#earthrunes

"It looks wonderful."

The next dish laid out "Charred Chicken With Sweet Potatoes and Oranges- that thing about not putting acid on raw meat? I think you'll find it tempers out for this"

"I look forward to finding out."

"And finally... " He sets another down "Creamy Squash Risotto With Toasted Pepitas, for those that prefer a Vegan option, or just like a silky miso and a paprika-packed squash purée in rissoto form"

"I didn't know you could do a risotto with squash; this is so creative, Jerry."

"Thank you, for all the nice words, but let's see if it lives up to my hype" He nnods to both

"Jerry, my waist line may curse you but I'm sure I'll love it" Leo grins

"Ha." He smiles "To Go bags will be offered later" And he withdraws

August will serve if it's needed, and tastes the meal.

Oh it's served by him at least in samples. The pork chops with Fig and Grape Agrodoice, oh it's good he mentioned dipping ... because it takes a delicious meal and makes it even better!

The Charred Chicken With Sweet Potatoes and Oranges is good, well above average, but not up to the level of the first dish

Nor does it rank with the third. The vegan Risotto is amazing, and if it's Kosher, August might wonder if a sampling could be left to age for Zara?

August considers the question. "Do you think Jerry might give us some of this to go? A serving or two?"

"Of course, we donn't eat it all in a frenzy of glutttony which is a REAL threat. " She admits

He chuckles. "I think Zara would enjoy it." he eats "Jerry really -is- very good. You'll keep him?"

"Well, if he passes his exam I'll hire him for the restaurant. Too manny of them are abusive to cooks and chefs, you knnow? "

August nods. "You own the restaurant? This one?"

A smirk "Yup. Terrible investment anyway so I figured while it lost money, I'd do things like hire ex cons who need a chance at honst work and the like"

"But the state requires certifiican"

"Makes sense." August nods. "Again, Leonora, I'm impressed."

"Jerry's the one cooking his heart out" She points out. "I just muse him, coax him to follow this dream. "

"You're the one who's bought a business that's losing money to give Jerry a place to dream. Jerry, and others."

"well, by hiring ex cons I can get a tax exemption" She adds "And did I mention the gglamour?"

"You did." August says.

"Well then " A blush "I'm not really that selfless" but she looks pleased

Jerry shows up aftter they've had time to dine "How is it going?" he asks

"Delicious, Jerry, you have real talent and I can tell you've worked hard to perfect it."

"Ah, thanks, I took some classes in jail, got to work a bit there..which was, well, terrible, but it got my interest up. Took some real classes once I got out. "

"But please, if you have details on what you liked best, what worked for you, what could have worked better, that would help me more?" He asks

"Okay, the dippin worked just like you described. I am not a fan of pork chops but these really were fantastic. " She gives her two cents

He beams a bit , August 's praise has primed him well... and already bits of glamour flow

August carefully avoids partaking.

Leonora basks in jus a little then motions "Your turn, August.. to tell him details?"

"Ah. Yes, I agree with Leonora. The dipping added a bit of fun -and- flavor. And I absolutely need to you to give me a few servings of the risotto to take home. I have a dear friend who would love to taste it. And I couldn't even tell there was acid on the chicken; it was perfectly balanced. The accompaniments were just that, they were -compliments-."

"Whew, thank you. Annd happy to load you up with Risotto"

"Now the last thing is the desserts." He admits "you sill have room I hope?"

"I certainly do." with a smile.

"Ditto" Loenonra says.

The chef (Hopeful) smiles and heads to get the desserts

"August" Leo whispers "You earned some of this glamour too, besides, his creative hope is as good as his food"

"Leonora, he's your Dreamer; you earned this with months of work, not I. Thank you, though." he whispers back.

"Fuff... Well" She admits "I AM proud of him. He's really good."

"He is, and you are his patron and inspiration."

And out Jerry comes

"This is a Raspberry White Chocolate mousse , Light and fluffy but I've layered it like a parfait then frozen, and you spoon additional raspberry sauce to your heart's content"

"It looks beautiful."

"THis" Showing the next "Flambeed Vanilla-Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce" A demonstration "I'm hoping it will be a hit at bacherlorette parties"

((Is it.... suggestive?))

(Thank god, no)

"Oh, it would look great next to the right cocktails" Leonora nods