Alfredo's - Pretentious Volume 1

Chapter 2

Danny entered Alfredo's Restaurant in a crisp white shirt, black slacks and a silk tie. Mama stood at the front desk looking over applications. She was a small woman, and Danny already stood a foot taller. Her hair was long and black, with big loose curls that mirrored his own, but he rarely saw it down. It was a shame she opted for pinned up braids and elaborate buns. Her hair was beautiful; he used to brush it for her sometimes when he was a little boy. Her eyes were dark, and her smile infectious, but Danny could see the lines that revealed the challenge and frustrations of her years. Tonight she wore an ankle-length dress; black, with a sturdy pair of Italian shoes she only used for work. "Feminine and sturdy," she had said when she bought them.

Danny smiled, and Mama greeted him with such enthusiasm he laughed as he hugged her, kissing her soft cheek before heading for the kitchen.

"You look more and more like your father every day," she called as the kitchen door shut behind him.

Danny stopped at the cook's line and waited for the blonde hair, blue eyed cook to finish placing pans of marinara in their proper spaces. He pinched his finger and cursed, then spun at the sound of Danny's laughter.

"Hey, Mark."

"Danny," Mark said.

The smirk on his face almost made Danny laugh again.

"What's for dinner tonight?" Mark asked looking more than a little impatient.

Danny took a deep breath to compose himself and laughed. "Saltimbocca," he said.

Mark glared at him for a minute, then turned to get the meat. "Okay, I'm on it."

While Mark worked on dinner, Danny inspected the kitchen. Everything was already set up for the evening, so he made his way through the restaurant looking over each room to make sure the tables and bus stations were clean and set.

Alfredo's was considered fine dining, but Mama called it a family restaurant. Much of its decor was set up similar to their home. She said they spent so much time there she wanted the atmosphere to be as comfortable as possible for them, as well as for her customers and staff. Every table had fresh flowers and Mama made sure the clear crystal vases were spotless every morning. Paintings of Venice and Tuscany decorated pale yellow walls, and a large mural of a hillside with row after row of grapevines had been hand painted on the wall of the first room. Silverware and crystal clear wine glasses sparkled and folded ivory napkins rested on bread plates on dark green tablecloths. The carpet was forest green, with golden patterns winding through it. Danny looked it over to make sure it was clean. Satisfied, he made his way back to the front of the restaurant.

"Mama you shouldn't do all of my work for me," Danny said fixing a cuff of his shirt.

"I didn't."

He looked at her confused.

"Michelle did it for you."

"I'll have to thank her then." Danny smiled as he turned to go pour an iced tea.

Mama reached for his arm, and he turned back.

"I have an interview coming in a few minutes; could you watch the front while you eat?"

"Of course Mama."

Choosing a table with a view of the door, Danny sat with his dinner. He took a bite of the veal and moaned as he closed his eyes and savored the flavor. Creamy prosciutto, succulent veal, and a touch of white wine filled his senses. Mark was an exceptional cook, but this recipe was his Father's. He took another bite and began working on his vegetables.