Time literally flies by in university. It's been over a month since I've uploaded this story! Sorry to the readers who have been anticipating an update, but I've been extremely busy. Ugh, final exams (one worth 90%, one worth 45%, one worth 35%, andone worth 30%) are around the corner. I have only 3 weeks left before the impending doom! I have to study for it too, and I haven't completed my projects!
This is the longest chapter so far, though I didn't intend to make it this long. It's always fun to write stuff with Martine in it, nonetheless.
That aside, I'd like to extend nice seats of this reception to GFF and the honoured Guest. dawnleaf1234, are you enjoying dinner?
Chapter seven: Croquembouche
Whether it was because the pretty platinum-blond had arrived or that Steven was just dazzled, Martine was in a good mood. The guests were enjoying the remainder of the Accolade, eating whatever was left on the flat stone, as the servers helped clear the tables and refill the guests' glasses with drinks.
"Is everything good so far?" Martine asked her dinner table.
"Again and I'll say it again: excellent," one of the guests answered. "I wouldn't mind a little more water, though, with lemon. Overall, compliments to the chef."
"Certainly," Martine smiled. She gathered more of the warm stones and stacked them together, before getting Metagross to transport them away. Service was good so far tonight, and there was still more food to come.
James d'Arc directed the cooks to creating genuine bistro salads. The bistro salad would be of the same dish, but what made this salad special was that it was an original recipe from the Stone Restaurant and Bistro – Steven had this recipe inspired during his time at Lumiose City.
Speaking of which, he noticed that Steven had regained his cool and had begun to help make the salads as well. As another two-hundred dishes had to made, this was no small task. Extra support from the administrator would be of great help.
Cooking staff had to wash bunches and bunches of – specifically – baby lettuce grown in Kalos, along with sliced cherry tomatoes served alongside grounded fragments of the Tamato berry, with pistachio and red wine vinegar. A side of dried fruits would decorate the salad, and finally sprinkled with fragmented cheese to compliment a light flavour.
Little did anyone in the kitchens know that Steven, far from focusing on making the salads (although he did manage to make the salads perfectly, even without focusing), was thinking of ways to evict Cynthia from his property.
She had to go. Period.
It's almost impossible, he thought. Unless I really want to embarrass myself in front of just about everyone here!
"James! Go start on the vinaigrette. The others and I will catch up," Steven ordered.
"Oui, chef," James said, turning his head momentarily while saying this, and got straight to work.
Steven, on the other hand, saw to one of the servers who passed by the kitchen to deliver some dirty dishes. He got his attention first by waving.
"What is it, chef?"
Steven cleared his throat, and spoke quietly into his ear (so that no one else could listen in), "There is a certain platinum blond who just walked into this banquet. Can you go and tell her that the… bride says there isn't any more food left for her? So she can leave?"
The server blinked, which surprised Steven. Normally, his servers were quick to respond to his commands, so what was the matter with the slow reaction?
"Non, chef," the server replied, as a tiny smile crept on the side of his lips. "Martine saw to giving her a seat straight away; and besides, I'm sure you have plenty of food left here! After all, some of the guests called in sick, so…"
Steven really felt like facepalming now, but nevertheless reluctantly ordered the server to take the remaining dishes for Cynthia – the Stone Accolade and a still-hot creamy soup that was the appetizer. It seemed enough for a full meal, but Steven didn't need to remind himself that there were several more courses yet to be made, including the salad he was making right now…
That reminded him, Cynthia wasn't a guest.
"I'll be right back," he told James. Steven passed James the finished red wine vinegar. The alcohol had burned away in the fire when Steven had cooked the dressing, which left the dressing hot when it was finished. Now, all James had to do was set it aside as the rest of the cooking staff continued making the bistro salads.
And why would you leave at a time like this? James thought. He watched his head chef leave the kitchen in a hurry, never minding the others who curiously watched in the same way.
"Ah, and here is the chef now," the groom said. "That Accolade was delicious, Steven. You have my deepest complements."
Steven smiled only reluctantly, as he half-heartedly kept his attention on the outstanding platinum-blond who sat at a table beside a window. She did look dazzling with the beautifully curled hair, and the professional-looking business suit…
Who was he kidding?!
"I need you to do me a favour," Steven asked the groom. "Do you see that platinum-blond woman over there? With the knee-length platinum blond hair? The one who walked in? I don't recall you ever inviting her over here."
He thought he was getting somewhere by asking the wedding couple to evict someone who clearly was not invited to this wedding reception. Unfortunately, in stark contrast to Steven's expectations, he received the worst reaction possible, in his opinion.
"Hey… how did you know we didn't invite her?" the bride asked Steven. "Wait a minute… I see! We talked about this already, Mr. Stone! Don't you recall staring at her for a while, like half an hour ago? The apple and the orange… yes, I remember her clearly!"
He, Steven, gritted his teeth. "That's no excuse not to get rid of her. She's not invited."
"True, true, but…" the groom added, his face also bearing a smile, "you forget that she's from Vue sur la Lune, where we ordered the croquembouche. We didn't think she'd manage it, but she did. We could always repay her the favour by letting her eat with us."
"Besides!" the bride said enthusiastically. "Maybe you'll get to know her better while she's here! It's my wedding day, so why not take the opportunity to know her more? Maybe see her as a prospect? After all, there is a popular belief around Cyllage City that in weddings you'll meet your future spouse –"
Steven left the table.
Salads were constantly tossed and stirred in metal bowls by the cooking staff. The Kalosian-grown baby lettuce leaves were wonderfully blended together with the fresh taste of red wine vinegar were only one part of the salad making, while other staff – with clean wooden boards – sliced cherry tomatoes in half with knives and broke off pieces of the Tamato berry with small hammers. When those were done, the Tamato pieces and the sliced cherry tomatoes were tossed into the salad combination.
Dried berries complimented the tossed combination as the salads were poured out onto plates. Fragmented cheese – light and dry – was sprinkled on top, with plenty of crushed pistachio and dried fruits. Lastly, the plates of salad were handed over to the servers to be plated.
"Well done, team," James nodded, giving his approval. "The guests will be pleased."
They were told by one of the waitresses that one or two invited guests were absent, but that didn't stop the staff from making the extra one or two dishes. After all, the wedding couple paid for two hundred servings, right? It would be wasteful to not use the ingredients provided.
Well… that would mean they, the cooking staff, would have the right to try out what they had created! Alas…
"An uninvited guest showed up half an hour ago," a waiter told them. "I don't know about her, but she's quite attractive! A fitting match for our boss, Mr. Stone. Hey, wasn't she on the cover of that magazine? Apples and oranges, right?"
The cooking staff snorted, but James' eyes were fixed on who was behind the said waiter. The waiter, aware of this, turned his head around to see 'Mr. Stone' looking right at him. Steven's eyes glared, and his placed an intimidating hand on the waiter's shoulder.
"If you keep talking like that," he warned, "I'll make sure 25% of your paycheque is docked this week..."
Steven then went to help complete the remaining salads. Sure, there were enough cooks to get the course done and adding another wouldn't increase productivity by much – but Steven wasn't just 'another' cook. He was the head chef. He could finish the dishes in the most efficient way possible!
The doors of the kitchens opened for the servers to carry out the salad dishes. On the bottom floor, they rode the elevators carrying as many dishes of Lumiose-inspired salad. No doubt the salads made their mouths water, but they knew first and foremost that serving the guests was the priority.
Besides, at least the restaurant still provided a non-wedding reception meal for the servers after the guests had their fill. Given the reception was going to last into the night, there was no doubt that everyone and not just the servers needed food to sustain them. Nevertheless, the first-class food created and served at the Stone Bistro had no one complaining.
As the servers, Martine included, arrived at the third floor with carts full of salad, the guests were enjoying themselves. They socialised, the talked with the wedding couple, they listened to genuine grand piano play throughout, and watched the view of the Kalosian coast from their quality seats.
Martine took the liberty of serving Cynthia her salad.
"I trust you're enjoying your food?" Martine asked, placing the salad plate on the table and taking away the finished Stone Accolade and the empty soup bowl.
"It's delicious, yes," Cynthia commented, although her voice seemed sour, "but I think, as a separate chef, I could have made some of my own improvements to it. I'm no food critic, unfortunately, but I think… this is different. Is it genius? I don't know, but I can't admit this isn't the finest entrée so far."
Martine grinned. "Anyway, I present to you a fine Lumiose-inspired bistro salad, out of the works of the Stone. Freshly picked lettuce served with a bit of spicy Tamato berry and red wine vinegar should be the fitting compliment to an extravagant course like the Accolade. Enjoy the salad!"
This prompted Cynthia to look down at the appetizing greens before her, and she began to eat first by spearing the leaflets with the prongs of her fork and putting it in her mouth. She complimented the salad and dried fruits with a glass of red wine. At the same time, she continued to enjoy the atmosphere of the wedding reception.
Indeed, the Lumiose-style bistro salad proved to be the perfect follow-up after eating a serving of the Accolade. The red wine vinegar certainly helped with mixing a light flavour to help with the lingering taste of the Accolade.
To some extent, it felt like the salad was made to clean out what was left of the meal. Well, it was classical Kalosian-style dinner, after all, but made with a first-class personal touch of the Stone.
"Just wondering, but what do you make of Steven?" Martine innocently asked, and Cynthia became self-conscious that this 19-year old waitress was trying to dig into her personal life. "He thinks you're a pretty powerful business rival, and when I say 'pretty', I mean 'pretty'pretty. You know what I mean?"
Cynthia brushed her hair so that a lock was covering half her face. She kept her voice cool as she speared more salad into her mouth. "That, Martine, is something that does not need discussing."
"He's a pretty handsome guy!" Martine grinned. "Hey, now that I think of it, why do you always give Steven vouchers to your restaurant? I know your restaurant is new and all, so… why? I keep an eye on him, you know, and I go with him to your restaurant."
Now Cynthia was at a momentary loss for words, but she quickly recovered her cool state, and gave her logical reply, "Have you ever thought of business, Martine?"
"Many times," Martine replied. "Some of the guys at the Stone reckon I'll be the next owner should Steven somehow retire, but hey, for a handsome gentleman like him, it's a wonder he doesn't have a girlfriend yet."
Cynthia sighed. To keep her attention away from Martine, she watched the slideshow presented on a huge screen on the floor. She was even more thankful to some other waiter who ordered Martine not to slack off. Needless to say, apart from Martine's awkward conversation, Cynthia was enjoying the salad and her dinner. Maybe showing up to the Stone wasn't so bad… but still, Cynthia had some doubts about the quality of food, and reckoned she could possibly do better.
"Would you agree he's handsome?" Martine said, breaking down Cynthia's thoughts.
Cynthia's lips tightened before she opened them to say, "I suppose…"
Well, she supposed that her strength wasn't in entrées, but she supposed that her strength in it was decent. Did it hurt to look at the competition, let alone eat there? Well, granted, she and Steven were competitive… right? No surprise. The popular Kalos magazine had speculated that.
The first of the finished salad plates were on their way back to the kitchens and ready to be cleaned. For the most part, the cooking staff were clearing their work stations and cleaning the tables. The fifth course was the prelude to the end of dinner: a welcoming selection of fine cheeses that only the Stone Restaurant and Bistro knew what to buy, served with strawberries and grapes.
As far as the cooking staff were concerned, the cheese course was almost hardly their business. The cheeses were prepared onto traditional wooden boards and served out on trolleys to each table, but they were mainly handled by the servers. It followed, however, that preparing two-hundred cheese trolleys was excruciating for such a limited number of staff.
So, apart from clearing their work stations, the cooking staff helped lay out the cheeses on wooden boards, whereas the servers would end up being the ones who cut the cheese for the guests. To keep costs down, yet maintaining the Stone's example of presenting excellence, there were five whole cheeses for each course, and each person! Five times two-hundred… that was a thousand cheeses!
"That's a lot of cheese…" James remarked.
The cooking staff were responsible for placing the cheeses on the board, yes, but they had to ensure they collaborated well with the servers that there would be one of each cheese ready for each trolley. To make things smoother, Steven organised each section of workers that they would be responsible for preparing a particular cheese.
While the dirty dishes and stones were being washed in order to make some space, the wooden boards carrying each cheese were being loaded onto the trolleys by the servers. To make the appearance more appealing, the servers cut pieces of cheese from the large portions – either in the form of blocks or wheels – and laid them on the board.
As the first of the cheese trolleys were being brought out of the kitchen, that being into one of the two private elevators, Metagross came back into the kitchen with a neat stack of dirty plates and stones ready to be washed.
Perhaps washing machines would be an efficient way to get things done, but some of the staff who brought their water-type Pokémon, specifically the local Clauncher, to help with cleaning too. To Steven it was a sure way of cutting costs, even though the restaurant had more than enough revenue to finance washing machines, but it more done more so for the Pokémon's sake. They enjoyed cleaning the dishes!
At this time, Cynthia watched the bride and groom finish addressing the guests, but not before hearing the clinking and ringing of glasses calling for the wedding couple to kiss each other. It was amusing, really, that they would have to succumb to such pressure…
The sound of grand piano echoed in the air once more, and the guests began to mingle with one another as they waited for the next course to come. Other guests took pictures with each other or against the night waters of the Kalosian coast.
Cynthia, though, was bored. It was enough that she got her fill of the Stone Bistro, and staying in the same seat for so long seemed to have gotten to her. Seeing that she was only visiting, Cynthia supposed that it wouldn't hurt to explore the restaurant's premises.
She stood up, brushing her curled hair behind her ears, not to mention catching the eyes of some males, and walked away from her table. On the way, she saw servers bringing trolleys stacked with appealing cheeses of different kinds…
"Tonight before the dessert course, for your pleasure, I present to you the cheese trolley…" one waiter introduced to his table.
"…we have this delicate serving, produced in the region outside Snowbelle City…"
"…This particular cheese is very light. Smooth texture, if you're interested…"
"…you haven't tasted intense flavour without…"
"Here, it's hard on the outside, creamy on the inside…"
"…will be bound to leave you yearning for more…"
"Hey, Cynthia. Are you leaving already?!"
Cynthia stopped abruptly and realised she had almost ran into Martine, and more specifically was mere inches from bumping onto the cheese trolley Martine was pushing. Martine looked surprised, but Cynthia's face was apologetic.
"Sorry, Martine, but I have to go," she said. "I have to be awake dark and early for work tomorrow. As much as I'd like to stay."
Alas, Martine brought a plate from the trolley, cut small pieces of cheese from the blocks and placed them on the plate, before bringing it to Cynthia's nose. "Surely you could stay just for one more hour? It's really good cheese!"
If Cynthia wasn't feeling so full, she would have gladly accepted the cheese, but she had no appetite. The meal was good enough.
"I insist!" Martine happily pressed on, not really bothering with Cynthia's rejected face, and forcefully placed some blocks of cheese on Cynthia's hand. Defeated, Cynthia popped a piece into her mouth.
Other guests, meanwhile, were delighted at the prospect of trying out such delicious cheeses. One was creamy, one was solid, and one was smooth on the inside and hard on the outside. Cheese aside, the servers took the liberty of serving coffee or tea to the guests, as a gesture of the restaurant's hospitality.
"I'll get you a coffee, if you'd like," Martine offered. "I can really tell you're enjoying your time here, Ms. Cynthia. Why not stay for a little longer? The dessert course tonight is supposed to be really extravagant, or so I'm told."
Cynthia felt a shudder inside one of her Poké Balls before she could reply to Martine, so she took it out first and tossed it on the floor. Lo and behold, it was Garchomp.
"What is it, Garchomp?" she asked. "We have to leave, so – whoa!"
In a mere second, Garchomp seized the sleeve of Cynthia's business jacket and dragged her back to her table, forcing Cynthia back to her seat. Garchomp sat on the opposite chair, much to Martine's amusement. For her part, the 19-year old waitress pushed the cheese trolley back to Cynthia's table and served Garchomp the other delicious cheeses.
"It seems like Garchomp doesn't want you to leave either," Martine grinned. "Don't worry, Cynthia. I'll get you your coffee in no time."
Cynthia appeared frustrated, and then again she couldn't tear herself away from the aroma of cheese on the table before her. Even Garchomp seemed to be having a good time, helping herself to decent portions of cheese.
"I really don't believe this…" Steven muttered to himself, as he cut the last of the cheese and placed it on the wooden board. "She's still here…"
James d'Arc seemed to have noticed Steven's trance. "Hey, Steven, you still okay there? We're bringing out the croquembouche from the lobby into the kitchen now."
He expected a response from Steven, and all James got was a nod. Taking this response, James motioned the servers nearby to support those who were bringing the croquembouche in. The huge mound of croquembouche, stacked high with caramel and choux pastry balls with peaches and apples, was so tall that the servers feared the door frame would strike it down before they could bring it into the kitchen.
Fortunately, they did manage to get it in, and the cooking staff who weren't involved with cleaning the kitchen tasked themselves to taking the dessert apart and serving it onto plates. There were so many choux pastry, and the croquembouche was so massive, that there was definitely more than enough to serve two hundred guests.
"It looks so good…" a waitress commented.
"We should have some for ourselves!" a waiter added.
James cleared his throat. "That will have to wait until they've eaten it."
Like they did with all the other courses, the servers collaborated at bringing the croquembouche plates out of the kitchen. They brought the mouth-watering plates with them to the elevators where they would transport them for the guests to enjoy. Why, they (the servers) hoped there would be enough left over for themselves too!
Steven, though, managed to sneak away from the kitchen and to the third floor. No, he had to evict Cynthia from his premises now. Just having her around here was unsettling. Not wanting to risk getting spotted by his employees, he opted to take the stairs.
Upon reaching the third floor, though, Steven could not have asked for a worse time.
"I'm very glad that you could all show up for my reception tonight," he heard the groom address the guests. "And – Oh! There he is! The man who I'd like everyone to thank: Mr. Steven Stone, the head chef of the establishment, who has been a gracious host to us all. Please, Steven, come up. I insist."
Reluctantly, but being the gentleman he was, Steven walked to the main table where the bride and groom were standing. He heard the many rounds of applause ring out on the floor and around him. By the time he approached the groom, the groom said through the microphone, "I'm very glad you could play host to us, Steven. This is a very special night."
"It's been my pleasure," Steven replied.
"And now, before we begin the dessert course, I'd like to invite someone else in this sitting up here," the groom announced. "She is the maker of the croquembouche we will enjoy tonight, and if it wasn't for her, there would have been no dessert."
Steven felt his heart sink. No, there could be only one, and only one, woman who the groom was talking about.
"Truth be told, we gave her an impossible deadline to make the croquembouche, but she managed, and this certainly deserves merit. Please, Cynthia, come up here!"
And I have to get out of here! Steven urgently thought.
Too late.
The platinum-blond woman, dressed in that simple business suit, with beautifully curled hair, approached the table. Steven, not wanting to embarrass himself, yet wanted to keep his distance, nervously moved to the side.
"I'm certain that the croquembouche you all saw at the lobby earlier was enough to make your mouth water," the groom said. "So please, a round of applause for the maker of that fabulous dessert. Cynthia!"
Right as the applause roared, the doors burst open with the servers bringing out the illustrious and anticipated dessert. Immediately, the air was filled with the sweet scent of caramel, peaches, and apples, which forced everyone's eyes to look at the impeding dessert.
The floor went silent.
The servers, Martine Grenadine included, carried out many dishes of the piled sweet dessert on trays to their respective tables. Already, the eyes of the guests followed the plate of piled choux pastry and indistinct chatter followed. The chatter only got louder and louder as the croquembouche went around and was served at every table.
"Incredible…"
"Luxury food at its finest…"
"It sure looks like the way to end a meal…"
In addition to the dessert, the servers were followed by other servers who were bringing cups of freshly brewed thé (tea) and café (coffee) to the guests.
"For your pleasure this evening, the croquembouche dessert, accentuated by the taste of freshly brewed la café will be the only way to conclude such a formal meal," the waiter explained.
When the first plate of corquembouche was placed before the first guest, the guest without hesitation picked up his fork, speared a choux pastry ball, and put it entirely into his mouth, and tasted the light pastry with the magnificence of caramel and peach and apple…
"This is… without a doubt, excellence!" he nodded. When he sipped a bit of his coffee, his face showed only an expression of delight and approval. Whether he was only exaggerating or being honest, the effect was good.
Following his reaction, those at his table also began sampling a bit of croquembouche as well. Like the first guest who tried it, they were equally satisfied. The expressions spread around the floor like instant gossip, and soon everyone was looking at anyone who got their hands on a plate of croquembouche.
One of the waiters brought the more considerably larger plates of croquembouche to the wedding couple's table, where Steven and Cynthia were standing at.
"Presenting to you… the masterpiece of tonight, la croquembouche, for the best way to conclude a meal as Kalos knows it…" the waiter explained.
"Hey, Steven, why don't you have some?" the bride questioned. "You never made this yourself, so you never know what it tastes like. Go on! It's only natural you should be rewarded with a dessert like this!"
As if on cue, a waitress brought a plate of croquembouche to Steven. The only peculiar thing was that the waitress was specifically Martine Grenadine. Was this a plot?! It had to be!
"I figured you wouldn't want to try it, boss," Martine said happily. "The guys in the kitchen are happily feasting themselves with croquembouche and tea. Even James. You're missing out!"
Steven looked horrified, but that expression disappeared instantly when he noticed all the guests were staring right at him. Not wanting to embarrass himself, and therefore submitting to public pressure, Steven reluctantly took the plate Martine offer to him, and speared a choux pastry ball covered in caramel before putting it into his mouth.
"Excellent, excellent!" the bride clapped, whereas the guests added to her applause. "I'm glad we could all experience this meal tonight. Such elegant dishes prepared by the Stone and finishing it with an extravagant wedding dessert by Vue sur la Lune! Truly! You've made my wedding special."
The guests cheered and clapped even louder.
"Say! Steven! Cynthia! How about a photo with the couple? It'll make a great memorabilia for tonight!" the photographer suggested, motioning the couple to stand with Steven and Cynthia.
Cynthia froze, but Steven was bitter. No way. No way. No WAY was he going to have a photo taken with her. Well, he supposed he was the host, but to have her accompany tonight seemed to have spoiled the moment.
He didn't have a say, so Cynthia replied instead.
"If you insist…" she muttered.
"Great! Line up, and smile!" the photographer waved for the four people to move closer. Steven stood behind the groom, and Cynthia stood behind the bride. They faced the photographer (though Steven and Cynthia wore awkward smiles) and let the camera do its job.
After the camera flashed, and not to mention other photos taken from other guests who gathered around the scene to take pictures, Cynthia thanked the couple before heading back to her table, where Garchomp was enjoying a plate of croquembouche herself.
Steven, though a little distraught, had to admit that the croquembouche was good… he brushed that thought aside and went back to retrieve his dessert plate. Not that he was going to eat more of the wedding dessert, albeit it tasted delicious, but he wasn't going to let her get the best of him, right? Incidentally, Metagross was passing by and had sensed Steven's thoughts.
YOU! Steven thought. Sure, he thought about throwing the dessert away, but Metagross had used Psychic to levitate the croquembouche into Steven's hands. Metagross watched him stare at the dessert awkwardly.
"You've won me over…" Steven muttered. He speared an apple slice this time and mixed a bit of caramel with it to taste an impressive blend of flavour. Choux pastry didn't taste bad either, or the peaches. He supposed he could do with a cup of coffee right now. Maybe he should head back to his office and order Martine to grab some. Who was he kidding? Martine? Seriously?
As an afterthought, Steven reserved a portion for Metagross to enjoy as he walked away from the wedding couple. Careful to avoid the platinum-blond rival, he maneuvered carefully around the tables to head back to the stairs. Along the way, guests expressed their thanks and gratitude, which Steven modestly accepted.
Maybe tonight wasn't going to take too long. When this was over, when the guests had left, and she was gone, things would go back to normal. Again, who was he kidding? It was a wedding reception. These sorts of things last hours and hours and hours into the night…
Steven didn't need to remind himself that he was being paid generously for this.
As he walked past more tables and savoured the smell of sweet croquembouche in the air, he felt a cold hand seize his arm as he walked by one particular table.
"My friend! Long time, no see! I can't believe you're here operating a business like this! And don't worry, I can see from here you've got a good eye for attractive women. Isn't Cynthia the sweetest? Rest assured, all the moral support you will ever need is here in your restaurant! You can cook pleasant meals for me while you're at it!"
Steven stopped dead. By 'dead', he stopped deathly still as if time itself had stopped.
You have got to be freaking KIDDING me! Steven thought. He was not pleased to see him here.
Don't expect an update too soon...
There's still plenty of croquembouche to go around! (i.e. review to get a plate!) Who is this man Steven isn't pleased to see?