Passion in the Kitchen

This story was inspired by 'Food Wars'.

Jesse's first memories weren't of toys or cartoons.
They were of heat.

The warm breath of ovens. The sharp hiss of oil in a pan. The rich, layered smells of spices from places he couldn't yet pronounce. At five years old, Jesse would stand on a wooden crate in the corner of the kitchen, eyes wide, hands gripping the edge of the counter as he watched his father work.

His father wasn't just a cook.
He was a chef-one who believed food told stories.

Jesse grows to believe this is the dream he seeks. However, in South Park he learns he seeks friendship.