The Bob

Time to signify what is important to me, Sidney thought, I want him to exceed my expectations, so I need to set the bar high. Sidney was going to talk to her new chef that morning, and wanted to make sure her thoughts were in order. The restaurant had been open for six months, and she was bleeding money. All her hopes for success rested on her new chef.

“Hello, Milo,” Sidney said, sitting at a table next to the chef, “Thank you for coming in early this morning. I know you may be a little excited about your first day here.”

“Yes,” Milo said, “That’s putting it mildly.” He pulled at his sleeve, which had a singe mark on it from a barbequing incident, then tucked his hands in his lap.

“I want you to have some free reign to create a few noteworthy dishes of your own, but I also expect you to keep with some of the tried and true items on the menu now. Have you given any thought to what signature dishes of yours you would like to bring to my restaurant?”

“Yes,” Milo said, and pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket. “These are some of my favorites, and I can work with the pastry chef to curate signature desserts to go with each one. I can also talk to your sommelier, so wine can be recommended that complements each dish. This is, of course, if you would like me to do these things.”

Sidney was quiet. She looked at his list. It was very good, but she would need to make some suggestions if he was going to live up to what she hoped would soon be the reputation of her place. She carefully explained what she wanted him to do, and why, on three of his dishes. He listened and absorbed what she was saying, and also what she meant, that she wanted excellence. He nodded solemnly and went to the kitchen to begin the day.

Sidney looked outside through one of her large windows and could see that people passing by were casting curious glances at her restaurant and the sign above the door. Soon, everyone who was anyone would be longing for a coveted table at “The Bob” and she was going to be able to fulfill her lifelong dream of owning a successful restaurant at last.

Copyright ©2025 Lisa Paul

I have attempted to respond to Roshelle Wisoff-Fields challenge, the RDP word of the day “Noteworthy”, the Three Things Challenge, “Signify, Sign and Singe” and Fandango’s One Word challenge, “Exceed”

22 August 2025

Three Things Challenge #MM162

FOWC With Fandango — Exceed

RDP Monday: NOTEWORTHY