Chapter 11: Spice Up Your Life
The Mane fourteen, along with Soarin, Spike, and Nyx had gathered around the main throne room. Twilight and Chase had a very important announcement.
"As you've all probably noticed," said Twilight with Starlight standing beside her, Spike poking the cutie map, and the others sitting comfortably on their thrones, "it's been quite some time since the map has sent us on a mission of friendship."
"Yeah! Ever since Starlight messed with it to go back in time and try to change history with Zhao's help!" Spike said aloud.
Starlight just smiled apologetically as Twilight, Chase, Jade, Sunray, Trini, Antonio, and Nyx glared at him sternly.
"Yes. Since then," said Twilight bluntly.
"Like we need you bringing that up again," Chase remarked irritably as he grabbed Spike by the tail and brought the baby dragon to his face as he yelped. "And we agreed you were never going to use your big mouth again, because we are fed up with your insensitivity!"
Spike smiled sheepishly.
"Sorry." Spike said nervously.
"Nevermind him, honey," said Twilight to Chase and then perked up again, "But, as part of her studies, Starlight's been assisting me and my husband. And together, we think we've come up with a spell that can get it working again!"
The other ponies cheered as Chase dropped Spike on the ground face first.
"Now without further ado," said Twilight.
Then she and Starlight made their horn glow as the magic shivered and spiraled high into the air. It was then an orb appeared above them that fired off color beams of each element. Each beam shined into the element markings of each throne. Then another beam splashed into the center of the table. There was a brief flicker and then the cutie map came into view, making the map restored.
The others oohed and awed in amazement. Then Sokka and Clay felt something tingling on their flanks.
"Huh?" Sokka exclaimed and then gasped.
"What the hay?" Clay exclaimed before he gasped too.
Their cutie marks were glowing! They watched as an after image of their cutie marks appeared and floated around them before it imprinted themselves on the top of their respective thrones, firing their own beams of magic into the cutie map itself. Then a projection appeared in the middle of the map.
"Does this mean...?" said Sokka excitedly as Fluttershy smiled as well.
"Can it be…" Clay asked excitedly as Applejack smiled as well.
"I believe so, guys," said Chase, "You two can now be summoned for Friendship missions."
The others cheered.
"Sweet!" said Sokka and Clay happily together.
Applejack and Fluttershy clapped happily. They were hoping this day would come.
"Fluttershy and Twilight in Appleloosa!" said Pinkie as she saw Fluttershy and Twilight's cutie marks appear above the area. Then the cutie marks disappeared and Rainbow and Pinkie's appeared next.
"No, me and Rainbow Dash in Las Pegasus!" said Pinkie then they disappeared as Antonio and Sokka's cutie marks appeared.
"No, Antonio and Sokka in Horse-a-lulu!" said Pinkie. Antonio and Sokka smiled excitedly.
"Friendship in tropical paradise man!" Antonio and Sokka together in poorly done Caribbean accents, but then their cutie marks disappeared, "Aww...!"
Chase, Jade, Sunray, Trini, Twilight, and Fluttershy just rolled their eyes at them, but still smirked. It was then Rainbow and Twilight's cutie marks appeared.
"No, Rainbow Dash and Twilight in Yakyakistan!" said Pinkie but then Twilight's cutie mark...appeared twice.
"No, Twilight and Twilight in Twilight's castle!" said Pinkie.
Then Pinkie's cutie mark appeared again along with Rarity, but this time they were just floating about the map.
"Oh, me! Me! Oh, me...and Rarity! said Pinkie excitedly as she watched the cutie marks float about.
"You know, Always thought of going to someplace if I ever got called." Soarin said as he and Rainbow smiled with each other.
"Maybe one day, Soarin. If you do get the chance." Rainbow said as they nuzzled each other lovingly.
Then Chase and Sokka's cutie marks appeared above them. The two stallion's cutie marks then combined and started shuffling back and forth like a roulette.
"Come on! Come on! Pick me! Pick me!" Sokka called out at the shuffling cutie mark.
Soon the cutie marks stopped shuffling, flickering four times...to show Chase's cutie mark.
"Aww..." Sokka groaned as he gave Chase a glare.
Chase just smiled and shrugged his shoulders. Chase's cutie mark then brought Rarity and Pinkie's cutie marks together as they continued to float about the map in a cluster.
"Ooh! I hope, it's some faraway place that nopony has gone before!" said Pinkie and smiled excitedly.
"Well, maybe not too faraway," said Rarity with a nervous chuckle, "An adventure somewhere that has modern conveniences would be preferable."
"Hold on a minute, Rarity!" Chase said sternly. "Before you try to go into dramatic town again, I don't want you to bring thirty bags of gear for a two day camping trip in a rather rustic location."
"Oh, don't exaggerate, Chase," said Rarity annoyingly, "Last time was only twenty bags."
Chase rolled his eyes when he noticed that the three cutie marks had descended right above Canterlot. Rarity gasped excitedly.
"Canterlot!" Rarity exclaimed happily, "This is wonderful! I can check our boutique! Perhaps there'll be some sort of events that we can attend!" Rarity then gasped again, "I'll have to pack extra outfits! What will I wear?!"
As Rarity gushed, Fluttershy had a sheepish smile on her face. Rainbow, Soarin, Sokka, Sunray, Jade, Trini, and Nyx had annoyed looks on their faces. Twilight and Applejack had skeptical looks on their faces. And Chase, Starlight, and Spike just looked outright bored.
"Fifteen years of training in jiu jitsu, and it all comes down to a whole new level of dramatic town." Sunray said annoyingly.
"Hmm…" Chase said irritatingly as he sighed heavily. "Where did I go wrong?"
"Y'know some ponies get excited about the silliest things," Pinkie remarked.
*Main theme*
The Friendship Express was seen heading to Canterlot, indicating Chase, Rarity, and Pinkie where on their way to solve the friendship problem.
(Scene changes)
After the train ride, the three ponies had just arrived in Canterlot and were walking down the streets past the shops.
"Now then," said Rarity with a sigh, "as far as finding a friendship problem, I suggest we start at the castle and begin to question the proper-"
"Oh, Rarity, you don't find a friendship problem," Pinkie interrupted, "It finds you. We just need to go with the flow, and eventually, kablam! We get friendship problem'd right between the eyes."
"Well…That is true..." said Chase as he tapped his chin with a fore-hoof.
"Well, this is a team effort," said Rarity, "so if you feel we should go with the flow, then with the flow we shall go."
"Works for me," said Chase in agreement.
"But where's the flow saying we should go?" Rarity asked curiously.
"You and Chase know Canterlot," said Rarity, "What do you think we should do?"
"Hm," said Rarity with a proud smile on her face, "Take your pick: Culture, Couture, and Cuisine!"
SLAP!
"OW!" Rarity yelped as she rubbed the back of her head in pain before she saw Chase giving her a stern glare.
"Rarity, let's make one thing very clear; we're not hear for dramatic fashion, we're on an important mission to find a friendship problem. I don't wanna hear anymore of your drama queen moments." Chase said firmly. "Do I make myself clear?"
Rarity smiled nervously.
"Understood, darling." Rarity said, sheepishly.
GRUMBLE-GRUMBLE
Rarity was then interrupted once again as Pinkie' stomach started to rumble. The pink pony just smiled sheepishly.
"Oh, my," said Rarity, "Well, it sounds like your stomach is saying we should flow towards some lunch?"
(Scene changes)
It wasn't much longer after that Rarity lead the group to a street that was lined up with various restaurants on both sides. Chase just had a rather skeptical look on his face.
"Restaurant Row," said Rarity, "the absolute best place for fine dining in all of Equestria!"
"Pft!" Chase huffed indignantly under his breath.
"Ooh, so many choices!" Pinkie excitedly, "Where should we go? This one? That one? Those ones?" Pinkie then pointed to three different locations, even appearing on view upside down to point at the third location.
"Any establishments that have this," said Rarity as she pointed up to a sign that had three horseshoes on it, "the three-hoof rating."
"Um, whose hooves?" Pinkie asked as Mario had a blunt look on his face.
"Why, Zesty Gourmand, the Queen of Cuisine," Rarity answered, "When it comes to food, she is the ultimate authority in Canterlot and thus all Equestria. She judges a restaurant on cuisine, decor, and presentation. Without her approval, the restaurant simply cannot survive."
"You got that right," Chase muttered bitterly. Rarity and Pinkie just looked at Chase curiously.
"What's so important about her approval?" Pinkie asked curiously.
"Zesty grew up around fine dining," said Rarity, "and everypony hangs on her every word when it comes to cuisine."
"Maybe too much," Chase muttered with an eye roll. Rarity sighed.
"I know that tone," said Rarity plainly, "That's the tone of a pony who knows who she is and she either bullied or looked down upon you?"
"Not quite. She was the one who looked down at my own mother, Jewel Hisomi." Chase said angrily, surprising Rarity and Pinkie even more.
"What?" Pinkie and Rarity asked in surprise.
"You see, before my grandfather disappeared, my mother graduated from the Canterlot culinary institute at the top of her class. An iron chef to be precise." Chase said as a black and white flashback was shown of Teenage Jewel Hisomi standing on stage with an iron chef's hat and uniform with a diploma in her magic grip.
"Grandpa ecided that maybe opening a restaurant would be a good way to help her become a great chef." Chase said as the flashback showed Darius Hisomi showing his daughter an empty building on restaurant's row, "They decided to turn it in a retro style diner and had a big grand opening too. The restaurant was actually a partnership."
The flashback showed both Teenage Jewel and Darius cut the ribbon as several ponies behind them cheered.
"Really?" said Rarity in surprise.
"Yeah, Mom and Grandpa loved to cook as much as I did." Chase said as the flashback showed his mother and his grandfather taking turns cooking and serving customers, "Grandpa learned more from his adoptive father, Chen, than taking classes like Mom did. She was feeling better being able to share another talent with the Canterlot ponies, even with some of the elite ponies that had given her much respect unlike the others."
The flashback showed Teenage Jewel getting praises from the Canterlot ponies for her cooking as she smiled gratefully at them.
"After a few weeks," said Chase, "The diner was huge success. But then one day, Zesty Gourmand showed up."
It was then a tall grey unicorn with white mane wearing a large overcoat appeared with a very snooty demeanor on her face.
"She wasted no time putting down the diner and that the ponies of Canterlot deserved something far superior than what my mother and grandfather had to offer," Chase continued. The flashback showed Zesty Gourmand snootily speaking as Jewel looked dejected and Darius glared.
"She didn't even try any of the food," said Chase, "Deeming it inferior and not even worth tasting. She even said she wouldn't even set foot in a place like this ever again. To make matters worse, all my mother's regular customers turned on her and all walked out of the diner. Many of them without even paying for their meals. Even the Canterlot group refused to come back, saying they didn't want to be looked down upon for eating at a place disapproved of by the Queen of Cuisine."
The flashback showed several ponies just staring blankly for a moment before snootily walking out of the diner. Jewel just watched them leave but wasn't able to say anything and looked down sadly.
"Business went downhill after that," said Chase, "Even with Grandpa coming to help her, nopony else would show up. Within two weeks, they were forced out of business by a pony who was approved by Zesty Gourmand."
The flashback showed the diner now being empty as Jewel felt heartbroken. Next, Teenage Jewel and Darius were outside outside the building as a rather snootily unicorn put up his rating over the banner and their crew started destroying all the interior work. Jewel sat down and cried out in tears as she covered her face. Darius hugged his daughter tightly for comfort.
The flashback ended with Chase still looking rather bitter.
"After that, they pretty much shelved their cooking talents and just went back to their home to continue their jiu jitsu skills. It wasn't long until Dad came into their lives and helped her out with their dinner until eventually they got married. Then they got me, Jade, and Sunray."
"Well, that was years ago," said Rarity, "I'm sure Zesty's opinions wouldn't hold much value if they had remained the same. Even in cuisine, one has to change with the times."
"True," said Chase, "Guess we could see what is considered culinary chic right now."
"Wow! If the food is chic!" said Pinkie excitedly, "Then the food here must be amazing! Lead the way, partners! Whee!" Rarity then lead the two ponies into one of the restaurants.
(Scene changes)
Soon, the three ponies were seated. Rarity and Chase were sitting together on one side. Pinkie was sitting alone on the opposite side. The interior itself was rather mono-chrome with some grayish blue curtains, light gray booths, and some drapes with a single wall painting at the back wall of each other. Even the lamps were square and placed between each booth.
"Hmm… I do like most of the restaurants with lots of of symmetry," said Chase, "but it feels so...so...stuck up."
"Oh, don't be silly darling," said Rarity, "This is what high class dining is supposed to look like." Mario huffed.
"It's also supposed to be welcoming to those who dine here," said Chase, "Not make you feel inferior."
"Oh, now you're just nitpicking," said Rarity, "I'm sure you're feelings will change once our food arrives."
Just as Rarity finished speaking a rather snooty waiter arrived with a serving dish with a dome on top of it. He then removed the dome to show three rectangular plates that had the same three very, very, very tiny morsels of food on them. Rarity gasped impressively.
"Oh, my! Such presentation," said Rarity as her plate was placed before her. Chase looked at his own plate with his mouth slightly open.
"Please tell me this is the appetizer," Chase asked with a look of disgust.
"It's the main course," said Rarity as Chase's eyes nearly popped out. Pinkie just eyeballed her plate curiously.
"You gotta be kidding me," said Chase, "I understand the importance of quality over quantity, but this is taking it a little too extreme!"
"I'm sure it tastes delicious," said Rarity as she took one of the morsels and ate it. Chase noticed that Rarity made a face as she ate it.
"Mm, Oh," Rarity muttered as she smacked her lips, "Ah, yes, very nice..."
Rarity smiled sheepishly. Chase then grabbed one of the morsels and ate one himself. He pondered professionally as he ate it and swallowed. His eyes then went wide as he coughed a bit from the taste since it tasted horrible.
"Ugh! That's disgusting! There's nothing about it that makes me want to come back and order it again!" Chase said angrily.
Rarity just gave him a skeptical look. Pinkie then face-planted her plate and ate all three morsels at once.
"Nom-nom-nom," Pinkie munched as she gulped and made a face, "Maybe I'm not in the mood for-" Pinkie lowered her voice, "-whatever this is."
"I don't think it's your mood, Pinkie," said Chase, implying he agreed with her.
"Can we try someplace else?" Pinkie asked.
"Fine by me," said Chase, ignoring the fact the waiter was glaring at them.
(Scene changes)
The next restaurant they went to was no better. In fact, the decor was exactly the same except the colors were monotone shades of grey and purple. The main course was the same three morsels of food. While Rarity "claimed" they were different. Chase sampled a morsel.
"Even if there are any differences," said Chase, "the flavors blend in so well that it's just as bland and unexciting as the food at the last restaurant."
"Nom-nom," Pinkie munched and then made a face, "Ugh. Maybe one more stop?"
"Sure," said Chase, "But if it's like the last three hooves restaurant, I'm not expecting much better." Once again, the waiter glared at the group.
Chase was right on the money, The decor was the same as he expected except the monotone colors were gray and dark green. And the wall paintings were triangles instead of circles.
"Yeah, nothing special here," said Chase flatly.
"Bleh!" Pinkie exclaimed loudly, "Nope." Rarity just looked away and face-hooved herself.
"This is ridiculous," said Chase as they excited the last restaurant, "I don't know what makes these restaurants worth having that stupid three hoof rating. The food is tasteless. The decor intimidating. And the same can be said for every other restaurant here!"
"I prefer to call it refined and sophisticated," said Rarity snootily.
"Rarity, I didn't spend several years of my life studying and training martial arts in Equestria. And not know what refined and sophisticated cuisine is supposed to look and taste like!" Chase retorted, "Not to mention that with all these restaurants being the same and serving the same food, no restaurant has a competitive advantage. There's nothing that attracts me to one restaurant over the other. That's just bad business policy! I don't know if this is supposed to be a commercial street or a utopian society!"
"I was wondering if I was the only pony getting that "Starlight's village" vibe," said Pinkie.
"Plus a good meal is supposed to leave you feeling satisfied," said Chase, "Three "entrees" later, I still feel hungry!"
"Me too!" said Pinkie. Rarity scoffed and mumbled to herself.
"Can you seriously tell me you're full right now with just your one entry, Rarity?" Chase asked sternly. Rarity glared.
"I feel perfectly satisfied," said Rarity indignantly.
GROWL!
Rarity' stomach then growled loudly, making the marshmallow pony blush and feel most annoyed.
"I hate you stomach," Rarity groaned to herself.
"Maybe instead of trusting somepony else's hooves, I should pick the next place?" Pinkie suggested.
"Ugh! Very well," Rarity conceded...hastily.
"Fine by me," said Chase, "If you can pick a place with real food around here."
Pinkie began to sniff about and then hopped forward toward one building, sniffled again, then hopped toward the foreground. It was then an appealing aroma caught her nose. She then gasped and dashed off to the left.
"Wait up, Pinkie!" Chase called out as he went after her with Rarity right behind her.
Pinkie made her way down a rather thin street. At the end of it was a rather exotic looking restaurant. Chase walked up with Rarity right behind him.
"Wow! Now this place looks promising," said Chase as he noticed the front door was also open.
"The Tasty Treat," said Rarity aloud, "it's very...rustic." She then added in a whisper to Pinkie and Chase, "It looks like it hasn't even been rated."
"Thank goodness! Hee-hee!" Pinkie chuckled.
"That's the best news I've heard all day," said Chase happily as he and Pinkie happily walked inside.
As some Middle Eastern music began to play in the background, Rarity just followed after them with weary look on her face as she closed the door. The marshmallow mare nervously looked around at the interior decor as Pinkie and Chase waved at her from the table they were sitting at. Surprisingly, they were the only ponies there as Rarity nervously took a seat. Chase took notice.
"Will you stop acting like your life will be ruined if somepony sees you, or us for that matter?" Chase retorted.
"Need I remind you that I have a very successful boutique here?" Rarity replied sternly, "If the wrong pony sees me eating at an unrated restaurant..."
"Then anypony who believes that doesn't deserve any of your couture," said Chase firmly, "There's plenty of ponies that can take their place." Rarity blinked.
"Not if they're one of the more important ponies!" Rarity protested worriedly, "they'll drive us out of business!"
"Let them!" said Chase with a rather angry smirk on his face, "Maybe that's just the universe's way of saying Canterlot isn't good enough for your couture. There are plenty of other cities who will be more than happy with a boutique from you! You don't need no approval from the stupid elite to be successful!"
Rarity blinked as she saw the fire in Chase's eyes, unsure of what to think or say.
"Are we sure they're open?" Rarity asked, hoping to change the subject. Pinkie then took a deep sniff.
"Mmm, it smells open," said Pinkie.
The three ponies were then startled when a loud clang was heard from another room that could be presumed was the kitchen. It was then a orange unicorn with dark brown poofy mane and tail with a gold headband in her mane, thick gold earrings, wearing an orange top with a yellow beaded handkerchief appeared.
"Oh! Are you here for lunch?" the orange pony asked with a Middle Eastern accent.
"Yes, indeedy!" said Pinkie.
"Absolutely," said Chase. Rarity just looked in a little uncomfortable and said nothing.
"I'm Saffron Masala," said the orange pony, "The chef here at The Tasty Treat, the most exotic cuisine in Canterlot. Would you like to hear about the specials?"
"We're actually in a bit of a hur-" Rarity tried to say, but Chase put a fore-hoof in her mouth.
"Not. Another. Word." Chase said sternly, making Rarity nervous at him.
"Yes, please!" said Pinkie.
"And take your time," said Chase before shooting discreet glare at Rarity as he sat down. "we're in no rush."
Rarity glared at him.
"We have a curried oat cake," said Saffron.
"We'll take one!" said Pinkie.
"Uh-huh!" Chase said in agreement.
"Uh, and a grass sandwich that has been marinated overnight in a mustard Dijon dressing," Saffron suggested next.
"How can you say no to that?" said Pinkie.
"Make that two!" Chase replied.
"A-And for you?" Saffron asked Rarity.
"Oh, me?" said Rarity, trying to be polite, "Oh, I'm fine. Thank you." Rarity waited for Saffron to walk away before leaning into toward Chase and Pinkie.
"No rating," Rarity sing-sang.
"Who cares?" Chase retorted sternly in a hush tone.
Rarity looked indignant.
"I don't get how you even graduated culinary school after your mother did," Rarity muttered, "You clearly don't understand the true meaning of fine cuisine."
"All because I don't agree with Zesty Gourmand's opinions?" Chase replied, clearly offended, "Just because she says this is what fine cuisine is supposed to be like doesn't mean that I have to automatically assume she is in the right place. Unlike the other high class ponies in this city, I have a brain and I have a right to make my own opinions and decisions about what I like and what I think is fine cuisine! And those scrapes they served at those other restaurants are not what I consider high quality cuisine! So excuse me if standing up for my opinions embarrasses you so much!"
Chase then took a long deep breath to calm himself down. Rarity was taken aback.
"It's not that I'm embarassed," Rarity tried to explain, but couldn't even make eye contact, "It's just..."
Rarity's train of thought was interrupted when a tan colored stallion with brown mane and tail wearing a faded orange shirt and a mustache on his face appeared. He sighed and grumbled to himself in Hindi at he started putting some nearby chairs upside down on the table.
"Hiya!" said Pinkie cheerfully, "What's your name?"
"Coriander Cumin," said the stallion sternly.
"Are you a chef here too?" Pinkie asked.
"My daughter cooks," said Coriander, "I host."
"Then why are you stacking chairs?" Pinkie continued.
"Without customers, I have nopony to host for," said Coriander, "So I stack!" Chase was about to speak up with Saffron appeared with their food. Pinkie and Chase looked at the food hungrily while Rarity still looked rather uneasy.
"Father, stop it!" Saffron said sternly as she set the food on the table, "Don't close up the restaurant around our guests. Can't you see one of them is the Prince of Friendship/Master of Jiu Jitsu?"
"Good to know someponies actually recognize me for once," Chase remarked.
"What does it matter?!" Coriander retorted angrily, "When they leave, nopony else will be coming in!"
"Well, your attitude isn't going to bring anyone in!" Saffron shot back, "Can't at least pretend to be positive?"
Meanwhile, Chase quickly used his magic to grab one of the grass sandwiches just as Pinkie face-planted the plate to eat the rest.
"So good!" Pinkie slurped.
"Yeah," said Chase as he finished bite, "Now this is quality Southern Equestrian cuisine." Rarity just rolled her eyes and said nothing.
"You are doing enough pretending for the both of us," said Coriander angrily, "Nopony here wants to try anything new!"
"The Prince of Friendship clearly wants to!" Saffron snapped, "If he can help spread word, then there's still hope."
"I know enough that Equestria's alicorn Prince/Jiu Jitsu Master's word has no value here in Canterlot," Coriander pointed out, not noticing that Chase cringed and looked deeply angry, "I know when to throw in the towel!"
"Um, Pinkie, perhaps we should excuse ourselves," Rarity suggested before adding, "Chase's not looking so great."
Pinkie looked up and noticed that Rarity was right. Coriander's words seemed to have hit a nerve. Chase looked very angry.
"Hey, remember that there are a good number ponies who love you and are very proud of you," said Pinkie gently, "You're word does have value here in Canterlot."
Chase smiled, feeling a little better as he went to eat some more of the food.
"Oh, Rarity, try this!" said Pinkie, her voice muffled since her mouth was full as she handed her a sandwich half. Rarity nibbled it slightly.
"Ooh!" Rarity munched, clearly enjoying the flavor.
"Told ya we knew good cuisine," said Chase to Rarity, who just smiled as she finished the sandwich half.
"Maybe if you would listen to my ideas for once..." Saffron shouted as Coriander walked across the foreground.
"I know that feeling..." Chase muttered to himself.
"Oh, yes!" Coriander retorted sarcastically as he turned around to face her, "I did not move halfway across Equestria for my daughter that I never listen to!"
An exclamation appeared above Chase's head as he perked up and Pinkie gave a quick spit in realization.
"Rarity, I think that friendship problem just kablammed us right between the eyes," said Pinkie right in the eyes.
"I think you're right, Pinkie," said Chase, "I think we've found our mission."
"These two?" said Rarity, "Oh, I don't know, darling. The food is excellent, but I'm not sure there's much you, Chase, and I can do to help them."
"Well, that's just wrong," said Chase.
"What would you have me do?" Coriander scoffed, "We can't even get Zesty Gourmand to come to our restaurant. She took one look at how empty it was and said it wasn't even worth rating." Chase snorted.
"Zesty's just as shallow then as she is now," said Chase, "Talk about judging a book by its cover."
"I know right?" said Pinkie, "You can't just judge a restaurant by how full it is, you gotta at least give the food and service a try..."
"That's it!" Rarity interrupted with a huge smile on her face.
"Yes!" Pinkie shouted as well with her fore-hooves in the air, but then looked puzzled, "Uh, what's it?"
"The flow has led us here!" said Rarity, "This is our mission!" She then walked up to Saffron and Coriander.
"We are going to get you that three-hoof rating and save your restaurant!" said Rarity, "I can get Zesty Gourmand here!"
"And together we'll show her that being different and having food with flavors is worth a three hooves rating!" said Chase, not noticing that Rarity had cringed, "Right, Rarity?"
"Yes...yes of course, Chase," said Rarity wearily with a light eye roll. Pinkie then gasped.
"And I can pack this place with ponies!" Pinkie replied.
"Hmph," Coriander snorted, "and how do you intend to do such a thing?"
"Just leave it to us!" said Pinkie, Rarity, and Chase at once. Saffron smiled excitedly and hopefully while Coriander still had a pessimistic look on his face.
(Scene changes)
Later that day while Rarity was out, Saffron was speaking to Chase with Pinkie standing beside him.
"I apologize for my father's rude remarks about your opinions not having any value, your majesty," said Saffron, "and also for our behavior. The stress is just getting the better of us."
"I understand and just call me Chase," said Chase, "If my opinion has any value to you, just know that I found your restaurant to be a very welcoming and pleasant and the food was absolutely exquisite. I don't know how Zesty Gourmand got her reputation for being the Queen of Cuisine. Her narrow minded ideals of what fine cuisine is has made every rated restaurant stuffy and lacking any individuality."
"And the food was terrible," said Pinkie.
"We plan to use The Tasty Treat to set a new trend," said Chase, "a trend where high quality cuisine comes from being unique and true to yourself, not from what she says is fine cuisine."
"Right!" said Pinkie as she and Chase shared a high-hoof together.
Saffron smiled hopefully. It was a few minutes later as she was pacing back and forth in the foreground. Pinkie was just licking a plate as Chase watched her. Then Saffron saw Coriander putting items into some cardboard boxes.
"Father will you please stop packing things?!" Saffron snapped.
"When lovely pony comes back and says she couldn't convince Zesty Gourmand to come visit us," Coriander replied, "we will need to pack all this up. I am just getting a head start."
"You really don't know Rarity," said Pinkie as she put her plate down.
"Besides," said Chase, "Even if Rarity can't get Zesty Gourmand to show up, we can still make this place a success. Just leave it to us! But that's just a backup plan. Rarity will come through." Coriander just snorted.
"I've done it!" Rarity sing-sang.
"See?" said Pinkie.
"Told ya," Chase added.
"It took all of my charm and cajoling," said Rarity, "But I was able to convince Zesty Gourmand to try and taste the food!"
"What is the catch?" Coriander asked.
"Ah, yes," Rarity continued sheepishly, "Well, um, there is a bit of a challenge. The only time she could make herself available is tonight, there is quite a bit of work that needs to get done."
"Well, you've done tighter deadlines before, Rarity," said Chase, "I'm sure we can get everything ready in time. Just a few minor adjustments need to be done."
"Pfft. Oh, yeah, right," said Coriander as he stomped away.
"What is it?" Saffron asked Rarity and Chase.
"Zesty rates a restaurant on cuisine, decor, and presentation," Rarity explained. "And she has very specific tastes, if she's coming tonight, there is quite a bit of work that needs to get done."
"Like what?" Pinkie asked.
"Oh, a tweak here, a tuck there, some slight modifications to the menu," said Rarity.
"I'm sure if we put our heads together, we can create the ideal decor and cuisine," said Chase, "one that doesn't sacrifice the authenticity and integrity of their culinary point of view while giving it that high society touch to make it appealing to ponies of all social standings. This place will stand out above the rest, right Rarity?"
"Right...of course, Chase," said Rarity with a nervous chuckle, "we just need the place to feel more cosmopolitan."
"Pfft," Coriander snorted.
"Father, after Rarity and Master Chase went to all of this trouble for us, can't we at least try?" Saffron scolded.
"Why don't I stay behind with Coriander to get the restaurant ready for Zesty's arrival?" said Rarity and then looked at Pinkie, "You can Saffron can try and drum up some business."
"One packed restaurant, come right up!" Pinkie saluted.
"Um, am I helping with the decor then?" said Chase. Rarity winced and then quickly chuckled and recomposed herself.
"Actually, Chase," said Rarity, "You are an iron chef. Maybe you can gather the ingredients needed for tonight's dinner rush, helping them...ehhh...perfect their recipes for the specials. Yes, help perfect the recipes."
Chase gave her a suspicious glare as Rarity just smiled widely at him.
"Rarity, one of the golden rules of cuisine is that it is a forbidden crime to tamper with a family recipe," Chase said firmly, "when something works, you don't fix..."
"Actually, Prince Chase," said Saffron as she used her magic to give Mario their family cookbook, "I was going to ask if you could look at some of my recipes. I feel like there could be a few improvements with them."
Saffron smiled hopefully and Chase then saw Rarity was just smiling as she was battling her eyelashes at him. Chase sighed.
"Fine," said Chase as he tucked the book into his magic saddle bag, "guess I'll head to the market to gather the ingredients. I also going to see if some local friends will stop by to offer their support. You got a good grasp on our decor idea there, Rarity?"
"Yes, yes, of course," said Rarity quickly, "Classy, but rustic, unique, but still sophisticated. Got it." Chase looked at her skeptically and then smiled.
"I knew we would see eye to eye about this," said Chase. He gave Rarity a hug and then headed out of the door, "I'll be back as soon as I can."
Rarity waved him goodbye. She watched him disappear and then turned to the others. Rarity then walked up to the still sulking stallion.
"We better get started," said Rarity to Pinkie. Pinkie just nodded as she and Saffron headed out.
"Coriander, I understand your trepidation," said Rarity, "But I promise you, we will get hooves by making this place feel just like all of the other restaurants on Restaurant Row!"
(Scene changes)
Outside, Saffron was looking very worried as she closed the door of the Tasty Treat.
"I hope my father doesn't drive Rarity crazy," Saffron sighed.
"It'll be fine," said Pinkie, "Rarity's gonna make sure that The Tasty Treat is the most unique and beautiful restaurant in Canterlot! Just like Chase said it would! Not like all of those stuffy places on Restaurant Row."
It was then some middle eastern style music started to play for another song.
[Rarity - she walked across the fore-ground and then took a seat next to Coriander. She then showed him several pictures of the decor, cuisine, and presentation of the other restaurants.]
Here's what I know
If you want to succeed
You must follow the trends, that's the key
[Rarity - She then sang to Coriander and then opened a door as several unicorns wearing overalls and caps appeared to renovate the decor.]
If you want to show
That you're got what it takes
You must be what they want you to be
[Pinkie Pie - She was now wearing a top and handkerchief just like Saffron's.]
Here's what I know
Your food is so good
The flavor's so fancy and free
[Pinkie Pie - She gave Saffron a stack of advertisement flyers and then held a green arrow advertisement and spun it about to get the other ponies' attention. Then the scene changes to the market as Chase looks around at the various vendors. He then sampled some spices from one vender. He purchased a few different vegetables from another. Then put the purchased items into his saddle bags.]
You just need to show
That unique sense of taste
Go on, be yourself, let them see
[Pinkie Pie and Rarity - The screen split in two with Rarity on the left and Pinkie on the right. They extend a hoof to Coriander and Saffron respectively. (The former had a deadpan face while the later smiled.) Then Rarity and Pinkie walked behind them, mirroring each other. Rarity's cards then floated across the screen as she removed the fabrics hanging on the ceiling of The Tasty Treat. Pinkie was still twirling her green sign as Saffron showed the flyers to passing ponies. Pinkie then caught the attention of a passing mare and her foal.]
It's gonna work
I know it's gonna work
It's gonna work out just fine, trust me
It's gonna work
I swear it's gonna work
It's gonna work out just fine, you'll see!
[Rarity - She held a card showing the proper attire Coriander should wear and grabbed a suit just like it. She then made a curtain come down over him. When it was lifted, Coriander was now wearing the fancy uniform.]
You need to change
If you want to compete
But fear not, for I know what to do
[Rarity - She then took the plate of food Saffron had made and replaced it with a plate of the three morsels of food that the other restaurants served. Coriander just tasted it and pondered to himself.]
I know it feels strange
But trust me, when we're done
We'll make sure that you're a hit, too
[Pinkie Pie - She bounced away from Saffron, then came back bouncing on her flank wearing a pig's nose. As she sang, she then showed waiters that all dressed and looked the same holding a serving plate with a dinner dome on top of it. Chase then found a newspaper with Zesty Gourmand on the front page. She was standing outside another three hooves restaurant. He then crumpled up the newspaper, tossed it into a nearby trash can. He walked away with a confident and determined smirk on his face.]
Don't ever change
Being different is good
Don't let what others do be your cue
[Pinkie Pie]
Never rearrange
'Cause somepony said you should
Just trust your heart, it will know what to do
[Pinkie Pie and Rarity - The screen split with Rarity on the left and Pinkie on the right. They took the fore-hoof of Coriander and Saffron respectively. then walked behind them. As the screen parted, Pinkie stood on a wooden crate rotating her sign. Saffron kept showing the flyers to passing ponies, but they continued to walk away snootily and disinterested. Rarity and Coriander watched as the working crew disassembled the exterior.]
It's gonna work
I know it's gonna work
It gonna work out just fine, trust me
It's gonna work
I swear it's gonna work
It's gonna work out just fine, you'll see!
[Pinkie Pie]
Be unique
[Chase]
Break the trend
[Rarity]
Just be the same
[Pinkie Pie]
Trust your heart
[Chase]
Take a risk
[Rarity - pointed at a sign with three hooves rating.]
You'll make your name
[Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Chase- The screen split horizontally in three ways with Rarity and Coriander on top, Chase in the middle, and Pinkie and Saffron at the bottom. Rarity then pointed at another sign that had three hooves on it. Pinkie pointed to The Tasty Treat's original sign. Chase just trotted along the street while looking at their family cook and adding a couple of sticky notes to it.]
We'll help you every step of the way
Because we know what you need to do
and you should know it too
[Pinkie Pie and Rarity - Once again, the screen was split in half with Rarity on the left and Pinkie on the right. They took the fore-hooves of Coriander and Saffron respectively and then walked behind them. Rarity and Coriander watch the design crew leave the restaurant. Pinkie and Saffron continued to advertise. Rarity then set up some plates with very tiny morsel of food that looked exactly the same. Saffron kept showing the flyers, but ponies kept showing no interest.]
It's gonna work
I know it's gonna work
It's gonna work out just fine, trust me
It's gonna work
I swear it's gonna work
It's gonna work out just fine, you'll see!
(Scene changes)
Later that afternoon, Chase had found the Canterlot group and wasted no time explaining to them the situation with The Tasty Treat. He was also surprised and also offended when he saw they were rather hesitant to offer their help. He hadn't known that Twinkleshine, Minuette, and Lemon Hearts had been walking down Restaurant Row and had openly snubbed Saffron and Pinkie's promotion of the place.
"Come on, girls!" said Chase sternly, "The Tasty Treat deserves to stay open in Canterlot, but they need customers!"
"But...but they're not even rated," said Twinkleshine timidly.
"Yeah...no pony with common sense would eat at a non-rated restaurant," said Lemon Hearts, but then winced when she saw the dark look on Chase's face, "of...of course I'm not saying you don't have any common sense. I mean if you like eating at non-rated restaurants then all the power to you. I mean you never really followed the trends anyway. Oop! I didn't mean that in a bad way I just...well...somepony please make me stop talking!"
"What Lemon Hearts is trying to say is," said Minuette nervously, "is that other ponies wouldn't eat at an unrated restaurant and if Zesty Gourmand refuses to rate them..."
"...You do what Zesty thinks is best," said Chase in an angry and sarcastic tone, "because she has the right and authority to tell you where to dine and how to eat! Because nopony other than her has the brains to decide for themselves what they like. Is that it?"
The three mares said nothing and neither of them could look at him. Even Moon Dancer was just sitting quietly and hadn't said a word.
"You ponies rely way too much on Zesty when it comes to fine dining," said Chase, "You take the word of a critic who just shows up and openly condemns a restaurant without even properly rating it over a pony who studies cuisine and fine dining!"
"Hey, we said we were sorry for how she closed down your mother's diner all those years ago," Twinkleshine retorted, "I'm sure there are reasons that restaurant isn't rated."
"The only thing I found was being different," said Chase, "and the food was delicious. The three-hooves restaurants were so bland and boring that I would never set foot in them. And that needs to change and I need your help doing that, starting with The Tasty Treat. So who's with me?"
Chase looked at the group and found them still looking uneasy. Moon Dancer was still remaining silent. Chase snorted.
"Fine," said Chase , "but it's really nice to know that you'd rather give into peer pressure than help a friend!"
Chase then stomped away with a huff. All but Moon Dancer shared sad and ashamed looks with each other. Moon Dancer then snorted before taking off.
"Chase! Chase! Wait!" Moon Dancer called out. Chase stopped walking and looked back to see the butter colored pony approach him.
"I'm sorry I didn't speak up before," said Moon Dancer, "I was just as shocked as you are. You're right. Zesty Gourmand is entitled to her opinions, but can't make ponies decide what to eat. I even knew that your mother had better culinary sense than her. Unlike last time, I'm not too shy to speak up. So where's this Tasty Treat you're talking about? I'll try anything once."
Chase smiled and gave the pony a hug.
(Scene changes)
As the sun was setting, Saffron noticed that their advertising efforts hadn't produced much results.
"The day is almost over," Saffron gasped, "and we haven't found any ponies! What will we do?"
"Try harder!" Pinkie replied as she held her arrow sign, "Fillies and gentlecolts! Check out the super stupendous and amazing cuisine at the Tasty Treat! Grand re-opening tonight!" It was then two ponies walked up to them.
"How many hooves does it have?" one pony named Citrus Blush asked.
"No hooves yet, but hopefully soon!" Saffron replied optimistically.
"Well, when it gets rated, let us know," said Cayenne as she and Citrus Blush walked away.
"Rrrgh! Stupid hooves!" Pinkie growled.
"Seesh, it's like Starlight used her old equality magic around here!" said a familiar voice.
"I know right," said a second familiar voice, "And they call this the best cuisine in Equestria!"
They both chuckled.
"Chase? Moon Dancer?" Pinkie exclaimed when she saw the two ponies approaching.
"Hey, Pinkie," said Chase, "I got the ingredients needed for tonight and I got Moon Dancer to come try the place."
"That's wonderful, Prince Chase," Saffron replied happily.
"What about the others?" Pinkie asked.
"Couldn't make it," said Chase quickly, "how did the advertising go?"
Pinkie growled.
"Stupid Hooves!" Pinkie snapped again as she slammed her arrow down on the street, sending it flying into the air and landing before a pair of tourists named Chargrill Breadwinner and Orange Slice.
"Oh, look at this, hun!" said Chargrill Breadwinner.
"Oh, The Tasty Treat!" said Orange Slice, "Do you think that's a restaurant, sugar?"
"Yes! Yes, it is!" said Pinkie as she, Saffron, Chase, and Moon Dancer walked up to the tourists.
"We came to Canterlot from Whinnyapolis to be adventurous," said Chargrill Breadwinner, "but so far, the food in all these hoity-toity places taste like somepony cooked up nothin' with a side of nothin'."
"I feel your pain, sir," said Chase.
"Oh my stars! It's Prince Chase!" said Orange Slice, "So you've eating at the Tasty Treat?"
"Indeed I have," said Chase, "if you're looking for flavor, The Tasty Treat is the place to go!"
"Then we definitely should check it out, right hun?" said Chargrill Breadwinner as Orange Slice nodded in agreement.
"Well, please, come try the Tasty Treat," said Saffron, "I think it's going to be exactly what you're looking for." The tourist couple followed as Pinkie, Saffron, and Chaseshared a three way high-hoof with each other.
Back at the Tasty Treat, Rarity was cleaning one of the windows when she heard the others approaching outside.
"I hope Rarity made sure to keep the place unique and special," said Pinkie.
"Pinkie, when it comes to decor, Rarity thinks so much like as if she has got a little something off the mind," said Chase, "Plus she told me she understood what I wanted to do. If anything I'm sure she found some sort of middle ground that will make the place sophisticated as well as authentic."
Rarity chuckled.
"Oh, you could call it "middle ground"," Rarity said to herself confidently as Pinkie, Saffron, and Chase entered the restaurant.
"Father," Saffron called out, "we're ba-" Pinkie and Saffron gasped dramatically.
"WHAT THE-?!" Chase said in shock and anger.
Even Moon Dancer was surprised but remained silent as she peeked in from behind the three ponies.
"Rarity, what did you do?" Pinkie asked. The whole interior had been redone to look just like the other restaurants. Coriander was even wearing the same stuffy waiters uniform.
"Welcome to The Tasty Treat," said Coriander in a very unenthusiastic tone, "You can eat here if you want. Or not? Who cares?"
Pinkie, Saffron, and Chase cringed. Chase was the first to recover and gave Rarity a very, very angry look. Rarity, who hadn't noticed Chase's look of rage, just had a proud smile on her face.
"I know," said Rarity, "Isn't it perfect? Zesty is sure to love it."
"You call this perfection?!" Chase exclaimed angrily.
"I thought we were trying to make this the most unique and beautiful restaurant in Canterlot!" Pinkie protested, "Not make it exactly like every other restaurant!" Rarity gave a haughty laugh.
"We want to help our friends by getting them three hooves," said Rarity, "That will only happen if this is like every other restaurant."
"Rarity, I thought we agreed that it was time to change to trends and show the Tasty Treat can get three hooves by being true to its own style and cuisine!" said Chase.
It was then Coriander approached the group with a plate that had the three morsels of food on it.
"Father, what is this?!" Saffron exclaimed in horror as Chase looked in horror and disgust.
"Not that!" Pinkie flinched dramatically, "Anything but that!" Even Mood Dancer was stunned.
"What is that? An appetizer?" Moon Dancer asked in utter disbelief.
"Believe it or not, that's what they call the main entree," said Chase. Moon Dancer blinked.
"That's ridiculous!" Moon Dancer exclaimed.
"Ridiculous or not," said Coriander, "This is what we must cook if we want to succeed here!"
"This isn't what I wanted!" Saffron protested, "I wanted Canterlot to like us for us!"
"That's what Pinkie and I wanted as well," said Chase before they both glared at Rarity, "Until somepony went behind both our backs and decided to do everything her way!"
Chase didn't hesitate raising his voice to show how angry and betrayed he was feeling. Rarity just smiled smugly, feeling she was still in the right.
"Rarity, how could you ruin this restaurant?!" Pinkie snapped as she got into the marshmallow mare's face.
"I can't believe you lied to me and disregarded everything I said about how to create the decor and food around here!" Chase added sternly, "I should've known there was reason you wanted me out of the restaurant so badly. Pinkie's right, you ruined everything!"
"Oh, pff. Kch. Ts!" Rarity said simply, "We helped save the restaurant. Now, where are the other guests? I see Chase brought a guest. How many other ponies are coming?" Pinkie and Saffron looked at each other.
"Two," they both said bluntly.
"Just two?!" Rarity said in shock, "But with Moon Dancer here that only makes three ponies! I thought you said you could pack the place with ponies no matter what!"
"You said you would make the restaurant better..." Pinkie retorted, getting into Rarity's face again. Rarity then gasped as Pinkie realized something, "...so I guess we both didn't know what we were talking about!"
"And what am I supposed to do with all these ingredients I purchased for Saffron? Huh?!" said Chase angrily, "You won't be needing any of them if you're gonna make those bland scrapes you call food!"
"We'll gladly compensate you for-" Saffron replied.
"No, Saffron!" said Chase sternly, "If anypony is gonna pay for all the stuff I purchased, it's gonna be Rarity!"
"Excuse me!?" Rarity snapped, "I didn't tell you to purchase so many ingredients."
"But you did pretend to agree with my ideas and then sent me away so you could do the decor your way!" Chase yelled, "We clearly don't see eye to eye on what the true definition of fine dining is!"
"Obviously," said Rarity, "But I still think I have a better grasp on the standards of high society!"
"Your expertise is fashion, Rarity," Chase retorted, "But fine dining is NOT!"
The two stared each other down until they heard some knocking on the front door.
"Zesty Gourmand!" Rarity gasped, "Everypony, places!"
"Mario, come with me!" said Saffron frantically. Chase then turned to Moon Dancer as Coriander took his position as host.
"Just find a seat and hope this doesn't blow up on all of us," said Chase, "And I'm sorry about all this."
"It's alright," said Moon Dancer, "I'll be cheering you on from the side lines."
"Get moving!" Rarity snapped impatiently as she pushed Chase and Moon Dancer apart.
"Don't tell me what to do!" Chase shot back, "And we're still gonna talk about this later!"
Chase then stomped off as Moon Dancer took a seat nearby. It was then the door opened to reveal Zesty Gourmand herself, looking as snooty as ever. Chargrill Breadwinner and Orange Slice were right behind her. Rarity gulped as Pinkie put on a nervous smile on her face.
Zesty's stern look softened a bit once she saw the decor. It didn't take long before Zesty had removed her coat and had taken a seat at a one of the booths as the two tourist ponies sat at a booth to the right of the food critic pony.
"Welcome to The Tasty Treat," said Coriander in his unenthusiastic tone, "What can I get you this evening?"
"I hardly think it matters," said Zesty snootily, "but by all means, try your best to impress."
"Well, we'll both try the special this evening," said Orange Slice, "Maybe with a little kick to it, eh? Yeah, we've been craving some food with actual taste." Zesty just looked indignant.
"Make that the same for me," said Moon Dancer before muttering to herself, "At least I can trust Chase to make me some real food thanks to his mother's cooking." Coriander just smiled sheepishly and quickly rushed into the kitchen. Pinkie and Rarity were right behind him when he froze in shock.
"Saffron Masala, Master Chase Young, what are you doing?!" Coriander exclaimed.
He saw that both Saffron and Chase were sternly adding spices and other ingredients into a pot with their magic.
"I am trying to save our reputations!" said Saffron, "and Chase is the only pony who is willing to do things my way!" She then sipped the soup, "I've given it at least a little flavor." Chase sipped it as well.
"Hmm, might need a little touch of garlic," said Chase, "To balance the spiciness while enhancing the flavor."
"Yes, that will do nicely," Saffron said in agreement.
"No-no-n-n-no, but that's not what Zesty wants!" Rarity protested as she rushed up to the two ponies.
"Precisely," said Chase with a rather angry smile on his face, "Surprise Zesty with something she wasn't expecting. Then she will be amazed at just how good fine cuisine can taste when it has actual flavor!"
"He's got a point," said Pinkie, "What kind of food expert doesn't want flavor?! That's insane!"
"I agree," said Chase, "Serve the soup Pinkie!" Pinkie then put some soup into a bowl and set the bowl on her mane.
"I'm taking this out there!" said Pinkie boldly.
Rarity tried to rush after her, but Chase got in her way and raised his fore-legs to block her from getting to the pink pony. Rarity then grunted before she tackled Chase onto his back and rushed over to Pinkie.
"No!" Rarity protested frantically, "Zesty will hate it! You are going to ruin this for them!"
"No, I'm trying to fix it after you ruined it!" Pinkie retorted and walked around the marshmallow mare.
Rarity then did something rash for the second time that night. She stomped her fore-hooves hard on Pinkie's tail. Pinkie recoiled and sent the bowl of soup flying into the air.
"Noooooo!" Pinkie, Chase, and Rarity screamed.
SPLAT!
The soup ended up landing right on Zesty Gourmand's head. Some of the soup splashed the two tourists as well. Zesty just looked annoyed.
"I think we're done here," Zesty said bluntly as she put her coat on and started to leave. Mario rolled his eyes.
"She didn't even try the food," said Mario to himself, "Some ponies never change."
"Zesty! Please wait! Allow me to explain!" Rarity pleaded as she rushed up to the food critic pony.
"Rarity, when it comes to fashion, you are adequate," said Zesty, but did use a sarcastic tone. "but take some advice from a friend-"
"A friend she says?" Chase remarked indignantly to himself.
"-both of you keep your opinions out of restaurants," Zesty continued arrogantly, "especially for that so called Prince Chase, who has no business calling himself a certified chef or even the leader of the Elite Ninja when his grandfather disowned his business when most of us know the only reason Chase's mother graduated was because of her connections with Celestia!"
Chase gritted his teeth furiously as Pinkie and Moon Dancer glared at Zesty.
"Substandard food, laughable service, and I would think even you could recognize that the decor here is trying desperately while desperately failing," Zesty continued but spoke directly to Rarity, "Recommending such a disreputable place such as this could do serious damage to your social standing. Actually, the fact you affiliate with such a disgrace of a chef already has."
"Hey, if you got a problem with me, Zesty," said Chase furiously, "then you say it to my mother's face! Just because she doesn't agree with your culinary point of view doesn't give you the reason to degrade her own point of view and tastes! She worked very hard to her culinary degree and graduated as an iron chef as she trained under Grandpa's martial arts training!"
"Yes, and your mother wasted it on creating such a lowlife and barbaric decor and cuisine!" said Zesty, "That's why I shut her down before you and your family ruined the true meaning of what fine cuisine is supposed to be! And your grandfather never deserved to be here to be in Princess Celestia's Royal Guard"
"Disreputable?! Barbaric?" Pinkie retorted angrily, "You mean a place with food that actually tastes good?"
"Anypony can throw ingredients together and create an obvious taste that uncultured ponies like those two can register," Zesty said snootily.
"Hey!" Chargrill Breadwinner retorted, clearly insulted as Orange Slice glared as well.
"But it takes a true culinary artist to create a subtle taste, the barest hint of sensation," said Zesty, "That's what I bring to Canterlot. That's art."
"While food is meant to have some artistic value," said Chase, "Not all food has to have a subtle taste. The food you recommend doesn't have any taste at all! Your food might be pretty to look at, but its lacks any real flavor. Something that gives the consumer something to savor and ponder. A flavor that will pursue them to visit that restaurant again and again. After all, a restaurant is supposed to be a competitive business! Not an utopian art museum!"
Zesty just had a blunt look on her face and snorted indignantly.
"Now, Rarity," said Zesty to Rarity, " I suggest you break ties with him before it's too late."
"You really think you can drive her Canterlot Carousel out of business?!" Chase challenged before Rarity could retort, "You have no business telling ponies where to buy their couture, but fine. Tell everypony not to come shop at our boutique. If we survive, then your opinion doesn't hold as much value as you think. If we go out of business, that just says Canterlot doesn't deserve anything Rarity has to offer and she'll take her business elsewhere. She won't need the support of any stuck up elite to be successful!"
Rarity's jaw was just hanging open and the pupils of her eyes were shrunk. She couldn't believe Chase had said that to Zesty Gourmand of all ponies.
"Ah...ah...ah," Rarity strained, unable to speak.
Zesty just huffed and then walked backwards out of the restaurant and shut the door. Chase just sighed loudly as he sat down. Rarity, Pinkie, Coriander, and Saffron looked just as upset. Moon Dancer, who had seen and heard everything, walked up to Chase.
"Hey, it's okay," said Moon Dancer gently, "I agree with you. Zesty Gourmand can't just rate a restaurant based on her own bias alone. That's not how you rate a restaurant and it's not how you rate anything for that matter. I'm proud of you, Chase. You stood up to her when she could do nothing but disrespect you and your family."
Chase looked to the side angrily.
"Still doesn't change anything," Chase said angrily. "for me, my family, or for how fine cuisine is defined around here."
Moon Dancer just hugged Chase close as he let a few tears fall from his eyes. Rarity just watched quietly for a moment as a small tear left her eye. She knew she was to blame for why Chase was feeling so upset.
(Scene changes)
A little later, the two tourists had left and Chase, Rarity, and Pinkie were sitting at a table with Coriander. Moon Dancer had to leave for a moment, but she would be back. When Chase asked where she was going, all Moon Dancer said was for him to trust her. For the moment, Chase was meditating in a lotus position, but did not really say much to Rarity or Pinkie.
"I'm so embarassed," said Pinkie sadly.
"I don't know that there are words to adequately express how truly sorry we are," added Rarity.
"Does that include Chase too?" Pinkie asked with some anger in her tone. The floodgates opened as Rarity let her tears fall. She then looked at Chase, who had stopped meditating, and noticed that Rarity was crying.
"Rarity..." Chase said slowly to the crying pony, "does my opinion..."
"This has nothing to do with whether your opinion is valuable or not," Rarity sobbed, "Your opinion is valuable Chase. I just thought...acceptance comes from fitting in rather than standing out. I was afraid to take the risk of breaking the trends this time. That's why I disregarded your ideas. I'm so sorry."
"It's not your fault, Rarity," said Chase, "But you did see firsthand that Zesty Gourmand is a very narrow minded pony. I'm sure you saw that she didn't even give this place a fair chance at all."
"I did," said Rarity, "An honest accident shouldn't be the reason The Tasty Treat goes unrated. She didn't even give the place a fair chance. If she had least tasted the food and rejected it...but she didn't... I honestly agree with you now. It's like fashion. You can make a really fabulous couture with high artistic merit, but if it's uncomfortable to wear...it really isn't that valuable. Just like comfort is just as important to design in fashion, taste and flavor also are just as important as visual presentation for fine cuisine. Can you forgive me?"
Chase just smiled.
"I already have," said Chase as he pulled her into a hug. "I just hate that I still let the harsh words of these...stuck up snobs nearly try to tear me down before I stood up to myself. Sigh...letting go of the past is so hard..."
"We understand," said Pinkie, "those wounds run deep, but that doesn't mean you won't get past them since they disrespected your family too much."
"The day will come when their harsh words won't affect you even in the slightest," said Rarity, "And you don't need to feel rushed to recover either. Remember, Chase, we're gonna help you no matter how long it takes. Because we love you."
"I love you guys too," said Chase as they shared a group hug, "but it still doesn't change the fact we've failed."
"Yeah...it doesn't," said Pinkie sadly. Coriander, who had just been listening, gave a calm sigh.
"The worst has happened," said Coriander, "No use crying over split food now."
It was then Saffron appeared with a cheerful look on her face.
"Here," said Saffron gently, "This always cheered me up when I was younger." For the first time since arriving at the Tasty Treat, Coriander has an excited smile on his face.
"My spicy flat-noodle soup!" He exclaimed as the four ponies took a taste.
"Wow," said Chase, "A great blend of flavors with just the right amount of kick to it."
"Oh, my! This is truly delightful!" said Rarity.
"Mmm, this is the best thing you've made so far!" said Pinkie, "And I thought the food before was the best!"
"That's all I've ever wanted to do, father!" said Saffron, "Make food for the ponies at Canterlot like the food we made together when I was younger!"
"It has been so long since we cooked together," said Coriander with a nostalgic smile on his face, "Heh. Remember how you use to hide the ingredients you did not like?"
Coriander and Saffron laughed. Chase, Rarity, and Pinkie shared looks with each other.
"Chase, are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Rarity asked.
"Umm...not sure since we haven't been seeing eye to eye today," said Chase honestly.
"How about I speak your thoughts aloud than," said Rarity, "You know what? Who cares what some stuffy unicorn thinks of the food here? It's exquisite."
"That's true," said Pinkie.
"That...is exactly what I was thinking," said Chase, feeling more cheerful as he and Rarity shared another hug.
"And you don't need three silly hooves in your window to prove it," said Rarity.
"That's double true," said Pinkie.
"You took the words right out of my mouth, Rarity," Chase added in agreement.
"You just need ponies in here to give it a chance!" said Rarity, "Ponies that will tell everypony else in Canterlot that The Tasty Treat has the best food in the city!"
"That's true times three!" said Pinkie.
"I can honestly say that I am loving this new plan," said Chase.
"But without Zesty's approval, nopony will even try our food!" Saffron protested.
"Ohhh, yes, they will," said Rarity with a determined look on her face, "Pinkie, Chase, we are the perfect tem for this! We were just doing the wrong jobs! And by we, I mean Pinkie and myself."
"Huh?" said Chase, puzzled.
"I will go out and bring the crowd!" said Rarity and then turned to Pinkie, "You stay here and make sure this place is every bit as unique and rustic as it was the moment we walked in!"
"And? What about us?" Coriander asked curiously.
"You two?" said Rarity, "You are going to cook! Make whatever you want, and make lots of it! Chase will be here to assist you with any refinements if necessary."
"Now hold on a-" Chase tried to protested.
"Mario, I know the last time we worked separately I made a terrible mistake of dishonoring your grandfather," said Rarity, "But I honestly do believe you helping Coriander and Saffron perfect their recipes is where you're meant to be. Pinkie and I can handle the rest."
Chase pondered.
"We would like your professional opinion, your majesty," said Coriander, "I apologize for my earlier remark and also for disrespecting your family. I had already given up. That is why I said your opinion wouldn't have mattered. I know of your culinary expertise and would like to see if you can help me, help us, refine our recipes."
Chase blinked and then smiled.
"You got it, Coriander." Chase said. "I'll help you out anyway I can."
"Thank goodness!" said a voice. The group faced the front door. There was Moon Dancer and the rest of the Canterlot group.
"What...what are you girls doing here?" said Chase.
"Moon Dancer filled us in on what happened," said Twinkleshine.
"And you're right, just because a restaurant isn't rated doesn't mean that it's not worth giving a try," said Minuette.
"So we've come to help out," said Lemon Hearts, "If you want our help..." Chase's reply was pulling the four girls into a group hug.
"Okay, so here's the plan, everypony," said Chase as the others gathered around them, "Twinkleshine, you were the one who helped my mother encourage me to enter culinary school. You can help me perfect their family recipes."
"Yes, chef!" said Twinkleshine.
"Lemon Hearts, you've got some influence with your party planning at the castle," said Chase, "You can help Rarity bring in a crowd."
"Yes, chef!" Lemon Hearts saluted.
"Minuette and Moon Dancer can help Pinkie restore the decor," said Chase.
"Yes, chef!" said Minuette and Moon Dancer, the former giggling excitedly. Then Chase extended a fore-hoof to the center of the group, the others did the same.
"Alright everypony!" said Chase, "Let's do this!"
"Yeah!" they all cheered as they threw a fore-leg into the air.
"Then let's get to it everypony," said Rarity as Lemon Hearts stood beside her, "We intend to bring in a crowd!"
(Scene changes)
As an instrumental to "It's Gonna Work" played in the background, Rarity grabbed four arrow advertisements and placed one pair on her back while Lemon Hearts put on the second pair.
"Would the owner of one of the premier boutiques in Canterlot put a stamp of approval on something that wasn't fabulous?" said Rarity as some of the ponies at the restaurants actually got up and followed them.
"Would the head cater and planner of social events at the Castle put her stamp of approval anything that wasn't worthy of royalty?" Lemon Hearts said, trying to be as charming as Rarity.
Even more ponies started to follow them. Rarity and Lemon Hearts smirked to each other and shared a hoof-bump with each other. Back at The Tasty Treat, Pinkie, Minuette, and Moon Dancer were hard at work removing the stuffy decor items Rarity had put out.
Pinkie had also gotten back the working crew so they could bring back the original items. Then the three ponies, with help from the working crew, started reassembling the original decor while adding a few more authentic improvements as well. Pinkie then hung up a picture of an elephant and smiled in approval.
(Scene changes)
Back in the kitchen, Coriander and Saffron were busy working together in the kitchen. Twinkleshine and Chase were there to taste and sample while giving their constructive opinions while asking the two ponies what kind of flavor they wanted to present to their customer.
The two ponies then tasted another soup. Coriander or Saffron would explain their ideas. Chase and Twinkleshine pondered before Chase got an idea and grabbed a little shaker that had a spice in it and added it to the soup.
Coriander then tasted the soup with the additional ingredient. A small tear appeared in his left eye as he smiled excitedly. Saffron then took a taste and smiled in approval.
"Perfect!" Coriander exclaimed as the four ponies shared a hoof-bump together.
(Scene changes)
Soon the decor was completed and restored as Rarity, Pinkie, and Chase smiled as they looked around the area.
"Great job girls," said Chase to the Canterlot group, "I can't thank you enough for all the help."
"Anytime," said Moon Dancer, "We're always here for you, especially to honor your mother's cooking and your family's legacy."
"And we won't let peer pressure stop us from doing so either," said Minuette. Chase and the four girls shared a group hug before he walked up to Rarity.
"It's almost time!" said Rarity, "Is everypony ready for the grand re-re-opening?" Everypony nodded except for Coriander and Saffron. But that was because they had something to say.
"Before we open, my father and I just wanted to say...thank you for all of your help," said Saffron, "We've both been so stressed about the restaurant succeeding that we forgot what it was we loved about it in the first place."
"Cooking is something we used to love to do together," added Coriander with a smile, "No matter what happens next, thank you for reminding us of that." Coriander then gave his daughter a loving nuzzle.
"Oh, you guys!" said Pinkie, "Group hug!" Pinkie, Rarity, Coriander, and Saffron group hugged as Pinkie and Coriander chuckled.
"Ready..." said Pinkie as they pulled away and jumped to the side. "Show time!"
The Canterlot group cheered.
"Now come on!" said Pinkie, "We've got a party to throw!" Chase nodded as he opened the door and the ponies waiting inside started piling in.
"Welcome to The Tasty Treat!" said Coriander in a very cheerful and enthusiastic tone with Saffron at his side, "Make yourself comfortable."
Chase then told the Canterlot group to grab themselves a seat and that he'd cover their meal for the night. It wasn't long before The Tasty Treat was full of hungry and excited ponies. Chase , still in his Iron chef uniform, and Coriander began serving the customers.
Rarity then tied a napkin around a stallion's neck so he would be ready for his own meal. As the smell of the food cooking and simmering began to stream from the building, a certain snooty food critic pony was walking past.
"Please feel free to sample the food!" said Saffron as she handed some soup for them to try. The Canterlot group was already enjoying their meal.
"This is the best thing I've ever tasted!" Minuette said excitedly.
"Yeah!" said Twinkleshine in agreement.
"Totally!" added Lemon Hearts.
"Thanks for recommending the place, Chase!" said Moon Dancer, "I know for sure I'll be coming back here again."
Chase smiled gratefully. It was then he heard a whistle. Chase turned to the direction the whistle came from and gasped excitedly. There was his parents Santos Blaze and Jewel Hisomi with Night Light and Twilight Velvet, sitting at a nearby booth. Chase's mother waved to get his attention with a proud smile.
"Mom! Dad! Night Light! Twilight Velvet!" Chase said to his parents and his in-laws as he walked over to them. "What are you doing here? I didn't know you guys were coming here."
"Actually, it was Moon Dancer who told us about what you and your friends were trying to do," said Twilight Velvet, "As an adventurer at heart, there was just no way I was gonna pass up a place like this, especially if it means I can cheer on my son-in-law."
Chase smiled as he put a fore-hoof to his heart.
Jewel put Chase into a huge hug as tears ran down her face with a huge proud smile.
"I can't tell you how proud I am of you, honey." Jewel said emotionally while smiling happily as she and her son broke the hug while smiling at Chase as she put a hoof on his cheek. "You keep impressing us no matter how much you put your mind to it."
"Your mother's right, Chase." Santos agreed with his wife as he smiled proudly at his son while placing a hoof on Chase's shoulder. "We're very proud of you, son."
"Thanks, Dad." Chase said, smiling at his family as they shared a loving hug.
Just then the front door banged open and there was Zesty Gourmand and she looked very angry.
"What's this?!" Zesty Gourmand said furiously, "What is everypony doing here?! This place has no hooves. It is not keeping with the level of cuisine that I have set for Canterlot! Nopony told you this place was acceptable!"
Chase glared at her angrily. Santos, Jewel, Twilight Velvet and Night Light did as well. Just then Jewel's eyes blinked and a flashback was shown of her old diner.
"What's this?!" Zesty Gourmand said furiously as she stomped into the diner, "What is everypony doing here?! This place has no hooves. It is not keeping with the level of cuisine that I have set for Canterlot! Nopony told you this place was acceptable!" Teenage Jewel was in the verge of tears as her late father growled at her.
Back in the present, Jewel was looking very determined.
You destroyed my restaurant years ago, Zesty, Jewel thought to herself, You're not going to destroy The Tasty Treat!
"Uh, Rarity, Master Chase, Lemon Hearts, and their friends said it was good?" said Sweet Biscuit timidly, "They told us!"
"They told you?" Zesty Gourmand retorted, "And who are they to tell you anything? Rarity can tell you what hat to wear with which skirts. Lemon Hearts can tell you about the latest social gatherings with Princess Celestia. Rarity's friend can tell you how to maintain a tragic look for a fizzy mane. The others aren't even worth acknowledging! Master Chase...HA!...his word has no value in anything, especially when it comes to him and his family's jiu jitsu skills. Why else do you think I save all those misguided ponies when she tried to enter Restaurant Row with her father and miserable excuse for a restaurant of hers all those years ago! The only reason she graduated with honors at the Canterlot culinary institute is because her father taught her cooking! At the end of the day, they can't tell you what food you can eat!"
By now, Rarity, Pinkie, Chase, the Canterlot group, Jewel, Santos, and even Twilight Velvet and Night Light were furious. It was a moment later Rarity, Pinkie, Jewel, and Chase all stood before the food critic pony with stern looking faces.
"No, we can't," said Rarity, "and neither can you! Nopony has the right to tell these ponies what to think! You have no right to condemn a restaurant before even trying to rate it properly. Or at least actually taste the food."
"If a restaurant isn't worth my time..." Zesty tried to reply.
"If a restaurant wasn't worth your time," Jewel interrupted angrily, "then you shouldn't even care if ponies are dining here or not. You're not trying to save them from what you think is bad cuisine! You're just trying to drive away that restaurant's business simply because they made a conscious choice to make their cuisine and decor that is different from what you want. You only give ratings to restaurants who want to do things your way, not because you think others would enjoy eating there! And you have no right to insult my father this way!"
"And you have no right to disrespect our family's legacy either!" Chase added.
"Jewel and Chase are right," said Rarity, "Zesty, you have very...specific..."
"And very strange!" said Pinkie.
"Yes, and very strange opinions about food," Rarity continued, "and that's your right. But just because you like your food a certain way, there is no reason to tell ponies that they need to do the same!"
"Rarity is right, so is Master Chase and Jewel Hisomi," said a pony named Burly Unicorn, "I for one think the food here is delicious! I own The Smoked Oat on Restaurant Row; I hate the food we make! From now on, it's all smoked, basted, and grilled!"
"The food is an inspiration!" said Matronly Pony, "I own the The Bake Stop. I'm going to bake my mother's bunt cake the way she made it - full of flavor!" The other ponies cheered excitedly in agreement.
"It is one thing to be raised around dining, Zesty Gourmand," said Chase, "Even I can make a claim to that. Princess Celestia took me and my family all over Equestria when I was a foal, showing us the culture and cuisine that existed all over the country. Clearly our culinary opinions differ from yours, but I don't go telling others whose opinions are different from my own that their culinary point of views are wrong. True food critics are open minded to different types of cuisine and they rate restaurants on how well those flavor combinations are executed. While decor and presentation are also important, a true food critic rates in the same manner. Unlike your critiques, they aren't supposed to be biased to our own personal opinions! You can't just walk in here like you did this evening and openly condemn a restaurant when you haven't even made any effort to follow your own critique standards and guidelines!"
The other ponies started murmuring in agreement as Zesty bit her lower lip and avoid losing her temper.
"At the end of the day, any food critic with any standards can only express and share their personal opinions and recommendations to other ponies," Jewel added firmly, "but you've crossed the line thinking you have the right to boss and bully ponies into making the same culinary choices as you! No food critic can force others ponies to agree with their opinions. No matter how much influence or expertise they claim to have! Nor do you have any business telling ponies how to cook and prepare their cuisine. And most importantly, you have no right to drive any pony who disagrees with you out of business like you did to me!"
Zesty Gourmand's face contorted angrily as the rest of the ponies in the restaurant cheered and applauded him.
"That's telling her, Chase and Jewel!" Twilight Velvet shouted.
"Yeah!" Pinkie added excitedly.
"Way to go, Chase and Jewel!" Santos cheered for his son and wife.
"Chase's right," said another restaurant owner, "You don't have any right in telling us how to run our restaurants. You're only meant to rate the quality of our food and decor!"
"And you have no right telling us where to eat!" said Lemon Hearts, "I can't tell you how many restaurants that I enjoyed dining in were forced to close up because you had to march in and destroy everything they had worked so hard to build!"
"Yeah!" said another pony, "Jewel's diner was one of Restaurant Rows busiest restaurants until you told everypony not to go there!"
"Many of us were inspired by her to open restaurants in Restaurant Row," said a rather snooty looking restaurant owner, "The only thing we regret is listening to you over him!" The rest of the ponies all chattered in agreement.
"We've had our differences with Chase over the years as well," said a familiar snooty stallion. Chase turned and there at a table was Jet Set and Upper Crust!
"We even can admit that when it comes to cuisine, Chase is a genius in his own right, especially his years of martial arts training" said Upper Crust in her snooty demeanor, "Him and his mother's culinary opinions have far more value that yours ever will Zesty Gourmand!"
Chase felt a warm smile appear on his face and tears pricking his eyes. Two of his greatest bullies had actually swallowed their pride and defended him! He wouldn't say they accepted him, but the fact they praised his culinary skills and his years of jiu jitsu training were a step in the right direction. Zesty just snorted indignantly.
"Zesty, are you sure you wouldn't like to try the food?" said Rarity, "Ignoring a unique and fresh establishment such as this could do serious damage to your social standing."
"Maybe it's time you opened your mind and your palette to something new?" Jewel suggested, "Try actually rating a restaurant based on what you've tasted rather than just judging a book by its cover?"
"Hmph!" was all Zesty Gourmand could say before she stomped out of the restaurant importantly.
The ponies all stared and then cheered. Rarity and Pinkie shared a hoof-bump with each other and then Chase got in between them as the three shared a hearty group hug together.
"That was amazing, Chase and Jewel." said Pinkie.
"You stood up to that Zesty and told her exactly what she needed to hear," said Rarity, "I don't think your culinary opinions are going to be considered worthless anymore."
"That's my son-in-law and sister-in-law!" said Twilight Velvet as she rushed in to give Chase and Jewel a warm hug, "Way to show Zesty whose boss!"
The rest of the Canterlot mares gave them hugs as well.
"Thank you so much!" said Saffron as she and her father approached Rarity, Pinkie, and Chase.
Santos, Jewel, Twilight Velvet, Night Light, and the Canterlot group just stood in the background with smiles on their faces.
"You three are all truly amazing," said Coriander.
"We sure are." Chase agreed with a smile.
"Nothing can stop the dynamic trio of Pinkie, Rarity, and the greatest chef, prince of friendship, jiu jitsu master, and best friend of Equestria, Chase!" said Pinkie.
Chase chuckled as the three held each other in another hug. The rest of the ponies just chattered happily around him.
