The Italian has been in my family for years. It was a bistro that my mother’s Nonna opened. Well, it was probably her husband as a front for his underground business dealings, but she ran it with pride.
Many of the recipes have been passed down through generations, and I remember wanting to work here during my college days so that I could learn them too.
I landed up learning them from a Zia in Italy while I was there.
I’ve been at The Italian for three weeks now, and I’m thrilled to see it’s getting increasingly popular as I add more dishes. I’ve also been working on the social media presence so that we get the name out there.
At first, the staff was apprehensive of me, but after teaching them several valuable new methods and listening to them about how they like to run the kitchen, we compromised. Now we run a tight ship—if I do say so myself.
Everyone is amicable, and I know Alessandro pays more than the usual rates to keep the staff loyal to the family.
Every day one of my family members is in for a meal. Usually, Carmine and Dom come in around lunchtime. I know their favorites, but I want them to try something new today.
They haven’t come in yet, but the dish I want to serve them has been slow cooking for hours. I came in early to start it, and I know they will love it.
I have already told the hostess to let me know the minute they arrive. While I wait, I make a gremolata, a green sauce from chopped parsley, lemon zest, and garlic that I’ll serve with the meal. I also have some polenta made up.
“Chef? They’re here,” Kim says, sticking her head into the kitchen. I glance at her. “Just the two of them?”
“And Mr. Alessandro,” she says with a smile. “I’ve seated them in the VIP section.”
“Excellent, take them white wine, not red. Wait,” I stop her, “get me the wine, and I’ll take it.”
I make sure I look respectable as I step out of the kitchen. Kim hands me a bottle of expensive white wine, and I walk over to the private booth at the back. “Gentlemen, lovely to have you here.”
“The chef herself,” Alessandro chuckles, “We must be important.”
“Imust be important to warrant a visit from you, Don Sorvino,” I say respectfully because I know the staff are watching the interaction.
“Dominic says you’ve improved on the recipes left by Bisnonna. I’m interested to see your improvements, especially because I see how popular The Italian is getting.”
I blush slightly and nod. “I have prepared a special meal today for Dominic and Carmine, as I know they come in every day this time for lunch. They order the same thing every day, and I’ve decided they will try something special today. I think you will enjoy it, too, Don Alessandro.”
I show them the bottle of wine. “This meal is best complimented with white wine.” I uncork the wine and start to fill their glasses. “While you sip on this, I’ll get your meal.”
“Please bring a plate for yourself, Kira,” Alessandro says, “I insist.”
I nod and go back to the kitchen to plate the food. I leave the waitresses to bring the food while I join the boys.
“This is Osso Buco, beef shank seared with flavor before slow cooking for hours in white wine to make the meat tender. Accompanied with vegetables and gremolata, a sauce I learned in Italy.”
They don’t say anything at first, then Dominic moans, “This is delicious, Kira. I’m going to order this every day.”
I laugh and taste it myself. I did pull it off rather well.
We chit-chat as we eat, no one dares to interrupt us, but I know the kitchen can handle itself for an hour or two while I take lunch.
“You’ve been working so hard,” Dominic comments. “That’s one of the reasons we’ve come here.”
“Did I do something wrong?” I ask curiously.
Dominic shakes his head. “Not at all. I have decided to babysit Raphael while you go out with Arianna tonight to La Club.”
I shake my head. “I shouldn’t….”
“Oh, but you should,” Alessandro says with a smile. “Meet Arianna at her cottage on our property at seven. Dominic will be at your house just before then.”
I nod. “Okay, then I guess I’m going out.”