Of knives and roses

The clash of palates

Gordon Ramsay's restaurant was the epitome of culinary excellence. The walls were lined with accolades, the kitchen humming with the synchronized chaos of trained chefs, all under the watchful, often sharp eye of Ramsay himself. But today, there was an unusual tension in the air, and it wasn't just because of the new menu. No, it was the presence of one Steven Morrissey—former frontman of The Smiths, now notorious for his staunch veganism and outspoken disdain for all things meaty.

Gordon had heard Morrissey was in town and, to his surprise, received a formal request from the singer's agent. Morrissey, known for his critiques of the meat industry and penchant for controversy, wanted to visit Ramsay's flagship restaurant. To what end, Gordon wasn't sure, but he could feel the challenge hanging in the air like the scent of truffles.

As Morrissey strode into the restaurant, a hush fell over the dining room. Dressed in his signature black attire, he was a stark contrast to the bright, bustling environment. His gaze was cool, assessing, as though he could see through the very walls to the heart of what Gordon did best—cook meat.

"Ramsay," Morrissey greeted, his voice low and velvety, carrying with it a hint of something that made Gordon's spine straighten.

"Morrissey," Gordon replied, offering a handshake that was accepted with the slightest hesitation. There was an unspoken challenge in the air between them, a battle of wills that neither was willing to lose.

"I hope your kitchen is up to the task," Morrissey said, eyes narrowing slightly as he glanced toward the open kitchen. "I'm not here to be impressed by your cuts of meat."

Gordon smirked. "I'm sure you'll find we do more than just cook steaks. But I didn't invite you here, did I? So, what's the real reason you came?"

Morrissey's lips curved into a slight smile, one that didn't reach his eyes. "I wanted to see if the infamous Gordon Ramsay could actually cater to someone like me. After all, not everyone in the world is a fan of dead animals on their plate."

Gordon's jaw tightened, but he didn't let the remark ruffle him. Instead, he nodded toward the kitchen. "Well then, why don't you come and see what we can do? Or are you afraid you might actually like it?"

With a flick of his wrist, Gordon led Morrissey into the kitchen, where the clash between two worlds—meat and plants—was about to reach a boiling point.

Chapter 2 coming soon