door. " The guy's here with the bread."

" That's what I call good timing. Now we can have toast with our omelets."