Evening all, welcome to my first story on this platform. I did used to post under a now discontinued account (won't give away the name though ). Anyway, I've been watching LMS and can't STAND Ryan Vogelson and Kristin Baxter together. Not that I dislike him, they just don't work as a couple.
So, now I choose to re-do the series my way. Before we get into it, some things you should know; 1. This takes place after Ryan takes up a job as a janitor to gain some extra money during the strike, and also I'm playing around with the timeline as well.
Enjoy!
'' Alright people, listen up, we have one of the biggest challenges as a restaurant we've ever faced'' a handsome blond man smirked, his tone emphasized by his gaze through his glasses. '' Zachary Wylder, Denver's harshest food critic is coming here for a review. Should he like what he sees, we get our first Michelin Star and our bistro goes up on his Instagram.''
A blonde woman dressed in a formal jacket, skirt and pumps shot her hand up. '' What's time he coming? I know we closed the place for the today to prepare?''
'' Good question Kris, the answer is…I don't know. He said anytime between 12 and… Friday. Look we must dazzle him. Fortunately, our proactive manager'' he winked at the woman '' has done some research on the guy. Kris, would you?''
'' Thanks John' Kris walked to him before using a remote control on a TV near the corner. Once she pushed a button, the screen lit up with a picture of a middle-aged man, in at least his 50s, with a black goatee and brown eyes. His bald head made him look more like an escaped serial killer than what he actually was.
'' Okay, this is Zachary Wylder. Ever since making the oh so easy transition from corporate America to the food industry, he's reviewed over 300 restaurants nationwide. From Hop Alley to Beckon, he's done them all. He's hated at least 60% of them.''
A young waitress spoke up. '' Uhm, Ms. Kristin, if he hated so many of them, then why is he coming here? Is he going to shut us down?''
" Relax Rosabel, Kris has got this' John smiled, Kristin blushing a little.
'' R-right'' Kristin said flustered, '' he's selected us because our innovative owner recently got indorsed by Outdoor Man'' Kristin winked at John. '' Turns out he follows my dad's vlogs online and figured he should see for himself if John Beez Bistro is up to his standards. So, I went a little proactive and researched him online, Instagram, Facebook, all of 'em. Turns out he's of Mediterranean descent. Athens, born and raised, so he loves Greek food. I know our kitchen staff can make normal Greek stuff but we need to wow him. So, I had our sous chef Lorenzo whip this up'' Kristin pointed to a nearby dish, she lifted off the cloche revealing what appeared to be a beef gyro with what appeared to be roasted potatoes, yet the bread has a strangely orange hue.
'' What's the big deal, that's a gyro'' Rosabel scoffed. '' And what if he doesn't order it?''
'' Not possible, you see I've texted him beforehand via Instagram and told him what he'd be served?''
'' What'd he say?'' John asked.
'' He said he looks forward to it.''
'' I knew you could do it'' John hugged Kris, making her blush a little.
'' Anyway…what makes this gyro so special?'' Rosabel asked.
'' Glad you asked. You see, the beef isn't American. Its special flown in from Argentina.''
'' My idea. I have a friend down there who I went to culinary school with' John added.
'' Also, the bread's seasoned with red pepper, hence its orange look. The potatoes will have grated feta over them and roasted in rosemary as well.''
'' You heard her everyone, let's get ready' John rubbed his hands together.
As the people in the room went to their various tasks, Lorenzo pulled Rosabel to the side.
'' So, you also seeing what I'm seeing with the blonde one and the boss?'' Lorenzo asked.
'' Are you kidding? There are blind people who can see it. They flirt so much they may as well be an opening scene on Pornhub.''
'' You think they'll get together?''
'' Not sure. The blonde one's still with her baby daddy and the boss just broke it off with Rachel.''
Rosabel looked around her, noticing Kristin and John weren't around, she lent in to her coworker. '' You know, we could try get them together.''
'' How so?''
'' Subtlety my friend. You see, every time those two give each other a compliment, we make sure we're near either of them then add something to it.
'' Elaborate?''
'' If Kristin says John looks good in his new suit, one of us might say that it's a shame Rachel was stupid enough to leave him.''
'' I see…''
'' You in?'' Rosabel asked.
'' Absolutely.''
-x-
A few hours later, Kristin was at the front of the house, nervously tapping her fingers against the wooden podium near the entrance.
'' You, ok?'' a voice said from behind her.
'' Hey, yeah John I'm fine. Just a bit tense you know.''
'' Nope. I never worry, causes eyebags.''
Kristin smirked at her boss.
'' Ok fine, I'm also a little on edge. But two things are keeping my nerves at bay.''
'' What would those be?''
'' Well for one thing if he doesn't like the food and sends it back, I'll have the chef spit in it. And two, I have faith in my manager.''
Kristin beamed. He always knew how to cheer her up. Ryan couldn't. He meant well but he tended to make things worse sometimes.
Just then, a bald man came in, his piercing eyes and goatee easily identifying him.
'' Excuse me, I'm looking for John Beez Bistro' he said.
'' Th-this is it. You must be Mr. Wylder. I'm Kristin the manager. This lovely man here is Johnathan Baker, our owner.''
'' A pleasure Mr. Wylder'' John held his hand out, the food critic ignoring him. '' I don't do handshakes, or…touching for that matter. One never knows where others' hands have been.''
'' Right, let me shows you to your seat' John led Zachary to a table near the window, the setting sun showing off the downtown Denver skyline.
'' I see your eatery is empty, is business bad Baker?'' Zachary asked, sitting down.
'' Not at all, we're actually opening our first location in Bushwick New York. I just closed us down for the day so you could enjoy maximum privacy.''
Zachary looked up at him. '' I dislike pandering Baker. Now, I was told I'd be served a gyro.''
'' Indeed. In addition, I'd like to give you a glass of our house cabernet.''
'' I normally don't drink, it impairs my judgement. However…'' Zachary gazed at the restauranteur. '' I am willing to make an exception.''
John nodded before entering the kitchen. '' We got a problem people!''
Lorenzo looked up from his chopping board. '' What's wrong boss?''
'' Wylder stared at me…like into my soul.''
'' Big deal, he's a critic, they're all dicks'' Lorenzo scoffed.
'' No, not this guy. He's different. Oh god'' John hastily breathed, his flush face and now sweaty hands indicating that he was having a panic attack.
'' Hey, what's going on here, Wylder's getting impatient'' Kris said walking in. '' John are you ok?''
John looked at her. '' No, I, I'm having, a panic attack.''
'' Hey hey, look at me, look at me' Kristin snapped her fingers. '' It's ok, this is a normal reaction to what's happening. Now, breathe in for three second, hold for four and exhale for two.''
John obeyed, looking into her deep blue eyes. Man, she was beautiful. '' Okay, I'm good. Thanks Kris, you always know what to do'' Kristin blushed again.
Seeing his opportunity, Lorenzo piped in. '' That she is, she's one of a kind.''
'' Agreed. Now, let's get back to business'' John triumphantly marched out into the dining room, pouring a glass of alcohol at the bar.
'' Here you go sir, my sincerest apologies for the delay, of course your drink is gratis'' John said.
The critic said nothing, inside sipping from his glass, clearly surprised by the taste. It was rich, subtle hints of oak and vanilla, the grapes used clearly of a high calibre.
'' Thank you'' Zachary said, almost smiling. '' Now, about that gyro.''
'' Right here Mr. Wylder'' Rosabel said, putting the plate down before him. The man analyzing his food.
'' An orange pita, French fries with feta cheese on them?'' Zachary asked, by now most of the staff gathering around. '' A bold choice.''
Kris, who was also freaking out slightly, held out her hand to John, who reciprocated. Both feeling slightly tingly.
Zachary began to eat, as he chewed, he made sure to individually taste each ingredient. The beef was tender and flavorful, the slight bite to it unusual, yet a nice touch. The salad inside, also quite flavorful, the tomatoes sweet, clearly fresh, the shredded lettuce the perfect level of crunchy. The sauce itself was divine, the perfect umami tang coupled with a slightly sweet aftertaste.
The man swallowed his food, before trying the French fries. The idea of fries at an establishment that John Beez was rumored to be seemed unusual, not inherently bad, just different. And the feta on top, the same, not bad, but different.
Wylder popped a fry into his mouth, his eyes widening. The feta was tangy, soft and flaky, the perfect flavor profile. The potatoes themselves, soft on the inside with a golden shell on the outside, the small pieces of skin left on held a surprisingly high amount of flavor inside. Zachary wiped his mouth with a napkin before standing up. '' You know Baker, I've eaten at many a restaurant.''
'' I do sir.''
'' Most of them make me gag.''
'' I know that as well sir-
Zachary held up his hand. '' Expect your review to be posted on my Facebook page by this Friday. Kristin, was it?''
Kris froze. '' Y-yes?''
'' You have wonderful hostess qualities. If you manage as well as you greet, you will be a great addition to the industry.'' The man walked out slowly, leaving behind a deafening silence.
-x-
'' Ok, here it is'' John said. Friday had come quickly, the past few days seemingly haven flown by. Right now, he and Kristin were looking at Facebook on his phone.
'' Oh God I'm so nervous'' John panted.
'' Hey, we got this. You headed this operation, and no one plans like you do'' Kris smiled.
'' John's got skills that's for sure' Rosabel said, having walked by the pair as the looked at John's phone.
'' Yeah, yeah you are' Kris smiled. He was so great. Not only was he driven, but he was successful as well. She never tried to let money influence her opinion of people but with John it was a perk in his favor. Not to mention he was incredibly handsome- wait, what was she thinking? She was with Ryan, and she loved him.
'' Oh, here it is'' everyone, come over here'' John called, the wait staff coming to him as he began to read the review.
'' The role of a food critic is simple, we taste, evaluate and review. However, we never become stagnant, always looking for a challenge to what we deem to be the norm. Last week, I had the opportunity to see this challenge at John Beez Bistro.
On the surface, it appears to be your standard upscale establishment, nothing super impressive or outstanding' John's voice fell after hearing these words, still continuing to read. '' However, I am pleased to say that I was beyond wrong. Owner John Baker and his talented manager Kristin have shown what true culinary bravery is, by serving this proud Greek man an unorthodox take on a gyro. Each ingredient perfectly paired together, from sweet tomato to tender beef. In addition, I was surprised to be served French fries with feta on them, the skin on the fries themselves seeming strange to say the least. However, this is welcomed as there are pockets of flavor burst in each fry, the feta prepared perfectly. John's house cabernet a delight to taste, his staff are truly talented.
I highly recommend them to any diner. It is with much joy in my heart to award them their first Michelin star'' John choked.
'' We did it!'' Kris said, hugging him tightly as the whole staff cheered.
'' I told you you'd nail this. You are awesome!" John said.
'' Agreed. Anyone who doesn't say that enough is an idiot'' Lorenzo winked at Rosabel.
John and Kris soon let go.
'' So, going home to tell Ryan the good news?'' John asked awkwardly.
'' Sadly no. He's driving to Durango so he's not home. Also Boyd's at my parents' house.''
'' Wow, so home alone huh?'' John shrugged.
'' Well no, I have 3 new episodes of SCANDAL to catch up on.''
'' Sounds kind of boring. You know, my house is only 3 blocks away, you're welcome to spend the night.''
'' I don't know, wouldn't it be weird, you know with you and Rachel?''
'' Not since she left me no.''
'' Oh John, I'm so sorry. What happened?''
'' Turns out she only liked me for my money. Once she met a guy whose family owned three cabins in Aspen, that was me gone.''
'' Well, she's stupid'' Kris pecked him on the cheek. '' You know what, I'd love to spend the night. So long as I wouldn't intrude.''
'' For you never.''
And so it begins. Thanks for reading my legal eagles. If you like this story do give it a fave, follow and review because this is only the beginning.