Page 12 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“Good,” he said.“An authentic gravy has to be cooked all day, so I’m glad I could get it started.Rhonda told me that unusual requests like this come up from time to time.”
“Yes, that’s part of the hotel business with different guests coming and going with demands for special service.I’m glad you decided to accept Jean-Luc’s job offer.We still have more paperwork for you to sign today.Stop by the office when you’re free.”
I looked around the kitchen at the staff members who were busy preparing for the breakfast rush.In addition to our guests, the dining room was open to locals and visitors.A meal at The Beach House Hotel was a treat for anyone who loved tasty food.
I went back to Consuela and chatted with her for a moment before grabbing a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll.
A few minutes later, still enjoying my coffee, I looked up as Bernie knocked and entered the office.
“ ’Morning!How are you?”
“A bit frustrated.Have you seen the local newspaper?Terri Thomas at the SabalDaily Newshas written an article headlined, “A Battle Between Two Greats.”
“Wha-a-a-t?”I said, taking the paper from him.
Terri had interviewed Jonny Arno and written about his new restaurant opening up.She then segued into a piece comparing Jonny and Jean-Luc, claiming that a battle for adulation for the two chefs was about to happen between the two of them.
I sat back in my chair and looked up at Bernie.“I wish she hadn’t created her story that way.Though it might seem like a smart idea to increase business for both restaurants, we don’t want anything to do with Jonny Arno.Not after knowing the kind of man he is and the connections he has.”
“My thoughts exactly,” said Bernie.“We don’t want to appear as if we need that kind of publicity.We’re an upscale place with an excellent chef and excellent service.For all the enthusiastic speculation, I doubt that will be the case with Osteria Arno, especially if people like Brock Goodwin are associated with it.”
Rhonda appeared, and we showed her the article.
“Battle, my ass,” she sputtered.“Jean-Luc’s reputation doesn’t need to be tarnished by some imagined battle.Terri should have talked to us before publishing something like this.”
“I have a feeling that Terri was contacted by someone on Jonny’s team.Someone we might know.”
“I’m going to wring Brock’s neck,” Rhonda said.
“I think we should say nothing about the article, not respond to it in any way,” said Bernie.“As we agreed earlier, we don’t need to.I’ve got a meeting right now.Good luck with the Ambassador.I’m planning on welcoming him to the hotel and will try to stop by the cocktail hour to speak to him.”
“Thanks,” I said.“Amelia wants us to make him feel especially welcome.”
Bernie left, and I turned to Rhonda.“How’s the cooking going?”
“Chet is off to a satisfactory start.The sauce smells like my grandmother’s kitchen,” she said with a pleased look.“The veal I ordered will be delivered shortly, along with the Castelvetrano olives and other specialty items.”
“I’m going to call Tropical Fleurs and have them create a table centerpiece for us, incorporating the red, green, and white colors of the Italian flag.Something subtle, but nice.And as soon as Annette comes in, I’ll arrange for her to supervise the event staff for cocktails and dinner.”
“It sounds like things are under control.I’m glad because I promised Angie I’d go to a teacher’s meeting with her this afternoon to discuss Sally Kate’s issues at school.I told Angie I’d pay for a special tutor.”
“That’s terrific,” I said.“Sally Kate is an adorable child.I would hate to see her self-esteem suffer.”
“Yes,” said Rhonda.“She’s a bright little girl, and I don’t want her to think otherwise.”
“Rather than call someone at Tropical Fleurs, I think I’ll go downtown to visit them.Danielle and her staff are very creative, and I want to talk to her about something unusual not only as a centerpiece for dinner, but for something special in the Presidential Suite.”
“When you get back, we’ll have our usual pre-wedding meeting with Lorraine and her staff.,” said Rhonda.“I heard the groom is the son of some media mogul, and we need to make sure everything goes smoothly.”
“Yes, I think his father is a bigwig at Apple.The bride is the one I worry about.If the groom is smart, he’ll simply show up and just say ‘I do’.”
Rhonda and I laughed together.If it were only that simple.
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It was such a lovely day that I decided to walk the few blocks to Main Street.As I did, I was reminded of what a beautiful place Sabal was.Condos and large homes lined the beach and filled a block or two inland.Main Street consisted of interesting, upscale shops whose windows held treasures of all kinds.Pots of flowers stood outside doors adding color to the palm tree-lined street.
Passing a little alleyway, I thought of André’s, a French restaurant I adored.I vowed the next time Vaughn was at home, we’d have a meal there.
