The following evening, Lena arrived at Ambrosia promptly at seven. The restaurant’s exterior was unassuming—a warm, amber glow spilling from its tall windows onto the quiet street. It was a stark contrast to the upscale, ostentatious facades she often critiqued. Yet as she stepped inside, the subtle elegance of the interior struck her. The walls were adorned with abstract art in vibrant hues, and the faint aroma of spices lingered in the air—a prelude to the evening’s offerings.
The hostess greeted her with a polite smile. "Good evening, Ms. Taylor. Your table is ready."
Lena nodded, her expression unreadable. She followed the hostess to a corner table that offered a clear view of the open kitchen. From her seat, she could see the chefs moving with precision and purpose, each step choreographed like a dance. It was Olivia Rivera, however, who commanded the most attention. Her presence was magnetic. Lena recognized her immediately—the confident stance, the commanding gaze as she gave quiet instructions to her team. Even from a distance, Olivia’s passion radiated.
Lena took out her notebook and set it on the table, along with her pen. She wasn’t here to be impressed by ambiance or theatrics. It was the food that mattered.
The first course arrived moments later, delivered by a server who introduced it as aji amarillo ceviche, plated with vibrant slivers of mango and garnished with microgreens. The dish looked like art, each element meticulously arranged. Lena picked up her fork, cutting into the delicate fish, and brought it to her mouth.
The flavor was a revelation—a balance of citrus tang, spicy heat, and the sweetness of mango. It was bold without being overpowering, and every bite seemed to unveil a new layer. Still, Lena made no outward reaction, instead jotting a few notes in her notebook. The Blade was as composed as ever.
In the kitchen, Olivia watched discreetly. She had tasked Carlos with taking point on the dining room, but her attention kept drifting to Lena’s table. Every slight movement of the critic's pen sent a ripple of anxiety through her, though she kept it hidden behind a mask of focus. As the next dish was plated—a short rib adobo served with saffron-infused polenta—she took a deep breath.
“She’s not writing much,” Carlos murmured, sidling up to her.
Olivia didn’t look at him. “That doesn’t mean anything. She could be savoring it—or planning to destroy us.”
Carlos snorted softly. “Comforting.”
Olivia smirked despite herself. “Just keep everything running smoothly out there. I don’t want anything distracting from the food.”
By the time dessert arrived—the guava cheesecake Olivia had labored over the previous day—the tension in the kitchen was palpable. Olivia leaned against the counter, arms crossed, her eyes fixed on Lena as the plate was set before her. She didn’t realize she was holding her breath until Carlos nudged her.
“Relax,” he whispered. “You’ve done everything you can.”
Lena examined the dessert with her usual scrutiny, noting the rich colors and the meticulous drizzle of tamarind reduction. Her fork sliced through the creamy center, and she took a bite. The combination of flavors was unexpected: tangy, sweet, earthy.
For the first time that evening, Lena’s lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile.
Olivia caught it—barely, but she caught it—and her heart skipped a beat. It wasn’t much, but it was something. Maybe, just maybe, she had done enough.
When Lena left the restaurant that night, Olivia was waiting by the door. The two women locked eyes, a quiet storm passing between them.
YOU ARE READING
TASTING LOVE - LINGORM
RomanceLena Taylor, a sharp-tongued food critic known as "The Blade," has built her career tearing down chefs and restaurants that fail to meet her exacting standards. Olivia Rivera, a passionate chef and owner of Ambrosia, pours her heart into her fusion...
