Sizzling in Singapore (A Carnal Cuisine Novel) by K.C. Falls, Torri D. Cooke Read Free Book Online Page A

combine the two pots to go in the walk-in for service.
    She walked around the various stations with a sharp eye for quality control. There was never any malice in her corrections but there was nothing soft about her manner either. It was a strange combination of power and diplomacy rarely found in a kitchen of the stature of the Elysium. She stopped to point out the silver skin left on a tenderloin that a cook who had probably been cleaning filets for years had missed. He actually smiled at her for pointing out his lapse and she patted his back and walked on to check the next station, the next process, the next dish waiting for her approval.
    The day rumbled forward, the hectic lunch schedule giving way to the intense concentration of the quiet afternoon hours so critical to dinner service success. Mae disappeared, as was her custom, to power-nap at the shank of the afternoon. Even slammed in Kurt's absence she retained the habit. Fourteen-hour days require some sort of refueling. She returned refreshed at four o'clock to help put together the tasting for the new specials for the wait staff and, of course, for Nick. Mae grudgingly admitted to herself that he had kept his distance during the course of the day and allowed her to execute his ideas without interference. The last thing she needed or wanted at this point was someone breathing down her neck and critiquing her every move.
    Maribel had left the printed specials' menus at her station and Mae quickly proofread the copy to make sure the description was as written and without error. Maribel seldom made any careless errors and this time was no exception:
     
    Braised Lamb Shank with Curried Green Mango and Jaggery Sauce
    On Steamed Basmati Rice
     
    Macadamia-Crusted Pomfret with Tropical Fruit Coulis
    And Coconut Beurre Blanc
     
    Chili Prawns with Fresh Asparagus and Water Chestnuts
    Served with Bean Thread Noodles
     
    Pork Tenderloin Adobo Style with Ragout of Roasted
    Local Pumpkin and Baby Vegetables
     
    House-made Ceylon Tea Smoked Duck with Lychee Sauce
    Rice Pancakes and Garlic Greens
     
     
    Mae was pleased with the five specials as well as the several appetizers and soups that she and Nick had collaborated on. Once again, she mused at his lack of ego-involvement when they discussed his ideas. He seemed to welcome the addition of her local knowledge into his extensive repertoire.
    I admire his style. Very much like a smoother-talking version of Kurt. He seems to know enough to know what he doesn't know. Kurt used to say that was an essential skill so many so-called 'chefs' are too proud to cultivate. Damn, I wish I knew what happened to the bastard. He owes me some explanation…I thought I was more than an employee. I was his friend . Mae tossed off the worry and gathered her wits. Time to brief the staff and run the presentation by the chef .
    Mae tapped at the office door. "We're ready with the specials now if you want to have a look at them, Chef Nick."Cool and all business was Mae's watchword now.
     
    ***
     
    "I'll be right there." Nick threw on his coat and buttoned it as he descended the few stairs into the kitchen. This was not the time to appear too casual. Although he wasn't a tyrant, Nick still had a great deal of respect for the old-school formalities of the kitchen. It wouldn't due to review the first set of 'his' specials in a ratty old t-shirt from a decades past rock n'roll band.
    He was certainly not surprised to find all the specials lined up and perfectly plated. His uncle's hand was everywhere. Each plate had the elements of presentation represented in creative and effective form. Even the more difficult to present items, like the chili prawns, were successful. Instead of chopping all the asparagus, several whole spears leaned tall against a tight nest of the bean thread noodles. The shocking red of the chili sauce played beautifully against the green vegetable and the snow-white noodles and was artfully swept across one side of the big