Delectable • cth

Chapter 12

A Second Chance Surprise

As many know, I don't give second chances often, but learning that the head chef of the Pearl Garden has spoken so highly and given all his praise to his sous chef, I just knew I had to come back and give her that second chance.

When I asked my server to have Aliyah Leighton make me the same dish I had before, I could see a flash of panic before confidence took over. Even someone as simple as a server had the confidence in this young woman, and to be blunt, he wasn't wrong to. The restaurant's confidence to stand behind one of their own after my last review was heartwarming, but I wasn't convinced yet.

After both a wonderful, and a let down of a visit, I wasn't sure what to expect myself. I had hope, the way the restaurant had been doing in other small 'yelp' reviewers eyes since I had been there. I had read praise of the sous chef, not only from nobodies, but from her Chef and the manager of the restaurant itself.

As the dish was carefully set in front of me, I was impressed. It looked delicious, and from a simple glance it didn't seem as if it was missing anything.

The bouillabaisse I was served looked nearly perfect, though I never call anything perfect. Part of me feels I was too hard on the young woman last time I was here, but who would push her to do better? Would she had been able to prepare such a beautiful dish if I hadn't said what I said?

Once I took my first bite, I was in heaven. Much like when the head chef, Calum Hood, had cooked me a dish before, my tastebuds were begging for more. I fear I was so engrossed by the dish that I didn't take my time to enjoy it, scarfing it down all too quickly.

Needless to say, I will be coming back and I hope Miss Aliyah Leighton and Calum Hood continue to make amazing dishes.

I retract my past statement about the girls schooling, seeing, smelling, and tasting this dish is the work of someone who truly studied French cuisine. Once again, no complaints with my wine, or my dessert, as I never have complaints with Irwin or Hemmings. I fear this was one of the best meals I had ever been served at a restaurant, and hope someone one day can prove me wrong and have my tastebuds dancing in delight.

My suggestion, eat at The Pearl Garden, no matter who is preparing your meal will have you smiling and wanting more. As for the young lady who prepared my food this evening, will we see Aliyah Leighton win awards in the future? My gut, or more so my stomach, tells me yes.

Donovan Harrington

As the brunette finished reading and the smile on her face only grew, Calum didn't hesitate to wrap her into a tight hug, lift her from the ground, and spin her in a circle excitedly. "Ally! That's such an amazing review!"

Everyone around just stared for a moment until Ashton faked a sneeze and Calum was quick to set her down with slightly wide eyes. "Thanks, Cal." Aliyah laughed softly, her cheeks heating. "Thank you, everyone. I seriously don't think I would have gotten this if it wasn't for everyone's support."

"And Donovan is a hard reviewer." Luke grinned, moving beside his best friend and wrapping her in a tight hug. "You deserve it, A."

"Thanks, L." She whispered, moving her face against his shoulder to hide her red cheeks. "Let's celebrate tonight?"

"Yeah, you invite who you want. We'll all meet at your place tonight, Ash will bring the wine, I'll bring some yummy snacks." Luke smiled, pulling away and nodding. "Just let me know how many people I'm feeding."

Aliyah rolled her eyes, turning and making her way over to the counter. "Yeah yeah, sounds good." She laughed softly, shaking her head again. "I'll update you before we leave."