THE CHEF
Sole meunière, table 2!
Blanquette for 11.
Steak tartare.
Entrecôte, château Briand, and fries.
Forget the decorations. The guy has 20 minutes to eat.
- That's not enough. - Faugères for table 8.
- Aren't they having veal? - Yes.
You ordered Faugères? - Yes.
- Can I ask why? - The waiter suggested it.
Damned boozehound.
With a veal blanquette, try a dry white.
- For example, a 2003 Muscadet. - We prefer red.
You prefer red? No problem.
In that case, steak and fries would be a safer bet.
My blanquette!
Can't I have one more chance?
Just a week. - No.
Don't you realize? You attacked 6 people over meat!
- They wanted their lamb medium! - So what?
You almost hit a guy who put mustard on his sole.
What does Bocuse say?
Bocuse can blow it out his ass.
We don't do fine dining.
First Basque chiken at 4, first soufflé at 5.
They say I'm the Mozart of the range.
Mozart of the what?
The kitchen range...
I know all the big chefs' recipes.
I'm a culinary whiz.
Hello, gentlemen.
- You're new here. - Yes.
- Steak and fries. - Meat stew and fries.
I'll have the herring and some fries.
Let's get serious. Men, please.
Today I suggest a butternut squash mousse
with chestnut dominoes and tomato ravioli on oak leaf lettuce.
Come with fries?
It comes with beets à la paprika,
watercress soup with carrot foam
and a dash of Azincourt vinegar.
Who's this faggot?
Beat it, you and your paprika crap!
So Jacky? Finally buying your chef's outfit?
Soon. Soon, you'll see.
Sprinkle the beef with breadcrumbs
and melted butter.
Cloves. Orange rinds.
How did work go?
No, Jacky! Fired 4 times in 4 weeks!
Soon there will be three of us!
They don't understand me, at all.
- See our overdraft? - Yeah, I know.
- What is it? - I'm fine...
You okay, baby?
Are you sure?
You have to stop working.
And I'll find a way to get a job.
- Any job. So you can relax. - Any job?
First one I find.
And I won't get fired.
Hello, chef...
It's nice to leave the ovens.
- Is all well? - Delicious.
- How was the sole? - Perfect.
Do you like my onions confit?
- Fit to be devoured. - Allow me.
The perfect mouthful.
I'll remember that.
How do I eat?
You stab it with a fork...
Chef!
- Excuse me. - Of course.
You're legally bound to show Mr. Matter the menu.
I have no time.
He'll explain about the other restaurants.
Later, Marion.
It's no good.
I feel no emotion.
- Give me the vanilla. - Yes, chef.
Taste it.
Very good, chef.
- Fantastic, chef. - Nonsense.
Not for the Spring menu.
I'm getting nowhere.
Mr. Matter sent over a menu.
He wants you to use it.
He's starting to piss me off. Follow me.
- Stop moping. - I'm not.
You said you'd do anything.
I said it and I'm doing it.
- It's just for 6 months. - It'll whiz by.
Have a good day.
- I think I'll like it here. - Go on.
All the windows need to be repainted.
524 all together.
Next...
the doors... 188.
Great.
- What are they eating? - No idea. Who cares?
Your overalls.
- Your equipment... Nice and fast. - Ok, thanks.
Hello, ma'am.
Jerusalem artichokes.
Consommé.
Squash gazpacho.
This is a menu from the last century, Alexandre.
We need ingredients to lower the prices
of our frozen food and microwave meals.
How am I concerned?
You can help us get government approval.
If Cargo Lagarde uses these ingredients,
we'll get it.
I am to put that crap in my food for your stockholders?
My chemists say it's risk-free.
Many big chefs work with the industry.
- Think it over. - I already have.
You see? You're out of place here.
This is Cyril.
Two stars in London and Paris.
Come eat at my restaurant.
Phosphorescent radish mousse, effervescent sirloin,
and free-range chicken ice-cubes.
Amazing!
I'm giving Cargo Lagarde to Cyril.
You'll take the Mimosa Farmhouse, in Orléans.
Look how pretty it is.
A perfect setting for your hearty traditional cuisine.
Cargo Lagarde bears my name.
Your name is ours. We bought it.
You cost too much. You're not profitable.
I can't be fired, Stanislas. Reread my contract.
This meeting is over.
What?
It's how it is. It's the times. No choice.
Someone knocked.
How are you doing the cod?
- What does he want? - The cod!
- How are you doing it? - We can't hear! What?
You're boiling it.
Use a double-boiler instead, 10 minutes tops.
It loses its flavor otherwise.
It becomes...
Open the window.
- How are you cooking it? - Boiled in salted water.
Don't! It will be bland!
- What are you doing? - Hold this.
We can do better.
So...
I'm thinking, a concassé of sea prince...
with lemon mousse.
They hate change here. They get nasty.
They don't even know what they eat.
Yesterday they mistook fish for chicken.
If you listen to me,
we'll reach the peak of culinary creation.
That's not what we're after.
What did you put in our plates?
Concassé of sea prince with a lemon mousse
on an asparagus raft with rainbow polka-dot sauce.
I don't like codfish.
- Taste it first. - But I don't like it!
At our age we know if we like something or not!
- Only mashed potatoes! - No yellow stuff for me.
The coffee is never hot enough!
Get lost!
Don't worry, Paint Boy. It's normal.
I once put cheese in an omelet and I got bit!
It's my fault. I see too big.
People don't care about quality.
Sorry, guys.
You know what?
Next time,
give them mashed aspirin with Valium juice.
They'll love it.
I'll take the sage.
Live in 5 minutes. Just one leek.
My mother adores you. Can I have an autograph?
Live in 2 minutes.
I meant to say... I'm leaving Cargo Lagarde.
What?
To run Miroir de Paris in New York.
I haven't decided yet.
Stanislas Matter already signed me on.
- I hope you'll forgive me. - You can't do this!
I taught you what a paupiette was!
Live in 1 minute.
I couldn't refuse Miroir de Paris.
But not now!
Everyone is lying in wait for my fucking Spring menu.
You remain in my heart and head.
Screw your heart and your head!
Hear me?
Sorry but... I'm leaving too.
Ten seconds.
He named me to Coq de France in Dubai.
- I'm sorry. - Are you all in on this?
Welcome to my show,
"Alexandre's Market".
Here I am, along with...
my faithful assistants, Sergio
and Akio.
- Did it start? - Just now.
Today,
I'll teach you one of my favorite starters.
In the cold of winter, when you're home...
Crazy how I'm hooked to this show.
Same here.
To warm your heart, I suggest
a leek soup
with acacia honey.
- You can cook leeks with honey? - Sure!
- You knew? - Who doesn't?
Quiet!
Cut the leek into cubes.
Just the white part.
Yes, Akio. Like I taught you all these years by my side.
He's acting weird.
Before the onions brown, add the leeks.
He never used onions.
It means...
he has worries.
Something with work or a woman.
- Know him? - By heart.
I used to steal his books and offer them to myself.
Having fun? How long can one window take?
- I forgot my brush. - There's another wing.
Okay. I'll just be a sec.
- See you later. - See you.
I was just... touching up.
You can't get away for two weeks?
I need a second-in-command.
Dad, I got the date for my thesis!
You know anyone who may be available?
I already tried him.
So no one...
Honey, you're home!
I just spoke to you in there.
I know you spoke to me in there!
What did I say?
It was about something...
- Are you coming? - Of course I am... Where?
My thesis defense.
What's it about?
Russian fantastic literature and the 19th century novel.
We have more and more Russians at the restaurant.
Great.
You going?
I'm working. It wasn't planned. Are you upset?
I figured. Canceling is your thing. No big deal.
Come on, not another hamburger.
It's Miss Lagarde.
I'd like a double cheese and a Coke.
Thanks. Goodbye.
Have a good night, Dad!
Jacky, we want food!
We want the same thing as yesterday!
We want Jacky's food!
- I have trouble with your son. - How so?
He wants me to use gelling agents, chemical shit.
I see. Taste this.
I'm in deep shit, Paul.
I have no inspiration.
Same thing every year. You think you'll lose a star.
Just taste.
What is it?
Incredible.
That's the word.
My red mullet and pumpkin recipe from 1996!
Exactly.
It's wild. It's all there.
The balance of vegetables,
the harmony of spices. Everything!
Who made this?
See that painter there?
The painter?
Excuse me, can we talk a bit?
Is it you who made my recipe for mullet and pumpkin from '96?
No, '97.
In '96 it was St.Pierre and potato mousseline.
- Are you sure? - You bet!
For me, that recipe was like Michelangelo's David.
Interesting analogy.
I need a second-in-command.
Would you work on a trial basis at Cargo Lagarde?
But I'll get a contract?
- A trial. Then we'll see. - How long?
Whatever the law says. One month, two...
I'm sorry. I can't.
I have a 6-month contract here. My wife is pregnant.
- She'll understand. - No, she won't.
You can't say no to Cargo Lagarde!
Are you a total idiot?
No, sir. I love my wife. That's all.
You're all starting to piss me off. Big time!
Mr. Lagarde, wait!
I accept your offer.
Fine... Tomorrow at 8 at the Cargo.
You're right. I'll tell my wife the truth.
Of course...
she'll understand that I left...
a paid job for an unpaid internship.
- What's that? - They're flowers.
- Why are you here? - To pick you up.
I like knowing you can count on me now.
- You got fired? - Not at all.
Something serious.
Do you want them or not?
Of course I do. You carry them. I'm a little pregnant.
Guess what happened.
I knew there was something.
Yeah, there was something.
Guess who congratulated me.
Who?
Alexandre...
The manager of the old-age facility.
He says I paint fast. He wants me to do the whole place.
Zeroing in on the kitchen?
You're crazy. The kitchen is miles away!
Stop it!
Alexandre! Stop this!
Mr. Matter sent us!
Next time I'll throw you in the meat locker!
- Morning, chef. - You're late.
- It's 8:02. - That's what I said. You're late!
Janine!
Embroider his initials.
- Of course. - It's Jacky Bonnot.
Hold on.
Only normal.
"I wanted to say, chef,
I am aware of the chance you're giving me."
"Indeed, as a mere child,
your recipes were like beads in a necklace..."
See you in the kitchen.
Okay. I'll be right there.
That's Marcel Bouchard...
- Here. - Thanks.
This apron and I have a long life ahead.
Start by not getting fired today.
Everyone, your attention please.
Taste this and tell me what's in it.
- Blindfolded? - This isn't a music hall.
So...
Roasted turbot.
With a spinach coulis.
The sauce is... tomato and olive.
Daikon radish, salted butter.
I'd have added a pinch more salt.
Very good.
What does that smell like?
Confit of grilled beef.
Vintage Select Beef, excellent choice.
Zucchini and potatoes...
Lady Christels, excellent texture.
They stay firm in boiling water.
A little grilled eggplant...
Over-grilled.
Way over-grilled, if I may.
He's right. This eggplant is over-grilled.
Who made this?
I did.
I've told you. Eggplants are touchy.
Don't hurt them. Look them straight in the eye.
I looked it in the eye!
- Toss it. - Yes, chef.
Obviously, you'd never have done that.
No, chef. I'd have heard the eggplant scream.
Jacky is the vegetable whisperer.
And listener. That's important.
What's this carrot saying?
Grate me.
It wants to be grated.
- Grate it. - Yes, chef.
For the St. Pierre.
Jacky will watch you work today. Tomorrow, he'll run both services.
- Get to work. - Yes, chef!
So I'm hired, chef?
Wait until rush hour. Many a man returns his apron.
- Not Jacky Bonnot. - We'll see.
What's this?
Sweetbread, scallops, vanilla...
Forget that. I do the creating.
I was thinking...
Got it.
I feel so good.
Touch... Our baby is relaxed too.
It's thanks to the new Jacky.
New Jacky....
Don't go overboard.
I meant to tell you... I quit my job.
I've been with Alexandre Lagarde for 3 days.
It's an internship, so unpaid for the moment.
Sorry, I'm half asleep.
What did you say?
Goodnight, my new Jacky...
- How is it? - Full, chef.
- Where are the langoustines? - Coming, chef!
The chicken should be ready by now!
I still need my piccatas!
I'll get them.
- Sorry. - My fault.
- Careful with my piccatas! - Make another piccata!
Do the langoustine for table 4. I'll do the piccata.
It's not your job. Check the chicken.
Look! It's not enough chicken.
You want Jerome to get yelled at? Add more.
Clean this up, please. Piccata, now.
Behind you!
Good work, Jacky. Nice first week at the Cargo.
Thanks, chef.
Mr. Lagarde! I love your lemon chicken!
But you should use more lemon.
Add it yourself!
Sure. I hadn't thought of that!
Live in 5 minutes.
Where are we going?
To the set. To shoot my show.
No way! I can't do a TV show.
What if my wife sees?
She works. She won't be watching TV.
What if my in-laws watch?
Can you call me Brian while shooting?
Welcome to my show, "Alexandre's Market".
I'm happy to introduce you to my new assistant.
This is...
- Brian. - Brian.
Brian, this week we'll make veal navarin with spring vegetables.
The navarin from your 1999 menu at the Inn in Uzès?
- Exactly. - Excellent.
- As you can see, Jacky... - Brian.
Brian is the living memory of French gastronomy.
- Why the sunglasses? - So no one recognizes him.
Why go on TV in that case?
To be recognized but... incognito.
We cut the veal flanks into nice chunks.
In the meantime, I, Brian, peel the carrots.
- Why Brian? - His American name.
Cut these chives.
What? You're using chives?
Your recipe calls for tarragon!
We're shooting live. Jacky's a real clown.
Not Jacky. Brian. I take your navarin very seriously.
So no chives.
Let's use...
some thyme!
We won't use thyme! Don't alter your masterpiece!
Is this a real fight?
- Thanks Brian. You can go. - I want to taste the navarin.
- Better without chives or thyme. - Shut up.
Ladies and gentlemen, bon appétit. See you next week.
A bit of tarragon would have helped.
Shut your trap.
I'm making a navarin tonight.
Thank you.
- Never again. - I defended your recipe.
Alexandre, that was wonderful!
That was some routine, you two!
I reread your contract.
I know how to fire you from Cargo Lagarde.
If you lose one star,
you're fired.
I'll never lose one.
I know all the owners of the guides.
Two critics are going to Cargo Lagarde soon.
Tough luck... They don't like your cuisine.
I'm not sure you'll keep your three stars.
I almost forgot.
If you lose Cargo, you lose your apartment.
It's ours. Bye, Alexandre.
Have fun you two!
- Chin up. It'll be fine. - What are you doing?
- Comforting you. - Comforting me?
Because...
- Get to work and keep quiet. - Yes, chef.
Goodbye, chef.
Stanislas Matter came to see all the suppliers.
If we sell to you, he won't buy from us.
That bastard. What do I do now?
Don't worry.
I'll never forget your aid. I'll help you.
Thanks, Marco. What a friend!
Julien!
This is Julien. He'll be doing the shopping for us.
This is Marco.
Thibault, come here.
Add cinnamon and a lotus leaf to the lamb sauce.
- We can't change his recipes. - They're his creations.
He gave me carte blanche.
- But I can't! - It'll be great.
Come here.
- Do it. - He'll be furious!
- He'll fire him. - Little prick.
Good idea. I'll do it.
I have two people at table 8. Critics, I think.
Not eating, just tasting.
They ask questions. They ordered the lamb.
And?
Your second-in-command changed the recipe.
What?
You're going to pay for this.
There they are.
How's everything?
Mr. Lagarde, it's delicious.
I tried your lamb once before and....
And?
Brilliant idea to have added cinnamon.
Cinnamon?
I thought the cinnamon might make for an interesting twist...
There's another flavor too.
I can't put my finger on it.
- He won't say. - No... he won't say.
- Lotus, right? - Lotus, bravo.
I like some conflict in the flavors.
It's crazy.
What people in Paris say about you.
"He repeats himself."
"Just a businessman."
They're mean. You're still the best.
- Tops! - Thank you, thank you.
Alexandre... if I may...
I've heard that critics from Le Guide
are coming the day you introduce your new menu.
April 12th, I think.
Le Guide? Thanks for telling me.
Busseron and Marchal. They hate classic cuisine.
If I may be so bold: make them a molecular dish.
With liquid nitrogen. Transparent.
- It's their thing. - Molecular cuisine?
Not that.
What the hell is this?
Cinnamon? Lotus? You're changing my recipes?
You served the same sauce with filet mignon
at the Tokyo Four Seasons. It had cinnamon!
But you can't compare lamb and venison!
I was interpreting you.
I tied a new Alexandre dish to an old Alexandre sauce.
Alexandre says to stop making connections
between Alexandre and Alexandre! Understand?
Excuse me, but I know how Alexandre works.
- But I'm Alexandre! - So? How does that matter?
I've followed Alexandre since day one.
You want the truth?
Alexandre was better before Charlotte left.
Charlotte?
My ex-wife? Why drag her into this?
Since she left, your sauces are stagnant.
No one says it,
but... you're in a sauce rut.
Leave Charlotte out of my veal stock!
This is over. I'm fed up.
- Get lost! - What? You're firing me?
Yes! End of apprenticeship.
Okay...
No problem.
Want inspiration for sweetbread and scallops?
I know what Alexandre would have done.
I do the creating here!
Goodbye, Mr. Lagarde.
- Keep scrubbing! - Yes, chef!
Mr. Bonnot?
Chef asks how Alexandre would do the sweetbread.
Deglazed, with elberberry vinegar.
Deglazed, elberberry.
He wants you to come.
Not too soon.
The elderberry vinegar now.
Why the dumb smile?
The first time I've ever been rehired.
Go on.
- You're right, you idiot. - You bet.
Okay...
We'll do the menu together, but...
You can be a real dipshit too!
I'm sorry, Alexandre... I'm on the phone.
Chang, farfalle are done al dente. Yours are overcooked!
Okay. I didn't know.
Start over. Let it boil 9 minutes.
And remember, stir, stir, stir...
- What's this? - I'm helping at the old-age home.
So at lunch you were working both jobs?
The residents love my recipes. I couldn't just vanish.
I come in peace. I want no trouble.
I'm just showing my restaurant to Cyril and his decorator.
Leave my kitchen.
Very well.
This is Mr. Laveine, court bailiff.
He'll tell you I can visit without danger, my restaurant
to have it redone.
If you lose a star. Of course.
- This goes, Mr. Matter? - All of it.
And that will be polished ceramic.
Lose the wall, open it up.
The customers eat here and there.
Here I want a large table-screen.
Scallops? Good idea.
Find the recipe in Elle?
It's about time I see to the Cargo.
So, Cyril, come with me.
Come see the winter garden.
We'll lose the doors. We need space.
Too old-fashioned!
- Can you lose a star? - It can happen.
Let's get back to work.
Jacky! I burnt the lemon sauce.
Get another pan and start over.
Beatrice called here. She couldn't reach you.
She has baby stuff to show you.
Oh yeah? I'll call her back.
I'm looking for Jacky.
He quit here a while ago.
Really?
- Go ask in the kitchen. - The kitchen?
First, let the soy beans marinate in the lemon...
I was told I'd find Jacky here.
He quit. What's it about?
- Where is he? - Don't tell his wife!
On the screen.
- And you are...? - His wife.
She's coming? So we better watch out.
- I'm his wife. - Oh... shit.
What did you tell Beatrice?
About your hookers.
Cut it out.
I said you had 10 minutes of errands to do.
Are you stupid? How do I get back there now?
I have to call her and find an excuse!
Jacky watch out!
Just a sec.
My wife has the same ringtone.
- Hey, baby... - Yeah?
- You okay? - Yeah.
I'm just calling to say don't bother coming by work.
I won't make it. I'm stuck in traffic.
- Where? - Not even that far... By Nation.
I'm near Nation too. Where exactly?
You can't see me. I'm on the left...
stuck behind some trucks.
Hold on. Move!
I have to work too! Let me through!
I'm sorry... It's starting to move.
I'm at Boulevard Voltaire. I hear an echo.
Why do I see you there?
- Where are you? - Jacky, your wife's here.
- Why do this? - Do what? I did nothing.
Right. You think I'm an idiot.
- I'm sick of this. It's over. - Beatrice, wait!
Listen! Chang, do something!
- He didn't go to see hookers! - Not that!
Honey, listen to me. You can't leave like this!
You're in deep shit.
Your boy's a real champ.
With him it'll be shooting stars.
They pass by. They don't stay.
They just shoot on by.
So long, stars.
Answering machine again.
She's not home.
Stop calling. It won't get her back.
That's not it. I lied to her. She'll never forgive me.
- I know her. - They're all the same.
They want to marry a great man but at the first screw up...
they're gone.
You know what?
She mentioned marriage a lot
and each time like an idiot I said "not now".
So? What do you think?
- It's flat. - Yeah.
Have you ever tasted a Cheval Blanc?
Nope.
Cheval Blanc '61 .
Just wonderful.
He doesn't know everything, Mr. Elderberry Vinegar.
Taste this.
Check out the color.
Smell that bouquet.
It brings tears to my eyes, a Cheval Blanc.
Me too.
My eyes are welling up.
The critics come in 4 days.
I'm cooked.
Why do you say that? It'll be another triumph.
They're disciples of molecular cuisine.
- Molecular cuisine? - Goodbye, 3rd star.
Ever tasted a Petrus?
Neither.
- And the Cheval Blanc? - Later!
I've got it!
I know someone.
A Spanish specialist in miocailulaire cuisine.
He's our man. The best.
Is he well-known?
I was told he's a genius.
I'll call him. Juan Castella.
I still have his number.
Answering machine.
Hello, Juan. This is Jacky Bonnot.
I'm working now with Mr. Alexandre Lagarde.
I think we need your skills.
Call me back. 'As fastas as possiblo'.
Thank you very much.
Thank you for what you're doing for me.
It's an honor.
If ever I keep the three stars,
you'll be second-in-command.
Really?
- I'd prefer... - Shake.
..."right-hand man."
"First assistant" isn't bad either.
Okay, first assistant.
Is "deputy chef" better? It sounds...
- Will you shake? - Sorry.
- Let's have some Armagnac. - Sure!
She's in Nevers!
I'll go ask her to marry me.
Beatrice went to her parents house in Nevers.
I'm abandoning you.
I can't live without her.
I understand.
Let me drive you there.
So...
first, tell her we're signing a contract.
I'll manage.
I go, I talk, she falls into in my arms.
Just kidding.
I'll just pave the way.
Neat place, Nevers!
It's here... Turn up ahead.
If they're not home, they're here.
Let's go.
This way.
That's her.
But she's beautiful!
Duh!
Follow me.
What?
I don't have a ring!
- We can't go empty-handed. - What do I do?
I'll whip up something she likes. She'll forgive me.
Get rid of this... Next...
Jacky, why are you here?
Hello, Carole.
It's a surprise for Beatrice. Please don't say a word.
You're at home here.
This is Alexandre Lagarde.
Alexandre, Carole, the owner.
Mr. Lagarde... it's an honor.
The honor is mine.
What a coincidence. My cook leaves next month.
If you want, you can take me on a trial basis.
You're too pricey for me.
Didn't we come for Beatrice?
Yes... Beatrice, yes...
Sorry to intrude.
Let me introduce myself....
You're Alexandre Lagarde.
That's right. That's me.
Beatrice, listen,
I'm here to say it's all my fault...
I brought about this situation.
Thanks for coming. But I know it's not you.
Tell Jacky I won't see him.
Don't say that. He has to tell you something.
I won't listen!
I have to tell you that if all goes well,
he'll work full-time at Cargo Lagarde.
He wants to hire Jacky!
A future father mustn't lie.
He's irresponsible.
- That's true. - And unbearable!
True. I even fired him.
Weren't you supposed to defend me?
Why are you here?
Hello, Armand... Hello, Mathilde.
Honey, I'm sorry. Forgive me.
Look what I made.
Your favorite. Caramel mille-feuille,
tiny strawberries, redcurrants,
tiny pistachios... - I don't want it.
You do! Look!
I made you a vanilla sugar heart. Know why?
I love you.
Vanilla sugar won't work!
Let me make of the most of your parents presence
to ask you solemnly
if you'll marry me.
Not like this! Not now!
- Why not? - You lied to me!
Okay, I lied to you. No big deal.
I never lied before.
Once. But that didn't count.
We weren't really together.
I don't think it's time to propose.
- We should be going. - Sure, let's go.
I know it's not the right time...
How do I stop candied fruit from sinking into the batter?
Add the fruit to whipped batter and keep on beating.
Thank you, Mr. Lagarde.
There's another school.
Put the batter in the fridge and the next day,
just add the candied fruit...
- So did it work? - Goodnight, Carole.
It's all fine. She loves him.
- Your name is Carole? - That's right.
- I'm Alexandre. - I know.
- I may accept that offer. - Of course.
See you soon.
She's pretty.
I know.
Not Beatrice. Carole.
I mean... they're both pretty.
But Carole...
You have cream on you.
Not even enough praline.
Make yourself at home.
The Toque d'Or, your first trophy.
And this is the...
Good night. See you tomorrow.
Hey, baby.
It's me again.
I know I should stop calling...
but I can't.
So... call me back.
- Still working? - I have to be ready.
This time I'm going to lose a star.
2, 3, same thing.
But come for my thesis.
I may lose a star and you blab on about Russian books no one reads.
Go tell the rest of the world,
no more scrambled eggs with truffles.
See how they cry.
- How can you be so selfish? - You taught me.
I was never around. But I made lots of people happy.
Yeah, other people.
It's always about your restaurants.
I'll let you work.
I don't care.
Besides working at the Home,
I don't see how they're qualified.
Chang did make-up at Crazy Horse. Moussa drove trucks.
And Titi used to lay tiles.
What should I do with them?
We need a crew here.
And guinea pigs to try the first samples.
Got health coverage?
That's him. I'll go answer.
Alexandre, this is Juan Castella,
world-famous specialist...
- Can I say "world-famous"? - You can.
...in molecular cuisine.
Good day,
Señor Alejandro Lagarde. I am very honored.
So am I.
First of all,
I will taste your "cousin-e".
My cousin?
What is it?
Beef with seaweed a surf and turf.
Straight to problem, Señor Lagarde.
Let's get to work.
Pluck them.
Where did you get them?
Wild ducks. From woods near Paris.
Woods near Paris?
Pluck them. Now.
More duck?
More, more.
Much more, much more.
I am happy. Look.
Where are the ducks?
I undertook fragmentation of duck
and reconstituted taste, into little cube.
I should serve this?
He's not finished. Now he'll work on...
Artistic aspect. The color.
The sauces. The crunchiness.
Moussa, Titi, Chang!
Come have a look.
Can you three...
taste this? - Duck with quince cracker.
- Where? - There.
- The cheese cubes? - Duck and quince cracker.
Quince and quacker?
You put the quacking in the cube?
How did you do it?
It's time to taste it.
- Is that normal? - I take notes.
Too much liquid nitrogen. Reduce by 15 grams.
- Should we stop chewing? - Not yet. Continue.
So?
It's like a powdered duck that takes shape inside.
It tastes fishy.
It's true. You made fish with duck!
Must be problem with condenser.
I have to go check.
Taste, Señor Lagarde.
The true essence of duck.
Not at all. lt's... raspberry.
Continue... Continue eating.
What the hell?
Don't worry, Señor Lagarde. Normal chemical reaction.
What do you mean, normal?
Enough bullshit!
So no more magic food?
No, no more magic food!
You, very hypersensitive.
Me leave!
That's right. Goodbye!
I've had enough. No more ducks in cubes!
20 years of pressure just to please three critics!
I'm calling it quits.
You promised me a job contract.
We have two days to invent a menu that's still a mystery!
It's not possible!
And Cyril Boss? He manages fine.
How does he do it?
Why don't we go eat there?
We'll check it out...
we'll taste, understand, analyze...
- And we reinvent. - Everyone knows me.
I call and say: "Table for two for Lagarde"?
"For dinner?" "No, for spying!"
Nonsense.
- There's no solution? - I don't see one.
- Chef? - What?
Chang... He was a make-up artist.
And?
Mr. and Mrs. Nobushi.
We're honored to welcome the cultural attaché.
Tonight we have our new menu.
This way...
The chef Cyril Boss welcomes you.
Imagine...
- They'll do this to Cargo Lagarde. - Disaster.
Your table. Enjoy your evening.
The chef Cyril Boss proposes his Symphonic Menu.
Liquid nitrogen champagne.
What is this thing?
How does it taste?
Champagne with cigar juice.
Compression of fowl with udon noodles?
Phosphorescent radish mousse.
- Sweetbread spaghetti. - Virtual calamari.
Do you eat it virtually too?
Please try some wine. Essence of Pomerol.
Without wine.
No grapes,
no alcohol.
What's in it then?
We can't say.
Very, very mysterious!
Mizuko likes to be silly.
I'll keep it on ice.
Who wants non-alcoholic wine?
It's woody.
I taste the idea of Pomerol.
- And redcurrant. - And leather.
I taste leather.
Sheep milk cheese with seasonal fruits.
Tuna belly with tomato.
Caramelized leek with lemon grass.
What the...
Beef and veal in their garden.
Sniff these while biting into your beef.
Not practical.
You have to take it.
Not practical either.
Cyril Boss wishes you bon appétit.
I can't get it.
This is interesting.
It's bitter.
Sweetbreads.
Sweetbread spaghetti.
We have to copy this.
Your Excellency...
- Enjoying it? - Wife like lots.
Yes... very much
Excuse me, Excellency...
You've eaten here before!
First time.
I feel as if I've seen you before.
First time.
We to come... very far.
Osaka, Kobe, Tokyo, Kyoto, Hokkaido.
I'm sure I've seen your face.
Are you fans of gastronomic dining?
We to love very much... fine dining.
Where do you go?
Ducasse.
Robuchon. Gagnaire.
Alexandre Lagarde.
He totally sucks!
You wrong.
We to eat very well at Cargo Lagarde.
Come on... Between us...
Lagarde still makes beef stew.
What's more - I'll tell you a secret -
he hired an assistant,
a bum who used to sell gyros.
Shish kebab boy! A total loser!
You enough. No respect.
In Japan, Monsieur Lagarde restaurant ichiban!
- Great insult. - Number one!
You, Cyril Boss...
nothing at all!
The food critics want to see you.
Okay. I'm coming. I'll be right back.
Probably for some more compliments.
We better go or I'll clobber him.
- In the face. - Let's go.
Wait. First, let's borrow a few ingredients.
Very nice digestive dance!
- It went well. - I'm loaded.
Leaving? No strawberry éclair in a test tube?
- No, we go. - Yes, sick.
I'll see you soon at Cargo Lagarde.
I'm the new chef there.
If you mention Cargo Lagarde again,
know where I put your test tubes?
- No. - Better you don't know.
The chef Cyril Boss thanks you for coming.
Bring in the food.
Explosion of beef with ginger!
Why are you screaming?
Because it's classier.
No one screams in 3-star restaurants.
How would I know?
Bone marrow on toast, vitrified in squid ink.
Don't scream.
- But Titi told me to. - Titi got it all wrong.
So I don't scream either?
- Tomato and cucumber in their froth. - What?
Tomato and cucumber in their froth.
Thank you.
I said it softly.
So, chef?
- It's not bad. - Not bad?
- I wake up in 4 hours. - Honey, I'm sorry.
It's the Spring Menu. I have the critics tomorrow.
Tomorrow. You're not coming?
Where?
Behave yourselves!
Send in the rest.
- Thank you. - Jacky's right.
His method is better than Lagarde's.
Fruit in every bite!
Stop making that kid suffer. He's such a good cook.
He drove 200 kilometers
to ask your hand in marriage.
Admire the elegance of this cake.
I was too tough on him?
Honestly...
What is it?
Please take me to the clinic.
Right away, honey.
I'll take a slice for the ride.
Why not two?
I'm coming...
Amandine?
Quiet, my daughter is sleeping!
Don't scuff the walls!
I'll get it.
No, I'll help you...
That's the last of it. I'll climb in.
Hurry. Don't be late.
You're not coming?
You're the one who's right.
Without love, we're nothing.
What do I do?
Why are you here?
You can't take a test on an empty stomach!
I made you a very intense hot chocolate.
Sit down. I'll serve you.
Remember? We called it "brioche à l'Amandine".
You'd make me one for every exam.
Back then I cooked for pleasure.
Then I became the guy with all the 3-star restaurants.
I forgot what I loved most.
You and... cooking.
Where are they?
I must see you tell the jury Balzac stole from Cossaks
for "The Magic Skin".
You read my thesis?
- You read my thesis? - Eat.
You read it?
Three stars.
What's wrong? Why is nothing ready?
Marco stopped selling to us.
It was too late. Just wilted vegetables.
The kind... you can't whisper to.
What?
I'm looking for Alexandre.
He's not here. He'll be here later.
Will you tell him to call me?
Would you like to work with me?
No thank you. Alexandre trusts me, and I'd...
You're too pure, Jacky. Think about yourself.
Alexandre insists on living in a bygone era.
I don't agree at all.
He's still the best. And I'll be second-in-command.
If he keeps his three stars.
But what will you do without him and nothing to cook?
Grilled cheese?
You overestimate yourself. You can only fail.
Maybe. But I want to try.
Try what?
You think you're a chef because you follow recipes?
You're not! You're an amateur!
And this place is for professionals.
Have you ever invented something?
Eggs mimosa or tiramisu?
Was that you?
You're a copycat.
Just a guy who sings karaoke.
That's all.
So go home...
Mr. Bonnot.
Okay...
What do we do?
Nothing.
No vegetables, no ideas, no Alexandre.
- We're here. - That's nice, but so what?
Stanislas is right.
I just sing karaoke. I should have stayed a painter.
Beatrice would never have left.
- I'll go find her. - What?
Is that all?
We left our jobs for you and you bail.
- You'll put us on unemployment. - You promised us.
I'm sorry.
That guy was right. You're not professional.
You cook for pleasure.
Professionals do it for others.
I wasn't laying tiles for pleasure,
but so people's floors were even.
Phone call, sir.
- Alexandre? - No, a woman.
Thank you.
- It's me. - Oh baby...
I'm happy to hear from you.
I'm so upset with myself.
I lied and I shouldn't have. And for nothing.
- We got screwed. - How so?
Critics are here and we have no food.
I'm sure it'll be fine. It's how you cook best.
This time there's really nothing.
I'm calling it quits. Now I know.
Cooking is not for me.
You and your excuses! Go all the way for once.
How else can you know your worth?
What you cook for me is so amazing.
Your saving grace.
Obviously for you it was because I love you.
Imagine you're cooking for me.
And your daughter.
Really?
I have a daughter?
I'm coming.
Finish what you have to do first.
Are you sure?
Don't worry. We're waiting.
See you soon.
Is there a supermarket nearby?
Just a grocery at the corner.
Start getting ready.
Turn on the stoves.
Titi, boil water. Moussa, Chang, let's go.
Come with me too.
You there, come along.
Guys... I'm a daddy.
I'm a daddy!
Some vegetables? Nice tomatoes?
Give me everything. I'll take it all.
Vegetables, fruit, onions, tomatoes, artichokes
pineapples, pasta, rice, flour, eggs, cheese.
The whole store.
- Did God send you? - He sure did!
Don't let them scare you.
The lemon juice is for your voice.
Okay, Dad. It's my exam, not yours.
Breakfast will give you energy.
- Don't overdo it. - Am I?
You're becoming a helicopter dad.
Wrong.
Your sweater. It's cold.
I'll park first.
This is for broths and stocks.
- Chang, peel carrots. - Right away.
Moussa, chop onions.
Titi, blanch the vegetables.
An hour and a half to invent a new menu!
An hour and a half. It's impossible!
But we'll give it a try, okay?
We regret your not mentioning Anastasila Vladimrovna.
Thank you, but I felt
it was irrelevant in a chapter on Dostoyevsky.
Gerard, I can't talk. What?
That bastard Marco said he'd deliver the vegetables!
I'm coming... Excuse me.
I'm sorry, madam, but...
Sorry to disappoint. I have to go.
Trouble in the restaurant. That was great work.
I didn't get it all, but I liked it.
I'm very proud of you.
I'm sorry but...
Isn't she great? I'm off.
- Papa? - What, what?
Thanks.
For breakfast this morning?
It was nice... See you later.
Let's continue, Miss Lagarde...
Yeah, Alexandre had a great reign,
but he hasn't evolved.
His cuisine is pre-historical.
I'll keep quiet.
I don't want to influence you.
The menu.
So?
What has he prepared for us?
- Alexandre! - Paul... you came.
I've never missed any of your new menus.
Your painter did the Spring menu.
Where did he find the vegetables?
The corner grocer.
We're dead.
You must call Alexandre Lagarde. It's incredible.
We want to congratulate him.
I don't remember him capable of such subtlety
allied with such modernity.
How does he put so much emotion in this?
It's like a woman hugged me, threw me in a tub,
sponged me down with warm water, then...
Not you?
I expected as much from Alexandre.
I know that he's constantly badmouthed
but for me he's always been the best.
Always.
It's true.
Alexandre, it's Stanislas. Call me back.
The critics want to see Alexandre but I can't reach him.
I'm going back out.
Tell them he's busy working.
These recipes are magnificent.
Start the calamar, now!
Part traditional, part molecular!
I'm floored!
How did he come up with it?
I'm floored!
They'll invent a 4th star for him!
You were here?
- You too, Mr. Matter? - Can I taste?
- Dad, I didn't know you came. - You didn't have to.
Everything from the grocery?
All I could get my hands on.
Did you hear? I think you won!
I am so, so happy to see you.
Go on, they're waiting. It'll be a triumph.
There was some tension between us recently,
but all that's over now.
I want you to stay at Cargo Lagarde.
I insist.
I'll announce you.
I think the time has come.
Hold on...
What are you doing?
Follow me.
Ladies and gentlemen, you enjoyed my Spring menu.
And I thank you.
But...
I wasn't here earlier.
I watched my daughter defend her thesis.
She passed with honors.
Thanks for her.
Hello to the critics from Le Guide, here incognito.
Not at all.
Jacky, come here. Come.
Ladies and gentlemen, Jacky Bonnot.
He created the Spring menu.
Thanks, chef.
He is the new chef at Cargo Lagarde.
Isn't he, Stanislas?
Umm... yes.
I was looking for a successor. And I found him.
This is why I'm telling you...
I'm done chasing stars.
What will you do?
You'll know soon enough.
- Congratulations. - Thanks, chef.
Good luck.
Thank you all.
Your mille-feuille was great.
Here, give this to Beatrice.
It'll go over better this time.
Jacky Bonnot is my secret weapon.
Gentlemen,
I said I had a surprise. It's Jacky Bonnot!
- Come here. - Yeah, Dad.
We skipped too many steps.
Before you take over the group, learn to appreciate product quality.
Fine. What were you thinking?
We'll find something.
- Mr. Matter? - Yes, my friend?
- Can I have a job contract? - Now?
I need a signed contract, right away.
- Do what he wants! - Sure. We'll sign you on.
- Right away. - Write him a check too.
I'll write you a check.
- Okay? - Fine with me!
Great timing. I just become a dad.
Wonderful!
I'm late. I have to go to Nevers to see my baby.
Give him your car too.
Give him your car!
I'd like that.
- Is there gas? - Yeah.
Haute cuisine will never be the same.
Alexandre Lagarde has given up "the star system".
His crew now works
for a young chef, a newcomer.
We tried in vain to find out more.
Sir, can you tell us
about this mysterious new chef?
- Hello, Jackie. - Hello, Antoine.
- Buying your chef's outfit? - Yes!
And twenty of those for my crew.
They'll call. I thought I'd tell you.
So long, Antoine!
...Jacky Bonnot, young culinary genius.
- You're the father? - Yes, I am.
Congratulations.
It's all about teamwork. I owe it to my crew.
You meant...? No, for that I was all alone.
When can I make her boeuf bourguignon?
Two or three years.
- Why so long? - She's a baby.
Have you been here long?
She's so beautiful.
Did it all go well?
A job contract.
Excellent.
- I have to tell you... - I have to tell you too.
So you'll be my wife?
Propose for real. This is all so lame.
Propose for real?
Like...
Beatrice,
my love,
will you be my wife?
I do!
Hold on.
Just tell me. When was the first lie?
Why weren't we technically together?
Technically I can't remember too well.
Hello, everyone.
Welcome to our new show,
which is now weekly
- Alexandre's Cuisine... - And Jacky's.
Jacky, give us food!
For our first show, we're starting off with a classic.
Grilled côte de boeuf.
- Today is a big day. - Sure is!
Today, Le Guide came out
and thanks to Jacky, Cargo Lagarde kept its 3 stars.
Thank you very much.
You kept your 3 stars for fifteen years
thanks to your extraordinary skills.
You're no longer at Cargo Lagarde.
Why did you go and become a cook in Nevers?
Neat place, Nevers!
Here we have some neat images
of you cooking in your new restaurant.
For you.
Enjoy your lunch.
And here I am... with Carole.
She runs the place.
We decided to work amid everyone.
And I'm starting... to feel young again.
Look how nice this is.
I think this meat is almost ready.
- And look what I brought. - Rosemary?
- Delicious. - What is it for?
- The côte de boeuf. - No way.
- Why not? - No rosemary on rib roast!
You kidding?
I will not let you ruin this roast!
There's juice and butter. That's what counts.
- Remember we're live. - I'll say it live.
- Give me the meat. - No!
It'll mask the flavor.
Come here.
No rosemary on côte de boeuf.
Come back! Where are you going?
I'd rather drown it than use rosemary.
Just a little rosemary!
Why not some thyme too? And chives!
Cut.
Quack, quack...
Cut. End-slate.