[♪♪♪]
["Deck the Halls"]
["Good King Wenceslas"]
["Hark, the Herald Angels Sing"]
[man chuckles]
You can go.
Don't get too close, Callie.
Okay, Mom.
This is beautiful.
Well, it's easy when you're inspired.
You're welcome.
Here you go.
Thanks.
What are you going to do with that?
It's an angel.
Where?
My mom says the sculpture's already there.
You just have to look past the parts that you don't need.
I'm David. David Manning.
I know.
My dad says your dad is very important.
He's the King of Wall Street.
I guess that makes you the prince.
Hmm.
Never thought of that.
I'm going to be a chef.
You mean, like a cook?
Not just a cook. A culinary artist.
And chefs get to make ice sculptures.
Cool.
Hey, kids.
Dad, Mom... this is David.
[Frank]: Hi, David.
Having fun?
Yes... Definitely.
David?
I've got to go.
I'll see you inside for the Christmas dinner.
Okay!
Dinner is for the club members only, honey.
But you work here, Dad.
It's not the same thing.
Hello, Frank. Mrs. Shaw.
Outstanding job on the decorations, Frank.
You really outdid yourself this year.
Thank you, Mr. Manning.
I really appreciate that, sir.
We're going to be late, son.
I hope you find your angel.
Thanks.
I will.
I told you, see?
It's a snowman.
It's made out of ice. It's an Ice Man.
Which is it, Callie? A snowman or an ice man?
He is whatever you want him to be.
That's the best part.
[laughs]
[Frank]: Hey, kids.
Callie? Come on, let's go.
See you guys later. Mwah!
Dad! More Christmas decorations for the club?
Well, I picked up a few more things.
You can never have too many Christmas decorations.
And hey...
I packed you a lunch for your first day.
Dad, I'm working in the kitchen.
Well, you never know if they're going to feed you.
Thank you.
You excited?
Excited and nervous.
Hey...
you're going to do great.
If you had told me
that someday
I'd be working as a dishwasher at the club,
I would have said you were crazy.
They're lucky to have you.
Three years in Culinary School?
You could run that place.
Right now, I'm just happy for the work.
And this could be a real opportunity for me.
I'm working with an honest-to-goodness top chef.
Kind of. Indirectly.
Thank you, Dad.
Let's get going.
You don't want to be late for your first day, do you?
Come on.
Thank you, honey.
Oh...
Nobody does Christmas like you, Dad.
Well, your mom got me started.
Her favorite time of year.
Well, I've got to get to work.
So do you.
Wish me luck!
Good luck, honey.
Bye!
Mwah! [laughs]
[Woman]: Tonight's special will be served
with Julienned vegetables and new potatoes today.
Marco, remember,
we're pushing the six courses...
Which brings us to our staff meetings.
They are especially important during the holidays
in order to head off any problems or conflicts--
Excuse me?
Can I help you?
Oh. Uh, no. I'm all good.
Okay, this meeting is for kitchen staff only.
Yes, uh... this is my first day.
I'm just a dishwasher, so should I wait outside?
Callie?
Yes. Hi.
Welcome. Please, join us.
Everyone, this is Callie Shaw,
the newest member of our team.
Hi.
"Just" a dishwasher?
Jen, what do I say about dishwashers?
Dishwashers have the most important job
in the whole kitchen.
And do you know why that is?
Because if dishwashers don't do their jobs,
chefs don't have dishes.
If chefs don't have dishes,
we have no place to put our food.
If we have no place to put our food,
our wait staff cannot serve our guests.
If our guests go hungry, they tend not to come back.
And if our guests don't come back,
we're all out of a job!
So...
Exactly.
I'm Chef Gloria.
This is my kitchen.
We have staff meetings every Thursday at 10:00 a.m.,
and I expect you to be on time.
Good.
Now, where was I?
The holidays.
December is easily
the busiest time of year for our kitchen.
Between the Christmas Party next week
and our signature ice sculpting contest...
Which our own Chef Gloria has won forever.
Jen, it's only been three years.
So far.
[they laugh]
Everyone will need to be at the top of their game...
especially since we're a man down.
As you may have heard,
our own Chef Douglas left us... unexpectedly.
We will all need to pick up the slack
until we hire a new sous-chef.
Unfortunately, Chef Douglas was also scheduled
to lead the ice sculpting demonstration
at the Ladies Luncheon.
[Gloria]: Callie, I seem to recall from your resume
that you have some ice carving experience?
Uh, y-yes.
But if anybody else wants--
Demonstration is at 1:00.
You'll return to your dishwashing duties
when you're through.
Thank you, everyone.
Back to work.
-Hi. Callie? -Hi.
-Hi. I'm Zack. -Oh, hi.
-I'm also a dishwasher. -Oh, no way!
-Yeah, welcome. -Very nice to meet you.
You as well.
-Do you want to see your spot? -I would love to.
Great. It's right back here.
-Thank you so much. -No problem at all.
[she laughs]
So how's your first day been?
Really good. Everyone seems so nice.
So, um, how long have you worked here?
-Five years. -Really?
Yeah. Oh, could you check that strap for me?
Of course.
Just make sure it's nice and tight.
I think we're going to make a Christmas tree--
Oh!
[the man sighs]
Zack, can you get that to the luncheon?
I will be right there.
I'm on it.
My phone!
Come on!
Hey, you guys see a girl run through here?
Over there? Thank you.
What are doing?
Saving your phone.
Dry rice absorbs the moisture.
Don't turn it on for 24 hours.
Who are you?
I'm the new dishwasher.
There you are. Callie! The demo?
The ladies are waiting.
Right.
24 hours.
Bye, David.
Callie...
Hey, everyone.
I'm so sorry to make you guys wait.
I... really like the new cell phone case.
Had a bit of a run-in with a giant block of ice,
and my phone, and a fountain.
But apparently, this helps.
Dried rice.
My grandson taught me that trick.
Very clever, David.
Thanks, Mr. Bradford.
All right.
What do you say we order some lunch
and get down to business?
Sounds good.
Ooh, I can't have roasted garlic.
Really?
So you can see at this point
that the ice is getting much softer.
Now, ice carving can be traced back
hundreds of years.
Poor Chinese fishermen who couldn't afford oil lamps,
carved ice lanterns
so they could protect their candles
from winds at night.
So...
that's a little history lesson for you.
We'll have the full proposal to you
by the end of next week,
Mr. Bradford.
Looking forward to it.
Call me if there's a problem.
Will do.
End of next week?
I know we're cutting it close,
but this would be the biggest deal
we have ever landed.
You've never let me down before, David.
Yeah, but Dad, this is...
So I'm counting on you to pull this off.
You too, Brooke.
Keep him on his toes.
Will do, Mr. Manning.
[sighs]
All right, let's have it.
You were in a fog all through lunch.
What? No.
What's her name?
It's not like that, all right?
I just...
I ran into somebody
I think I met when we were kids.
Look, why don't you, uh...
why don't you go on ahead?
I'll catch a ride back to the office, all right?
Fine.
But remember, we're on a deadline now.
I... End of next week.
So we're going to sand down all of the edges,
just a little,
and then this is my favorite part.
Our last step
is to bond the star to the... tree...
using the dry ice technique we discussed earlier.
[David]: Callie Shaw!
Excuse me.
They're running low on ice in the kitchen.
Are you almost done with that?
[laughing]
[Callie]: I can't believe you remember me.
[David]: Oh, are you kidding?
Ever since we met,
I haven't been able to look at a piece of ice
the same way.
Come on!
So, listen, I heard you went to culinary school.
You became a chef, just like you said you would.
I went to school, yes.
Jury's still out on the chef part.
But I hear you went to Princeton...
business degree and everything.
Yeah, yeah... comes in handy
when I'm trying to impress people at parties.
You want to see it?
[laughs]
So how long before you inherit the kingdom?
I don't know.
You'd have to ask my Dad.
Right now, I'm just another one of his drones.
I doubt that.
So, what about you? Is ice carving your thing?
No, it's a chef thing.
They teach us in school
to have as many skills as possible,
but no one's been asking for ice sculptures
at Burger Jack and Chicken-Lickin',
where I've been working.
Well, what about the ice sculpture contest?
What are you doing?
Nothing.
What?
That's Chef Gloria's turf.
Yeah, but I saw your Christmas tree.
I mean... you've got some serious chops.
No pun intended.
I think you should enter.
I think you could show everyone
you're not just a dishwasher.
I've got a better idea.
I'm going to lay low, new girl style.
All right.
But thanks for the pep talk.
I've got to get to work, but I'll see you around.
All right.
Bye.
So how's it going
with the prep for the Christmas party?
Uh, it's good. You know.
You don't sound too excited.
I'm fine.
I've been doing it long enough.
Everyone at the club will have a good time.
I'll make sure of that.
It's just, ah...
Some days, it's hard.
Thanks, honey.
Your mom inspired some of my best Christmas ideas.
Like "Anna's Angels?"
Yep.
And one day, I'm going to make it happen...
Just like I promised her.
So why not now?
Because I also promised her I'd take care of you.
Dad, I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself.
If you want to do this, then you should.
I will, when the time is right.
But right now,
I'd like to enjoy this butternut squash soup
that you made
and hear about your first day.
Now, let's go-- highlights and lowlights.
Okay, let's see.
Lowlight, washing a pile of dishes
the size of Mt. Rainier.
And the highlight
was carving a Christmas tree out of ice.
How'd that happen?
Somebody quit. Chef Gloria drafted me.
Hey, it's a great start.
And this is delicious.
[laughs]
Hi! Morning, Marco.
Hi.
Hey...
what's the deal?
It's only my second day,
and I'm already getting the stink eye.
Well, what did you expect?
You signed up against Chef Gloria
in the ice carving contest.
That's a bad move, Callie.
What?
[Man]: What's she doing here?
David.
Hey.
Hi.
Uh-huh. Hi. You know what?
I was just on my way to thank you, actually,
'cause that rice thing really worked.
Look, my phone's working again.
What did you do?
I... wait, what?
The ice sculpture contest.
Apparently, now I'm signed up.
Do you know anything about that?
Oh, yeah, that.
Yeah. That!
What were you thinking?
I was thinking that I would help you
to achieve your full potential.
Chef Gloria and Jen are in that contest.
And that's not a good thing?
-No... -No.
No...
Because I want to work with my new boss,
not against her!
And now, thanks to you, win or lose, I lose.
Honest, Callie, I didn't know.
I just thought...
I'm so sorry.
You got me into this.
You going to get me out of it?
Absolutely.
Absolutely not.
But it was a misunderstanding.
Not the point.
The names have already been submitted
to the committee.
Then I will explain to the committee.
Let me explain to you.
This year is the 25th anniversary
of the ice sculpting contest.
It's attracting all kinds of attention.
If one of my staff pulls out now,
it might give the impression
that I had somehow influenced their decision.
Wait, so you're saying
Callie has to stay in the contest
because you're afraid of what people might think?
I'm not afraid of what anyone thinks.
But I won't have my kitchen embarrassed,
or my victory tainted.
Well, I still don't think that's very fair.
You signed her up without asking,
and you're telling me what's fair?
Okay, that's fair.
Here's your registration packet.
The rules are inside. Read them carefully.
[Gloria]: You should know
I'll be giving this contest everything I've got.
I expect the same from you.
You're in the big leagues now, Ms. Shaw.
There are big leagues for ice sculpting?
Look, I'm sorry, okay? I didn't know.
That's because you don't operate
in the real world.
What's that supposed to mean?
It means you're David Manning.
You get to do what you want and be what you want.
There are consequences for your actions.
I don't expect you to understand that.
Right, 'cause, what,
'cause I grew up in a great big house,
and I had everything handed to me?
You said it, I didn't.
Listen, I graduated from an Ivy League school
with honors, all right? Nobody did that for me.
I had three job offers right out of college.
I chose to work with my dad.
You don't know a thing about me.
Understanding you
is not really my biggest concern right now.
This right here
is a little more important than...
Well, far be it for me to--
Whoa.
First prize is $10,000.
Isn't that a lot for one of these things?
It's the 25th anniversary.
They doubled the prize money.
This would pay off almost all of my student loans.
Right, but then you'd actually have to compete.
[sighs] I know, what am I thinking?
If I beat Gloria on her own turf,
I'm looking for a new job.
You know, you might be missing an opportunity here.
You could win and prove to Chef Gloria
how talented you are
in the process,
that you're more than a dishwasher.
Well, the rules allow for teams of two.
I need a partner.
Who... me?
It's your idea, remember?
Yeah, but I don't know the first thing
about ice sculpting.
So I'll teach you. I have two weeks.
What do you say, Manning? You up for a little competition?
Oh, it's on.
It's a deal. [laughs]
[David]: Wow...
That's a big block of ice.
Yep.
Your dad decorates the garage?
More like this is where he practices decorating.
I'm impressed.
At its most basic,
ice carving is about removing the extraneous stuff
to discover what's inside.
Mm-hmm.
And we start by placing a template over the block,
like a map.
Here, hold this.
Thanks.
What's that for?
A little heat helps the template stick to the block,
and that way, I can trace the pattern
directly onto the ice.
Ohh...
Remind me to bring my laundry next time.
Ha, ha. Funny.
That's some serious hardware.
And they all have a different purpose.
We have to make sure
to use the right tool for the right job.
Wouldn't power tools be faster?
Nice research!
A lot of ice carvers use them,
but not me.
The hand tools may take longer,
but they give you more control.
Mm.
Here, meet your new friend...
the Japanese grip hand saw.
Wow.
This stuff should really come with safety instructions.
It does.
Don't touch the pointy ends, stay away from the fire.
Fire?
What fire?
And this is the easy design?
Oh...
Oh, oh, careful.
No, no, don't pull too hard,
or it might, it might-- ooh.
Break.
I'm so sorry.
Here, let me show you.
This will get the blade unstuck.
Okay.
Ready?
Yeah.
Okay.
You got it.
Got it.
You can use this one.
It's my dad's.
[crack]
Whoa...
What was that?
This is a fracture.
This happens
if the ice isn't properly tempered.
Ice has to be left out long enough
so it can adjust to ambient temperature.
Otherwise, it can break.
So, what now?
Coffee?
I was thinking
it might be a good idea to enter a small, local contest
before the big competition at the club.
Get you some game day experience.
Sure.
Have you competed before?
A few times.
Did you win?
Usually.
[laughs]
Mm...
Who's Anna?
Oh, um...
Anna was my mom.
She's the reason I got interested in cooking.
She could take anything in this house,
just random leftovers,
and whip up a feast.
I mean, some nights,
it was like a Top Chef challenge.
She was amazing.
She passed away when I was 15.
I'm sorry.
It's hard around here at Christmas without her.
And the angels?
My mom always wanted to start a charitable food foundation
that would be able to help families in need
get produce so they could cook for themselves,
and she used to say
that the volunteers would be like an army of angels
doing good in the world.
That's such a great idea.
Her family relied on charities
when she was a little girl,
so she thought it was a good way to give back.
And my dad still wants to do it,
but...
But what?
He has this idea
that he can't invest in anything
until I'm taken care of first.
Maybe we should go check on the ice...
Sure.
All right, that's it, fellows.
Great.
Okay, spin it a little left...
And spin it a little right now.
Whoa... and that is perfect, boys.
Good job.
Hey, good morning.
Good morning.
What do you think?
It's beautiful, Frank.
It wouldn't be Christmas around here without you.
Why, thank you.
Just remember to save me
some of that sweet potato pie you're making
for the party.
That can be arranged.
Great.
So how's Callie doing?
I was going to ask you the same thing.
Well, she's willing to start at the bottom.
I like that.
But she won't get any special treatment either.
She's not expecting any.
You know she, um...
signed up for the ice sculpting contest?
Yeah, I heard something about that.
Really?
You think she's ready?
[chuckles]
[clears throat]
Gloria...
you're not trying to get the inside scoop
on the competition, are you?
Me? Never!
Well, I will say this...
I think she's going to give you
a run for your money.
Really?
Care to make it more interesting?
All right.
If Callie wins,
you make me dinner with all the fixings.
Huh. And if I win?
You make me dinner with all the fixings.
No, I will make you dinner.
Oh, you are so on.
Better start planning your menu, chef.
[they laugh]
Hey! Hi.
David!
What are you doing here?
Oh, just brought you a little something.
What is it?
Just go ahead. Open it.
Wow!
Where did you find this?
I special ordered it.
Overnight.
From Japan.
Is it the wrong one?
No, it's perfect!
It's just... you shouldn't have.
This must have cost a fortune.
No, don't worry about it.
Listen, I mean, I felt really bad.
And also, I figured you could use it
during the competition anyways, so...
Thank you, David.
And to think, most men bring flowers.
Oh, hi. We were just...
This is a-- It's a Japanese grip hand saw.
It's for ice sculpting.
Yes. I know.
Well, listen, I hope you've been practicing,
because we sure have.
[Gloria]: Good.
But at the moment, one of you should be working.
Yes. Absolutely. Sorry.
And we're going to win too.
David!
Bold talk for a beginner.
A beginner with an excellent teacher.
Please stop talking.
Well, then I will expect excellence.
Don't worry about it. Listen,
you've got a serious contender right here.
You're still talking...
I look forward to seeing what you can do...
Both of you.
[cheers under breath]
[growls]
[David]: Callie!
I don't get it. What did I do?
You don't poke the bear, David.
All I said was, I think you're an excellent teacher.
You shouldn't have said anything.
Callie, come on.
Look, I know this whole contest,
it's just fun and games to you,
but I'm actually trying to start a career here.
Look, I just want to help.
Well, I would appreciate it if you would stop helping.
["O Christmas Tree" playing]
How's David doing with the ice sculpting lessons?
I don't know if it was such a good idea, Dad.
Why? What do you mean?
He just has no idea
what's at stake for me here.
But how could he?
We come from such different worlds.
Callie, just because he comes from a wealthy family
doesn't make him a bad guy.
It's not just about the money.
It's the way everything is so easy for him.
It's in his DNA.
And even if he does mess up, he thinks all he has to do
is smile and be charming, and everything will be fine.
I think he's also trying to help.
That's not the point.
I'm finally working in a real kitchen
with a respected chef.
I'm not going to let him mess that up for me.
How's the patient?
Hi.
What are you doing here?
I thought maybe we could talk.
I totally understand
if you want to find a new partner.
I mean, I probably shouldn't have dragged you into this
in the first place.
But I truly believe that you're good enough to win.
You do?
And I promise, from here on out...
eyes open, mouth shut...
if you'll have me.
David, I... I don't know.
I mean, you and I
are so totally different.
But we both want to win.
And that's something.
Don't smile. This is serious.
No smiling, I promise.
And don't be charming either.
If we're going to do this,
we have a lot of work to do.
Are we doing this?
Oh, we are going to be so great together!
But we're not great yet.
Well, then, make us great.
Okay.
All right.
Let's do it.
You want to get to work?
Yes.
I brought my ice sculpting clothes.
[laughs]
You ready for his nose?
All right, three...
Yep.
Two...
one...
Yes!
No!
Shoot.
Maybe we should try a button nose.
Getting ice to bond is critical.
We have to make this work.
All right, well, that's not a problem.
We just need to practice more, that's all.
Speaking of which,
there's actually a contest in Pinewood Valley this Friday.
I think we should enter.
Friday?
This Friday. Is that a problem?
Uh, no. No problem. Let's do it.
[phone chimes]
Oh...
It's Jen.
She wants me to come in to work ASAP.
What is this, some sort of initiation?
I thought today was your day off.
It is, but I'm still in the "make a good impression" phase,
which Jen totally knows,
so I have to stay available.
Hey, you know what?
Why don't I clean up...
and you get going.
Thank you!
My Dad's still inside,
so I'll let him know
you're out here.
All right, sounds good.
Hey, Princeton!
Yo?
Nice job today.
Hi, Mr. Shaw.
David.
Listen, Callie got called into work.
I was just tidying up the garage.
Yeah, she told me.
Just put those mugs in the sink, thanks.
Yeah.
Whatcha got there?
Uh...
Oh, yeah...
Anna's Angels.
Callie told me about that.
I think it's such a great idea.
Yeah, well, we may never know.
Oh, really?
Yeah.
Yeah, I was right. This is a great idea.
And you've really thought this through.
Well, unfortunately,
good intentions aren't always enough.
Well, you're going to need some capital
to get this on its feet.
But I don't have the kind of money
that can get anything like this up and running.
Mr. Shaw, do you mind if I take this home,
give it a closer look?
I might have a couple of ideas.
Thank you, David. That's very kind of you.
On one condition.
Hmm?
Call me Frank.
It's a deal, Mr. Shaw.
[chuckles] Get out of here.
Hey, Callie.
Just thought you'd like to know,
the ladies loved your ice carving demonstration.
Good work.
Wow.
She's the last person I ever thought
would pay me a compliment.
You'll be fine...
as long as you stay out of her way.
You know what? Having you in the contest
is probably great as far as she's concerned.
Why?
Well, 'cause it's such a colossal mistake,
and you'll never pass her up.
Not like Doug did.
Wait, the sous-chef who left?
Jen has been on the line for years,
and thought she was a lock for the job.
But Gloria picked Doug instead.
Two months later... [whooshing sound]
Doug bails.
Just saying.
Just saying what?
[gasps]
Jen found a way to squeeze Doug out?
Don't let the smile fool you.
She is a barracuda.
Wow.
It's a good thing you're just a dishwasher.
[chuckles]
[drone of city traffic]
Silly me.
Why would I think you'd be in your office?
Yeah, no, I'm just, um...
doing a little research.
Considering a second career?
I was just trying to help a friend.
Uh-huh.
A pretty friend?
All right, what's up?
The Bradford proposal?
Remember that little thing? We have a deadline.
Of course I remember.
And I read your analysis. I thought it was great work.
Thank you. Where's yours?
I... am... still tweaking it.
In my head.
David.
Brooke, look, I made a promise.
This is important.
I can't let her down.
What about your dad?
This deal is pretty important to him.
I know.
All right.
But after tomorrow...
Thank you.
I hope you know what you're doing.
I always know what I'm doing.
[humming to self]
Where's Zack?
Oh, he had an early audition,
so I just told him I could handle it.
So, Callie, how are you settling into the new job?
Good. Everyone's been so nice.
But how do you really feel?
I mean, working as a dishwasher instead of a chef?
Just happy for the opportunity.
Yeah, but it must be hard on the ego,
coming in to work every day,
knowing what you have to look forward to?
Especially since you worked so hard in culinary school.
I thought a dishwasher
was the most important job in the kitchen.
[they both laugh]
Everybody knows that's not true.
Top Chef.
It's where it's at.
It's where I'll be very soon.
You missed a spot.
[♪♪♪]
We can do this!
I mean, not that we care about winning.
Of course not.
-We're just here for practice. -Exactly!
-But we could totally win. -We totally could!
Were we supposed to wear magic hats?
No, I think that's just for show.
[tools whir]
Are those just for show?
Remember, it's not the tools, it's the carver.
Mm, okay.
Okay, well, there's no way we're doing that.
We are definitely not doing that.
Wow...
It's a gingerbread house.
Is that furniture inside?
You bet.
It's to scale, too.
[chuckles]
Brooke?
Good morning, Mr. Manning.
Where's David?
I, uh...
I'm not sure.
He's not answering his phone.
You haven't heard from him?
-Not this morning, no, but... -He should be here.
We need to go over this Bradford proposal.
Don't worry, we are in great shape.
We'll have everything ready by the end of the week.
Then why isn't my son here to tell me that?
You hear from David, have him call me.
Immediately.
[MC]: Ladies and gentlemen,
welcome to the Pinewood Valley Ice Festival!
[cheering]
And we need the saw...
We can do this. Here we go.
[MC]: We are ready to start this year's competition.
Carvers, on your marks...
You ready for this?
Get set...
All right, come on.
[MC]: Go!
Okay, here we go.
Do you want me to...?
You're doing great.
-Yeah? -Uh-huh.
[MC]: That's the three-hour mark.
Three hours to go.
[uneasy grunt]
Okay, I'll just hold it. Yep.
What can I do?
You're doing great.
Is there anything that I can do?
Actually, yes. I have an idea.
[MC]: We are at the final hour.
Start those finishing touches.
[Callie]: Hey!
Oh, thank you!
Very good. Here we go...
No, no, no, I got it.
I got this.
Callie, this is supposed to be a team effort.
It is! You're doing great.
But I'm not doing anything.
And if you haven't noticed, we're falling way behind.
[MC]: Wow, that gingerbread house
is looking pretty tasty.
Okay, um...
Here.
We need a candy cane.
That I can do.
Hmm...
A candy cane, as requested.
Nice!
Well done.
[David]: Here we go. Get it nice and smooth.
Good job, Callie Shaw. Here we go...
Right...
You ready?
Moment of truth.
One...
Two...
Three...
Ah! No!
You know, sugar's bad for you anyway.
Carvers, time is winding down.
Take this.
This is your plan?
You're going to melt the other sculptures?
Just follow me.
Like this.
Got it?
Yep.
Wow...
This'll shine it up nice for the judges.
[laughs] Yeah!
[MC]: Come on, folks! Let's count 'em down!
Ten, nine, eight, seven,
six, five,
four, three, two, one...
[horn blows]
All right, time is up. Tools down.
[applause]
Judges, make your rounds.
[laughs]
-Whoa! -Whoa...
[David]: Really? "Participant"?
You get a trophy for that?
[laughs]
If it was a Venus de Milo contest,
we might have had a shot.
[giggles]
You know what? You were right.
This was supposed to be a team effort,
and I got so caught up in competing,
I forgot.
I'm really sorry. I should have trusted you.
You should have trusted yourself.
After all, you taught me everything I know.
It won't happen again.
Listen, I'll tell you what.
I'll forgive you under one condition.
Let me take you to dinner.
I've got a better idea, Princeton.
[they laugh]
Now, that is how you take the sting out of losing.
Cooking's my therapy.
Whenever I'm upset about something,
I head straight to the kitchen.
This is a great meal.
You are... an amazing cook.
Or do I say chef?
At this point, I will take either.
I'm serious, Callie.
I've eaten
at some of the best restaurants in the world.
They don't hold a candle
to what you just whipped up.
Thank you. That is very sweet.
I forgot one thing.
You know, which raises a...
I don't know, a slightly awkward question.
Why a dishwasher?
Here, try this.
What's this?
It's mint sauce.
Ooh. Oh, my.
Well, sometimes it takes more than just talent.
You need contacts and opportunity,
and those have been in short supply lately.
But now I have exactly what I was looking for.
I'm working in the same kitchen
with a renowned chef.
And is Gloria really all that?
Did you see her when she was the guest chef
on Top Chop?
Mm...
No, I must have missed that one.
The way she can put a meal together
with so few ingredients...
she's a genius.
What about you?
Did you always want to get into finance?
You know, believe it or not,
my dream growing up
was not to work for my father
in a leverage buyout firm.
Really?
No.
What was it?
I wanted to be a superhero.
And then a pilot...
And then shortstop for the Mariners.
And when none of that panned out,
I got serious about my future
and decided to study economics.
And then you dreamed of working with your dad?
Not exactly.
Uh...
I dreamed...
about doing something...
worthwhile.
Investing isn't worthwhile?
Well, it certainly... it certainly can be...
if it's the right investment.
Have you found a lot of those?
Not many.
But I'm always looking.
[Callie]: Are you sure about this?
[David]: Positive.
[laughs]
And have you ever cooked before?
Does microwaving count?
No.
Then no.
But I think I've proven I'm a quick study.
You have indeed, Princeton.
Okay, so we are going to make classic cookies.
They're called Christmas thumbprints.
Are these the ones with the strawberry jam?
Yes.
I love those cookies.
So we roll the dough into little balls...
Yeah.
-And then we flatten... -Mm-hmm.
You add your manly thumb in the middle,
strawberry jam, bake...
Simple.
Perfect.
Okay, that's a little too manly.
Here...
like this.
Just... just a little.
There you go.
Then we flatten.
Thumbprint.
Jam.
Oop, wait, no!
Uh, just a dollop.
Here. Like this.
Perfect.
Frank?
Hey.
I thought all the kitchen staff went home already.
No. Big day tomorrow.
What are you doing?
Just a few finishing touches.
You know,
I don't even put up a tree at home anymore.
Every year, I tell myself I'm going to,
but then I never seem to have the time.
Well, you should make the time, Gloria.
Christmas decorations are pretty,
and besides,
they're good for the heart... and the soul.
Maybe that's why I like the way you decorate so much.
Well...
I'm happy to hear that.
Good night, Frank.
Good night, Gloria.
Really looking forward to your cooking.
[drone of city traffic]
Hi. Christmas cookie?
Oh, yes, please.
I made these myself.
Thank you.
Hi! Christmas thumbprint?
Oh...
That's strawberry jam. Just a dollop.
Thank you.
You wanted to see me, Dad?
Christmas cookies?
'Tis the season.
You want one?
Does this surge of holiday spirit
have anything to do with your recent hobby,
that... ice sculpting?
Look, I know I've been a little preoccupied lately,
but it's...
"Preoccupied."
Is that what you call it
when you don't even bother coming to work?
Come on, Dad. I missed one day.
You can't afford to miss one hour, David...
one minute.
Not with this Bradford deal on the table.
Brooke and I are taking care of it.
I'm not concerned about Brooke.
You've always made me proud, son.
And I know
you won't disappoint me this time.
Y...
[Brooke]: I just got the asset report back
from-- Oh.
I can come back.
I think we're good here.
David?
Yeah, we're good.
I'll leave you to it, then.
Are you okay?
You love this job.
Are you kidding?
I eat this stuff for breakfast.
But, then, I'm a big ol' numbers geek.
I thought you loved it too.
I love my dad.
It's not the same thing.
I know.
Hey!
It's beautiful, Dad.
This was always my favorite time,
just before the party started.
I used to sneak your mom in here.
We'd dance, just the two of us.
It was so nice.
You never told me that.
I was breaking the "Members Only" rule.
Not the kind of thing you share
with your little girl.
Guess not.
Nah.
[they giggle]
Your mom would be so proud of you, Callie.
You're a fighter, just like she was.
She never gave up.
I have faith in you.
You're going to be great.
Thanks, Dad.
Now...
we both should get going.
Yes.
We have jobs to do.
I will see you later.
Love you.
Love you, honey.
[festive music playing]
[♪♪♪]
Here you go, Callie.
Hey! Thanks, Kate!
Hang on.
Party face, Emma. Go, go.
Zack?
The prep station's falling behind.
Keith called in sick again at the last minute.
Does that guy ever work here?
Didn't Jen call anybody else?
Got me.
What are you doing?
I'll be right back.
You guys look like you could use some help.
[prep cook]: Definitely.
Yeah.
Mm-hmm.
[prep cook]: Thanks.
Why don't you just go say hi?
No, no, she's, uh, she's working.
Well, clearly you're not going to be happy until you do.
I haven't seen you this smitten
since college.
"Smitten?"
It's a perfectly good word.
Sure, if you're 90.
Or British.
Besides, I am dying to meet the mysterious Callie Shaw.
Jen?
Why is Callie working at the prep station?
[scoffs]
Don't worry, I'll handle this.
Wait.
It looks like we're short-handed.
Yeah, uh... Keith called in sick.
I've been trying to find somebody
to fill in his place.
So you're saying Callie picked up the slack on her own?
And completely disregarded the rules of your kitchen.
She did, didn't she?
Mm-hmm.
I believe there's an extra set of chef's whites
in the back.
What?
Well, if she's going to do the job,
she should dress the part...
at least for tonight.
Have her change.
Look, listen, I see a friend of mine.
I'm going to go say hi.
Yeah, sure.
Hey, Frank!
David! Merry Christmas.
Beautiful. I love it.
Thank you so much.
That's enough of that.
I need somebody on the floor
to refresh the appetizer table.
Wait, what? But these aren't even finished.
Figure it out.
Go!
Go, go, go, go, go!
[♪♪♪]
Callie?
Hi.
You know, I'm happy
that you're not stuck in the kitchen,
washing dishes.
Yeah, no, um, we're a little short-handed,
and the appetizer table needed attention, so...
Ta-dah!
[they chuckle]
Hey.
Oh, that's right, you guys don't know each other.
I'm sorry. This is Brooke.
And you must be Callie. Hi!
Nice to meet you.
You too.
Yeah, David is so excited about the ice sculpting,
it's practically
all he talks about.
Really?
Of course, working with you
might have something to do with it.
Okay, I'm standing right here.
-You're just embarrassing me. -Sorry...
Well, I see you two have made time for the party.
I hope this means the proposal's going well?
It's going great.
We're almost done.
-Yeah. Almost done. -Good.
Excuse me, could you run and see
if there are any more of those little quiches in the back?
I will check on that, sir.
Dad, this is... this is Callie Shaw.
She's my partner in the ice sculpting contest.
Of course.
The source of my son's distraction.
[laughs] That's very funny.
[Brooke laughs]
I had assumed you were a member.
No, I work in the kitchen.
Well, Callie,
how much longer before the Ice Capades are over
and I can get my son's full attention back?
The contest is on Saturday.
Please tell me that's the last one.
Dad. You know...
What?
You have a real job, David.
[Callie]: Don't worry, Mr. Manning.
You'll have your son back after Saturday.
Now, excuse me.
I had a real job too.
Did I say something wrong?
Callie!
Callie...
Please...
Look, I am so sorry.
That...
that was about me, all right, not you.
It's okay.
He's just not used to talking
to the help.
He's not a bad guy, it's just...
he sees the world a certain way.
He expects me to see it the same way too,
and I don't.
I don't.
I've got to get back to work.
Yeah...
Hey, listen, but...
you and me, we're still okay?
Yeah.
-For the contest? -We're okay.
We're okay.
[giggles]
Callie?
I'm assuming we're still on the clock?
Yes! Jen! On the clock.
Ready for whatever you got.
Well, the salad prep could use some help.
Salad prep!
Fantastic! I'm on it!
[chuckles, clears throat]
I was looking for those little quiches.
Is that your department?
Good night!
Don't tell me...
Jen didn't call anyone in to help you.
She said she tried.
Don't you have that callback first thing in the morning?
Yeah.
Unfortunately, it's not for a dish-washing commercial.
Go.
Get your beauty sleep.
What are you talking about?
They had you running all day.
Consider it an early Christmas present.
Thank you, Callie.
I owe you.
Merry Christmas!
Where's Zack?
Oh, he's got a thing in the morning.
Needs to be sharp.
You already worked a full shift on the line.
This won't take too long.
Well...
thanks for pitching in.
You bet.
Good night.
Don't think you're the only one
who started out washing dishes.
You?
Move over.
Many hands make light the work.
I love that!
There you go.
Oh! [laughs]
I guess I'm out of practice.
[Callie]: I used to help my mom in the kitchen
when I was a little girl.
She taught me things
you can't learn in cookbooks.
My grandmother was like that.
Her recipes were in a squiggly shorthand,
and I was the only one who knew the code.
I thought going to culinary school
would be a way
to honor everything my mother taught me.
But little did I know,
the hardest part would be after graduation.
My dad offered to use some of his connections,
but I didn't want to be accused of nepotism.
And then you came to the club,
and I couldn't say no.
And here you are.
"Most important job in the kitchen."
I love the look on the other chefs' faces
when I say that.
Takes 'em down a peg or two.
Did you know
that I flunked out of culinary school?
Twice?
Really?
Mm-hmm. I was so stubborn.
Determined to do things my own way,
no matter what my teachers said.
How could you go back again?
I realized it wasn't about cooking or school.
It was about me.
Then I remembered something my grandmother used to say.
"Things come to us not when we want them,
but when we're ready".
I watched you tonight, Callie.
I liked what I saw.
Thank you.
Are you two still here?
I thought I was the only one working late.
No, I'm just leaving, so...
Hang on.
Jen, we're going to be short-staffed on the line again
tomorrow.
I want you to bring in another dishwasher to help Zack
so I can bump Callie up to work with Antonio.
But...
she's only been here two weeks.
Plenty of time for me to see that she's ready.
Thank you.
Yay, Callie!
[strained laughing]
But don't think this means
that I'll go easy on you Saturday.
I do intend to win.
You can try.
[laughter]
Good!
-Good night, ladies. -Good night.
Good night, chef.
Well, well, well...
aren't you special?
Don't forget...
the specials change daily.
Oh, this is looking so great!
All right.
Fingers crossed.
I will cross the fingers.
You hold the ice.
All right... Here we go.
So, um...
Gloria let me fill in on the line
for Keith today.
That's great! That's great.
Mm-hmm, yeah.
I'm still not running with the big dogs,
but at least I'm running.
Well, hey, listen, let's celebrate.
I'll take you to dinner tonight.
We'll go somewhere super pretentious,
where we can complain about the cooking.
Okay.
All right, it's a date.
I just have to wait
to get word back on the Bradford project
so I know what time I can pick you up.
Great.
[phone chimes]
-Okay, here we go. -Yep.
-Three... -Yep.
-Two... -One...
Here goes nothing. All right.
-Yes! -Yay!
That's wonderful!
[text chimes]
[Callie sighs]
Bradford wants his legacy to live on
with a thriving business, increased productivity,
and job creation.
Mm-hmm.
This proposal gives him that security
and his heirs a piece of the upside.
My plan shows the cash flow necessary to pay down...
and your eyes just glazed over.
Yo!
Yo. Sorry.
Get your head in the game.
Yeah. Go on.
What's this?
"Anna's Angels?"
Yeah, it's just, it's a proposal
for a charitable food foundation.
Proposed by whom?
Callie's dad.
I'm just helping him sort through
some co-financing options.
You know, I know so many people
who'd love to invest in something like this,
something local that helps our community,
not just writing a check
that goes somewhere distant and intangible.
This...
This is the true spirit of Christmas.
Look at your eyes light up.
I haven't seen that since college...
you know, when you did that community service project.
Where did that guy go?
I don't think he went very far.
But he may have got a little lost along the way,
trying to be someone else, for someone else.
I'm going to finish this report.
Brooke, I... you know what...
Ah! Listen.
I am Type-A,
and you're Type...
Apathetic at the moment.
Now, I put together
a detailed, convincing LBO report for Bradford,
and I'm gonna put both of our names on it.
-I can't let you do that. -Yes.
You've helped me out more times than I can count.
I owe you one.
But promise me one thing.
What?
Figure out what you want to do.
Then go for it, and don't look back.
It looks great, David. I'm impressed.
My only concern is the steering committee.
Well, it would be made up of a diverse group of people
who are as invested in the charity as you are.
But committees have a way of becoming political.
What you don't want to do
is use all of your own funds or rely on a single donor,
'cause that can leave you vulnerable.
Having a committee...
having multiple investment sources
gives you long-term security.
I've thought about this for so long.
It's hard to believe you could really make it happen.
It's not me, Frank.
This is happening
because you had a dream.
Well, it was Anna's dream.
She'd be so happy,
especially for it to happen at Christmas.
Sounds like perfect timing.
I'd want a manager to oversee the committee.
Someone that I could trust.
Yeah, that makes sense.
Do you have someone in mind?
[Callie hums]
Why are you working today?
Jen called me in.
Jen?
I told you not to schedule Callie today.
The contest is tomorrow,
and I want her to be at her best.
I'm sorry, I must have forgot.
She can finish what she's doing,
then send her home.
Of course.
I see you're using the Brunoise dice.
I like the aesthetic.
It's too small.
Switch to Julienne instead.
It shouldn't take you too long.
[exhales]
I hate surprises.
Is that his good smile,
or his "clean out your office" smile?
Look at you two...
like you've been kept after school.
Well, you didn't really give us much to go on here, Dad.
Well, that's because
I wanted to talk to you in person.
I just spoke with Carson Bradford
and read the proposal...
Congratulations.
[laughs] Yes!
Whoo!
Well, congratulate Brooke. She deserves all the credit.
David, no...
No. I know.
You do?
Contrary to what you might think, David,
I have been paying attention to what's going on around me.
Could you, uh, could you give us a second, Brooke?
Sure.
I know how much you've been distracted.
And I don't think it's only about this contest,
or Callie.
I know how much it means to you
for us to work side by side...
to build this company together.
I know you've always planned on me taking over
when you were ready to step down.
I love you, Dad.
But that's not what I want.
You're my son, David.
And what I want,
more than anything in this world,
is for you to be happy.
Business is important...
but family comes first.
Thank you.
Almost done!
Mm-hmm.
Just in time for the big day!
Right.
Is your father coming tomorrow?
He is, yes.
What about David's girlfriend?
What?
Brooke.
You know, the pretty brunette he's always with?
David and Brooke are just friends.
Well, the way I heard it,
that's just what they tell people
because they work together...
corporate policy.
Office romance wouldn't really be appropriate,
now, would it?
Yeah, I guess not.
They're in the lounge right now,
celebrating something.
They just seem so perfect together, you know?
Probably because they both are...
So perfect.
Oh...
Oh, Callie...
[laughs]
Callie, he's David Manning.
You didn't think he'd fall for a dishwasher...
did you?
Oh...
To Brooke...
who is now our newest VP!
[laughs]
Thank you!
-Cheers. -Cheers.
Great job.
Great... Whoa! Whoa-ho-ho!
Oh! You deserve it.
Thank you.
[Ellis]: Good work, Brooke.
[Brooke giggles]
Thank you!
Callie?
I thought you had plans tonight.
Making cookies?
[slam]
Is this about David?
It's about me being so naive
that I could actually believe
that the handsome prince would fall for Cinderella.
That's a fairy tale, Dad.
I'm too old for fairy tales.
[doorbell rings]
It's, uh, David.
Uh-uh.
David?
Frank.
Is, uh... is Callie home?
She's, um... she's cooking.
"Cooking" cooking,
or therapy cooking?
I'd definitely interpret this
as therapy cooking.
[sighs]
I don't understand what's happening.
Everything was going great.
And then she texted me to tell me dinner was off,
and then she hasn't answered
my phone calls or text messages.
Maybe if I could just talk to her a little?
[Frank]: My advice would be to steer clear
for the time being.
She'll talk when she's ready.
Frank, you know the contest...
is tomorrow.
I mean, even if she doesn't go, I'm still going.
Good. You should.
Good night, David.
Okay.
Good night.
Honey, whatever happened...
maybe you should hear him out,
get his side of the story.
He'll just charm me.
'Cause that's what he does.
He charms me and makes me forget how things really are.
And how's that?
How many years have you worked at the club?
And you have always called Ellis Manning "Mr. Manning!"
That's just the way it is.
David's not his father, honey.
No offense, Dad, but you really don't know him.
You don't.
Come on.
I want to show you something.
Come on.
Dad, what are we doing here?
David found it.
He figured it would be the perfect spot.
Perfect for what?
Anna's Angels.
Dad?
See, that was the problem all along.
I needed somebody with a head for business,
but also with a heart
that would understand how much this meant to us.
And David was happy to help.
It's finally happening.
Yeah.
Thanks to him.
Why didn't you tell me?
He asked me not to.
I guess he didn't want you to think
that he was just doing it to "charm" you.
Well, I'm definitely impressed.
And he also agreed
to be the manager of the steering committee.
I just wish she was here to see it.
Oh, believe me...
she's here.
Come here.
Dad...
[festive music playing]
Take that to station five, please.
Hold on.
One of these needs to stay on the truck.
You sure?
I thought they've got to be out of the freezer,
you know, like, to temper.
Not this one.
Where's your ice?
Where's Callie?
Okay, you get the ice. I'll find Callie.
Okay, good.
Well, here it is.
Hey.
Don't worry, honey. You're going to do great.
Thanks, Dad. Thanks.
There you go.
Good luck, honey.
Hey! There you are.
We were afraid you changed your mind.
Can I ask you something?
Just for the record.
Are...
Is there a "thing" between you and David?
A "thing?"
I've known David forever.
He is one of my closest friends.
But if you could see the way he looks
when he talks about you, Callie...
you wouldn't have to ask.
Come on.
Thank you.
My pleasure. Good luck.
Thanks.
Callie?
Hey.
Hey...
I'm so sorry about last night.
What happened?
I forgot who I could trust.
And it won't happen again.
That is one impressive piece of ice.
Dad?
What are you doing here?
Thought I'd see what the fuss was all about...
and support my son.
Thank you.
So, Callie...
what's the plan?
Santa Claus.
And that becomes that?
[Callie]: Mm-hmm.
Wow.
You'd be amazed at what my little girl can do.
Hi, Dad.
Sweetheart.
Frank, can you believe what our kids have been up to?
Yes, indeed, I can, Mr. Manning.
Please. It's Ellis.
Ellis.
[Ellis]: So I understand
you and David will be working together.
That's right.
You know, I may be in a position
to contribute to such a worthy cause.
[Frank]: Really?
Why don't we discuss this proposal
over some hot cider,
let these two get focused.
I like your style.
[MC]: Ladies and gentlemen,
the 25th Annual Ice Sculpting Competition
is about to begin!
Mmmwah!
[they laugh]
Are the sculptors ready?
On your marks! Get set!
Go!
Beautiful.
[giggles]
[squeals and giggles]
[crack!]
[gasps]
Oh, no...
It's fine.
It's fine... It's fine.
Ooh...
It's totally fine. It's totally...
[screams]
Ooh...
What happened?
I don't know.
I was carving exactly the way we practiced.
Can't you get another block?
Only one per team.
So...
you're out of it, then?
Callie, I'm so sorry...
No, no. No, no, no, no.
We are not out of it. Not yet.
Callie, look at our ice. Half our block is gone.
But there's nothing in the rules
that says we can't just change the design.
What do you have in mind?
I don't know.
But whatever it is,
we only have three hours to make it.
All right, folks,
we're going to need a little room to work here.
What happened over there?
No idea.
All the blocks came off the same truck.
But did they all come off at the same time?
I assume so.
You weren't supposed to assume,
you were supposed to supervise.
Come on, you know how those truck drivers are.
Half the time, they don't listen,
or they misunderstand you, or...
What did you do, Jen?
You wanted to win?
We're going to win.
Not like this.
You're kidding.
You're smart, Jen. Talented.
It's a shame
you couldn't have trusted yourself more.
[Callie]: Come on, David... think.
I'm thinking, I'm...
[Gloria sighs heavily]
Jen did this.
-What? -What?
She kept your block on the truck.
It wasn't properly tempered.
Ugh...
Jen sabotaged us?
I'm sorry.
But for what it's worth,
she won't bother you anymore.
Callie...
I want you to carve with me in her place.
Really?
I think you'd make a great partner.
Thank you.
But... I already have a partner.
Good luck.
You don't have to do this.
Come on,
you'd stand a much better chance of winning
if you go with her.
I like our chances just fine.
Oh, yeah?
Mm-hmm.
All right, well, in that case,
get a move on, come on, clock's ticking.
Just remember what my mom used to say...
Mm-hmm.
The sculpture is already there.
You just have to look past the parts you don't need.
All right, well, believe me, I'm looking.
David...
Mm?
Do you remember what you said to me
when we first met?
What do you think?
Let's do it.
What do you think it is?
No clue.
Callie's always got a plan.
Got it?
You ready?
One... two... three...
[they laugh and cheer]
[MC]: Let's count it down, folks.
Ten...
nine...
eight... seven... six...
five... four... three... two...
one!
That's it. Time's up!
[applause]
You said, "I hope you find your angel."
And I said, "I will."
Anna's Angel.
Congratulations, Callie.
It takes a true artist to turn a broken block of ice
into a masterpiece.
Thank you.
I knew you had it in you.
You just needed to have faith in yourself.
This is the kind of creativity and ingenuity
I want working beside me...
as my new sous-chef.
Sous-chef?
Really?
Oh!
Wow.
I'll expect you bright and early tomorrow.
You still have a lot to learn.
I will be there!
And I owe you something.
But they haven't announced the winner yet.
Oh, you're the winner.
Me?
Yes.
I'm making you dinner.
-Really? -Mm-hmm.
Whoa...
[they laugh]
[MC]: Ladies and gentlemen,
the judges' votes have been tallied
and we're ready to announce our winner.
Come on, let's go find out if we won.
Hey...
I don't need anyone to tell me.
I already know.
I've won.
We both did.
Come on.