All language subtitles for Recipe For Love (2014) Hallmark 720p WEBRip X264 Solar

Next.

Next.

What's today's special, Mrs. Leslie?

Mock-suey in a brown
sauce with soggy noodles.

What's it really made out of?

Honey, I have no idea.

Next.

My office, Hennessey.

Now.

So, half the student body reads this drivel

in the school newspaper,

and then they won't touch a thing.

Hey, I'm just writing the truth.

Don't be insolent with me, young lady.

Don't you have

better things to do with your time?

I'm preparing for culinary school in Paris

like Julia Child.

You have the brains to go to medical school

or law school someday.

Why do you want to waste your time

slaving over a hot stove?

Because it's what I love.

From this moment on,

your column, "School Lunch Confidential,"

is shut down.

But that's my access to free speech…

Maybe it will teach you
not to abuse the privilege.

Now go back to class.

A bit of advice,

girls with smart mouths
don't get far in life.

They just get into trouble.

Good day.

[SIGHS HEAVILY]

[SNIFFLING AND CRYING]

Now, Lauren.

How many days on prime rib?

31.

At two per day, that's…

496 pounds of standing rib roast,

380 pounds of onions,
273 pounds of potatoes…

Okay, slow down.

You were supposed to
be off this recipe a week ago.

But I want it to be perfect.

Perfection is a disease.

It only exists in a climate-controlled lab,

not in the home kitchen.

Now, you have been

crying every day for the past month.

Is it the onions, or is it the job?

I'm happy here, Denise, really.

It's giving me great experience,

and I'm saving up for culinary school.

Okay, good,

because I tasted yesterday's prime rib's,

and it was out-of-this-world.

Come with me.

Walk with me, talk with me.

Dexter Durant, do you ever watch this guy?

I prefer shows that are about food.

He's selling sex and hair product.

Mm-hmm. [CHUCKLES]

So, let's jazz it
out with my firehouse chili…

This was Dexter's audition video

for The Ultimate Star
Chef Classic Competition.

Start with some ramps.

Ramps?

What home chef has access to ramps?

Just say "leeks."

This is exactly the type of overwrought,

complicated-for-no-reason cooking

that I can't stand.

But he does have a book deal
with our corporate parent.

Unfortunately,

we have not been able
to get a page out of him.

He has fired three ghostwriters,

blown off two publication dates.

Sounds like a train wreck.

I want to pair him with someone

who knows how to write and test recipes.

I have been reading

your food blog, Lauren,

and I've been watching
your work around here.

I think you would make
a wonderful ghost writer.

Denise, I'm flattered, but…

We want social media involved,

and your blog is already
plugged into that world.

You are the perfect
choice on so many levels.

Ghostwriting is a thankless job.

Besides,

there are people far more
experienced than me.

I really appreciate it,

but I have to pass.

If the book gets published,
there is a $25,000 bonus.

Last time I checked,

that would pay for your first
year at Cordon Bleu.

That is my dream.

I've always wanted to study in Paris,

just like Julia Child…

Julia Child. I know.

You remind me every morning.

So, is that a yes?

[♫♫]

[TV THEME MUSIC PLAYS]

[AUDIENCE SHOUTS] Let's!

Get!

Cooking!

[AUDIENCE CHANTS] Let's get cooking!

Let's get cooking.

[APPLAUSE]

Ladies and gentlemen,

from Studio 29

in the heart of San Francisco, California,

put your hands together

for your Bay City Chef,

Dexter Durant!

[APPLAUSE]

Let's get cooking.

[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]

One more tip

you want to glide your blade
through whatever you're cutting.

Don't apply pressure,

just let the knife do all the work.

Okay, when we come back,

we're going to cure your fear of frying.

[APPLAUSE]

Cut! And we're out.

[BELL RINGS]

That was great, Dexter.

I know. Thank you.

I've booked you an aromatherapy session

for this afternoon,

and then your hydrotherapy session

for tomorrow morning,

and your organic cleanse…

No cleanse.

No cleanse…

Pages?

Where are my pages?

The network is breathing down my neck.

Look, I'm a little busy.

I've got this show, the restaurant.

The network wants to monetize your brand.

They can't do that without a cookbook.

So where are my pages?

It has to be perfect.

[DIRECTOR]: Right, 30 seconds!

Places, people.

Okay, I am speaking to you
as your friend and agent.

Don't play chicken with the suits downtown.

The talent never wins.

I'll take my chances.

And we're back!

In five, four, three, two..

[APPLAUSE]

And we're back

with deconstructed fried chicken

that'll make the entire state of Kentucky

weep with envy.

[APPLAUSE]

Cut!

And we're out!

[BELL RINGS]

Kenny…

I'd like you to meet Lauren Hennessey,

she's going to be Dexter's new ghost.

Did you bring your flak jacket?

Kevin! Where's Kevin?

Here, smell this.

[SNIFFING]

Breathe deeply, inhale.

Describe it.

Cilantro.

Yes, we all know it's cilantro.

What's the aroma?

Mexican food?

I have taught you this a hundred times…

Everything in my kitchen
has a flavor profile.

Cilantro should evoke citrus,

parsley, sage, even black pepper.

This… [SNIFFING]

Smells like asphalt.

Thank you.

Excuse me.

Fasten your seat belt, honey.

We're going in.

Dexter Durant,

I'd like you to meet Lauren Hennessey,

one of the best food testers we have

on staff here at "Food &
Entertainment" magazine.

I don't read "Food &
Entertainment" magazine.

No offense, it's a little Suzy
homemaker for me.

Well, our magazine isn't for you, chef.

It's for the home cook.

And I don't watch your show either,

it's a little too Alpha male for me.

No offense.

[DENISE CHUCKLES]

I have chosen Lauren

to be your new ghostwriter.

No.

No, no, no, I already told
you, I don't need a ghost.

Are you even a chef?

No, not yet, but…

Then absolutely no.

Lauren, is it?

You do science fair projects
in the test kitchens.

I'm cooking for real here.

[SCOFFS]

We offer our readers a valuable service.

It was nice meeting you,

but if you'll excuse me,

my schedule is a little tight.

You are my employee, Lauren, not his.

I'm in charge of this project.

You're staying.

It's going to be fine.

One of my secret ingredients
is coffee, freshly brewed.

I find it gives the chili
a nice bracing backbone.

How much coffee do you add
to a five-quart stock pot?

[SIGHS]

Kenny, I want you to get
nice in tight on this

when we're filming, please…

Sorry, I just didn't catch the measurement

on the coffee?

Why are you still here?

And where's Kevin
with my replacement cilantro?

I don't like strangers in my kitchen.

[EVERYONE GROANING IN DELIGHT]

Wow, incredible.

Best chili ever.

Thanks, man.

Let's see what the ghost has to say.

Ms. Hennessey?

Are you still with us over there?

Uh…

It's got amazing depth of flavor.

Hints of spice,

without sacrificing subtlety.

The coffee,

it's Italian roast,

extra strong,

probably reduced by half,

then added at the end.

Educated guess.

We wouldn't publish your recipe, chef,

because the home cook wouldn't
be able to replicate it,

not with missing or inaccurate ingredients.

But then again, maybe that's your intent.

[TELEPHONES RINGING]

Gio Scapellini?

Lauren Hennessey.

How do you know my name?

I've seen you around the test kitchens,

I've read your blog.

Thank you.

I think to myself,

she understands that food
is a celebration of life,

a celebration of love.

Um, what are you doing here?

I came to watch Dexter.

I someday hope to have a show like him,

perhaps a book deal,

and possibly a ghostwriter like you.

Until we meet again.

Ciao.

[♫♫]

So…

How bad was it?

He's not a horrible guy, per Se,

he just expects everyone to live up to

his near-impossible standards.

Hmm, sounds like somebody else I know,

huh, sis?

Hmm.

[CHUCKLES RUEFULLY]

I've dealt with temperamental chefs before.

I have a feeling
that ghostwriting is going

to be 25% writing
and 75% baby-sitting.

[CHUCKLES]

Oh, by the way,

I ran into Gio Scapellini today.

Oh, is he gorgeous or what?

We love him at the network,

and he tests well across a broad demo.

Hmm.

Last week, you weren't dating anyone,

and now you have two handsome
men in your life.

Can I switch bodies?

One of them is an incorrigible Italian,

and the other won't
even acknowledge my existence.

Switch bodies all you want.

All I care about

yeah, seriously, cookbook,
can you make this work?

I actually think that I can
learn something from Dexter.

He cooks with such passion.

Oh, you should have
tasted that chili today.

It was out of this world.

Well, these TV Chefs

are not sound investments for us

unless they perform on all platforms.

You sound so corporate, Nan.

He accepted a lot of money
from us for a book advance,

and there's nothing to show for it.

He's reckless.

I got it.

I'll be careful.

Okay.

I… I just don't want you to get
to hurt in the process, okay?

I can take care of myself.

It's going to be fine.

Okay.

[HUM OF BUSY CROWD]

She's an amateur food writer

who knows absolutely nothing about cooking.

Pork roast up on two.

I want more garnish
on that before it goes out.

DJ says she was really hot, man.

Ah, recipe testers
are like trained monkeys,

they keep doing the same
thing over and over again,

until eventually, they drop dead.

She'll be gone in a week, trust me.

[CELL PHONE RINGS]

[TYPING RAPIDLY]

[RINGING]

Hello?

Lauren, hey, it's Dexter Durant.

I felt like we got
off on the wrong foot today.

I want to apologize.

Thank you.

I wasn't expecting that.

Well, why don't you come by my restaurant

before we open tomorrow?

We'll have a drink, we'll start fresh.

I've always wanted to check out Vertigo,

but reservations are impossible.

Well, that's not a problem anymore.

I'll see you at 4:00.

Hmm.

[TYPING RAPIDLY]

I love that Julia Child put
herself through culinary school

when it was mostly men.

The whole Cordon Bleu
experience is overrated

if you ask me.

Culinary schools produce nothing

but generations of glorified food chemists,

slaves to the recipes.

Some of our greatest chefs

went to cooking school.

"Throw caution to the wind."

Excuse me?

That's my signature cocktail.

It took me two years to perfect that.

Oh my, that's… amazing.

It's refreshing,

yet herbal.

You know, I've been thinking
a lot about our collaboration.

One of the problems
with being a ghostwriter is

you never get to work on your own stuff.

I'm used to working
on other people's recipes

in the test kitchen.

In fact, we're not supposed to…

Spread your wings?

Isn't that what you really want to do?

Yes, of course.

When I'm ready.

When I've been to culinary school.

When I have some more experience.

"When? When?" When… what?

What are you waiting for?

I want to do this book, Dexter.

It could drag on for months.

Your spot in the test kitchens
might not be waiting for you.

I appreciate your concern, Dexter,

but your reverse psychology

is not going to work on me.

I'm staying.

Finish your tenure in the test kitchens.

Then get out and start
cooking for yourself.

All right? Cook your own recipes,

cook your own vision,

your own future.

I'm tasting ginger,

and some bitters,

homemade maybe.

If we're going to include this

in the cookbook,

I need to know everything about it.

So tell me about these juniper berries.

It's not going to be
in the cookbook, all right?

Those ingredients are proprietary,

the fact that we're talking
about the cookbook

makes me not want to have a cookbook.

No cookbook.

I'm not doing a cookbook.

No.

I'm done.

Yup.

[♫♫]

[SNIFFS]

[SIGHS]

[TALKING QUIETLY]

Good morning, everyone.

You soaked the juniper berries in gin

to intensify their flavor.

This is amateur hour.

I give you…

"Throw caution to the wind"…

2.0.

Come on, Dexter,

taste it.

Impossible.

You paid someone on my staff,

you put Erik up to this…

[CHUCKLING]

Chapter one, page one.

"Cocktails."

Shut it down, Kenny, I'm done.

What?

The crew's waiting.

I can't blow the schedule!

Dexter?

You can't leave now.

You've got to prep for "Good
Morning, San Francisco!"

Look, lady,

there's a lot of us around here

counting on Dexter Durant.

Don't screw this up.

I thought I was doing the right thing.

How did I do?

[SIGHS]

Unbelievable.

Good morning, San Francisco,

and you're late?

Uh-huh.

They want us to start with appetizers

as a preview of the cookbook.

I've got garlic and fresh tomatoes

for bruschetta.

I've already typed up the recipe

and given it to the hosts.

I hate this dog-and-pony stuff.

Where have you been?

You're on in five minutes.

Ugh, look at these bags under my eyes.

You were at the restaurant late last night?

You knew you had to be up early.

Thanks, mom.

Oh! [WINCING]

Jeez…

[GROANING WITH EFFORT]

It's a lot of work, being you.

You have no idea.

Just…

Yeah…

Okay, can you just…

Can you…

I need a moment.

Can I… a moment, please?

Okay, people, places, please!

We're about to go live.

[SIGHING DEEPLY]

Showtime.

Good morning, San Francisco.

I'm Rhys Alexander.

And I'm Kimberly Caldwell.

And today, we have

chef Dexter Durant on our show.

Welcome.

Thank you.

Looks like our celebrity chef

isn't used to getting up this early.

[CHUCKLING]

Well, we all can't be
morning people like us.

Not like you and me, of course.

So tell us, chef Dexter,

what is the first thing you say

when you step into the kitchen?

Ah, "Let's get cooking!"

Whoo!

Okay…

How's the manuscript coming?

I've basically been banished

from the kitchen at Vertigo.

He won't give me recipe proportions

for anything,

and he treats me like his assistant,

not his writer.

It's like he doesn't
even want to do the book.

He has got a lot riding on this.

We both do.

Oh, I'm sorry,

I didn't realize that you had a TV
show up for renewal.

Forgive me.

The network won't guarantee
him another season

without that book.

I expect to see some pages soon.

…and we're live!

All right, I've got some fun,
fast, easy recipes.

Foolproof, too.

If you've got a big date coming up and you
want to impress that special lady or dude,

I've got something for you right here.

Here we go.

All right.

So, you want to cut that basil
nice and fine, put that in.

A little garlic,

you want to smash that.

Smash!

Garlic smash.

Put that in.

All right, good for the immune system.

You know what I'm saying.

Okay, so now a little help
from a chef's best friend…

Oh! Oh!

[SQUELCHING AND SPLASHING]

[HOST GASPS IN CONSTERNATION]

Uh…

Ooh, um, we are just
going to clean this up,

and we'll be right back.

[BELL RINGS]

Hey, hey, hey,

where are you going?

This is ridiculous, I'm done.

No, you can't.This is live,

and we have to promote the book.

[SIGHING]

Look, just act natural, go with the flow.

It makes you seem sort of appealing.

Thanks?

Okay, look…

When the going gets tough…

The tough make bruschetta.

[BELL RINGS]

And we're backing five,

four, three, two,

one.

I guess professional chefs aren't immune

to kitchen disasters.

Well, mistakes area part of life.

When life gets tough,
the tough make bruschetta.

[HOSTS LAUGH IN DELIGHT]

So, what are we doing next, chef.

Well, next time I visit, I think
I'll wear a Hazmat suit.

[LAUGHTER]

That's a good one.

Okay, when we come back,

we are going to taste this
delicious bruschetta,

but first,

let's toss it over to Mary-Jo Olsen,

who's with the man

with the world's largest collection

of stuffed cats.

Wow.

I know.

And we're out!

Yes!

They loved you.

How did you come
up with that bruschetta line?

You're brilliant.

Yeah, it just sort of came to me.

[TROLLEY BELL CLANGING]

Nan, I'm telling you,

you should see the routine he goes through

to transform himself.

It's exhausting.

I have a feeling there's
another Dexter Durant

beneath all that hair product.

Anyway, I'm heading over to Vertigo tonight

to get him to try to work with me.

Wish me luck.

Smells great.

Yeah, the dinner crowd was crazy,

and I'm still not done
with these appetizers.

Well, we need something

for "The taste of San Francisco" tomorrow.

They're sending a car at 8:00.

This is a new recipe, all right?

It's giving me a little trouble.

There's an element that's missing.

Look, then let me help.

You can say you don't need me

all you want,

but I'm not going anywhere.

And I can help you.

You saw what I did this morning.

Can you cut potatoes?

Absolutely.

How many pounds?

Two handfuls.

And can you just, like…

Back up?

Yeah, it's a little frustrating.

I can't concentrate.

13.5 ounces.

How do you do that?

I just see everything in terms
of weight and volume.

It's like the numbers are floating around,

waiting for me.

All right, well, two handfuls,
not a two-page explanation.

So, that "Good Morning,
San Francisco" video,

it's already up to two million hits.

You're a natural on camera.

You know, something struck me this morning.

When the blender went crazy,

and stuff went everywhere…

Your reaction was very
honest and vulnerable.

Then you went back
to playing Dexter Durant.

Are we going to cook,
or are we going to talk?

And… you're obviously very good at it,

because you're doing it again now.

Okay, you know what?

I think we're done here.

It's time for you to go home.
Dexter, we have so much work to do.

I'm going to finish up on my own.
Thank you for your help.

Out you get.

I'm going to do it on my own.

Thank you.

Dexter…

Okay, all right.

[GROANING] Okay…

[♫♫]

Dexter?

I hope you're ready.

The car's going to be here soon.

Dexter?

Dexter?

[WHISPERS] Four pounds of onions.

What are you doing here?

Morning, sunshine.

Do you have an extra change of clothes?
The car will be here any minute.

Uh, no, we've got to cancel, Lauren,

this was a disaster.

I was up all night. Just
throw all this out.

I don't think so.

That's incredible.

What did you do?

You, uh, you infused
the cream with something?

I added saffron and cayenne.

I thought the base notes could
use a little reinforcing.

Huh…

And you came up with this?

Necessity is the mother of invention.

Saffron.

Why didn't I think of that?

So, we're going to do this every day.

Until we finish all eight chapters.

[CAR HONKS OUTSIDE]

Come on.

"The Taste of San Francisco" awaits.

Brilliant.

Absolutely brilliant.

[GPS VOICE]: Approaching Durant residence

on your left.

You have arrived at destination.

Dexter?

Dexter?

Hi.

Oh, hey, you're early.

This place is incredible.

Yeah, it's my little acre of heaven.

Here, I got something for you.

Here.

- Mm, delicious.
- Right?

And these will be on someone's
dinner plate tonight.

Actually, most of the produce I use

at the restaurant,

I grow right here.

You know, it's my secret to success,

use only the best ingredients.

And thanks for coming all the way
out here, by the way.

- I know it's a bit of a haul.
- Oh, that's okay.

I love the city,

but it's nice to be able
to come out here and escape.

And thanks for, you know,
really stepping it up.

Excuse me?

Oh, you saved the day

during "good morning, San Francisco,"

you rescued my baked-potato appetizer,

and it really took guts.

Thank you.

Anyway, let's go get these
cleaned up, what do you think?

All right.

Lavender.

When I get to France someday,

I'm going to smell the real thing.

That is the real thing.

Come on.

This is not at all what I was expecting.

And what were you expecting?

Big architectural pieces,
leather furniture,

a lot of mirrors.

[CHUCKLES]

Yeah, well, I'm going
to go jump in the shower,

we'll get started.

Make yourself at home?

Okay.

Hmm.

…so after my folks split up,

my mom, my sister, and I,

we pretty much had to fend for ourselves.

My mom got a second job at night.

No fancy bread-makers
or forged-steel knife sets.

My sister, Diane, and I,

when we got home from school,

we'd go to the fridge
to see what was there.

I knew my mom would be exhausted

when she got home from work,

so I decided to help.

I'd invent dinner from whatever
I could find in the fridge.

I'd just cook from the heart.

It was the only kind of cooking I knew.

Food is the love that kept
my family together.

My name is Dexter Durant,

and this is my story.

[TROLLEY BELL CLANGING]

[BIRDS TWITTER GENTLY]

[SHUTTER CLICKS]

Hey.

Hey.

So do you have a no-shoe policy?

Uh, I leave my work shoes at work.

There's nothing better

than walking through the garden barefoot.

I mean, we're in the country.

Anything goes. There are no rules.

Hmm. I feel liberated already.

Right?

There's something I want to ask you about.

Later. Right?

You want to talk recipes?

You want to discuss the book?

Then it's time to cook.

Have you eaten today?

Does a protein bar count?

No, it does not.

Let's go.

It's the simplicity of salad
that most people miss.

They lard it up with so much stuff,

and then pour all that bottled dressing

all over it.

We can do better.

You know, when I was a kid,

my favorite thing was eating tomatoes

right off the vine.

Yeah?

I like to cut these close to the base to…

…leave a little to encourage
new growth.

Yeah.

[SNIFFING]

Oh, that's fresh.

All right, let's get some other vegetables.

We've got some green beans,

some Persian cucumbers here.

Be careful not to bruise the greens

when you're submerging them.

You love that little notebook,

don't you?

Always have, ever since I was a kid.

Well, no more hiding behind that keyboard.

Come here, I could use a hand.

These leeks need a good dunking.

Don't be afraid to get a little wet.

You're not going to melt.

Okay, uh…

[STAMMERING AWKWARDLY]

Okay, here, sorry. Here, please.

Sorry.

Ladies first.

Now, I'm going to get
started on the dressing.

I like to dissolve the salt in the vinegar

before I get started.

The reader's going to want to know

exactly how much salt.

Okay, you decide.

You make the dressing.

Oh, no, I couldn't.

No, let's switch places.

You cook, I'll take notes.

I'm fine. Really.

Do I make you nervous?

No.

Not at all.

All right.

The secret is in the ingredients,

the technique is simple.

Now, grab that Spanish olive oil

right over there.

Now, what do you want to add to it?

Um…

You know, I really shouldn't be doing this,

this is your recipe…

Wrong answer.

You've got the whisk, you're the chef.

You're at home,

what do you want to make for yourself?

I would add some shallots, some chives…

Okay, stop right there.

Shallots? How much?

And chives, one tablespoon or two?

Half a medium shallot,

and one tablespoon of chives.

We don't want to overpower the dressing.

Great. Keep going.

This bread smells incredible.

You hungry?

Always.

Let's go.

Cheers.

To chapter three.

"Salads."

We got a lot done
today, 15 pages.

You know, seeing you out here,
in this environment,

it kind of shook loose some ideas,

for the cookbook.

You know, I think this
approach has been all wrong,

this tough guy you play on TV

I have something else in mind.

Okay, if we're going to be
collaborating like this…

I owe you an apology.

I said some very…

Stupid and hurtful
things since we met,

and I want to apologize.

I'm sorry.

Thank you.
I really appreciate that.

Since we're being so candid,

I have something to confess.

While you were in the shower today,

I found your video for the Ultimate
Star Chef Classic, and I watched it.

So you did make yourself at home.

I'm sorry, I shouldn't
have, but I did.

You know, it's totally different

from the one that the network has.

Yeah.

That's a long story, Lauren.

We haven't even started dinner.

Okay…

You want to know my big secret?

I hate him.

I hate him, "Dexter
Durant, celebrity chef."

That's who the public thinks you are.

That video you saw,

that was the first one I shot,

and when I submitted it to the competition,

they said that if I had
any hope of winning,

I needed more "edge."

My dad always said I was never
going to amount to anything.

I always felt like I was never good enough,

like I was always a disappointment.

I was a busboy,
I had a lot of student loans.

I had and a food truck
that needed a new engine.

You know, I'd-I'd seen James Dean

in "Rebel Without a Cause."

[CHUCKLES]

So I created this character, and, well,
that's where "Dexter Durant" was born.

I re-shot the video the next day,

sent it in,

and the rest is history.

So, it's all an invention?

Just a fake, a fraud,

and now it's spun

wildly out of control.

Is that why you come to this
place, to protect yourself?

[CHUCKLES RUEFULLY]

To protect myself from the guy I created.

It's like I said, we're
in the country, anything goes.

There are no rules.

[RAIN POURING, THUNDER RUMBLING]

[LAUGHS]

Come on, it's beautiful.

No way.

You're crazy.

It's amazing!

[LAUGHING]

Come on.

[BICYCLE BELL DINGS]

[♫♫]

I included some photos
that I shot on Dexter's farm.

Did you know he lives on a farm?

Really?

It made me realize that there's
this whole side of him

that we're missing, so I paired

some of my photos
with recipes as an example.

I deviated from the original idea…

Yes, yes, Lauren, I do
appreciate your efforts.

Um, why don't you leave this with me,

and I'll have a look at it.

You know, we miss you in the test kitchen.

We are keeping your spot warm just in case.

Okay?

Bye now.

[SIGHS TERSELY]

…I'm sorry to say this,

but who's the one with the show here?

Me or you?

[ARGUING QUIETLY]

Uh-oh. What's wrong?

Ah, pazzo, he bought the wrong fish.

No, I said wild Copper River salmon,
that's farm-raised.

It's all they could get.

They won't have Copper
River until next week.

Besides, no one outside the audience
is going to know.

I will.

It's my number-one rule.

"Always use the finest ingredients."

I say it in every episode.

We have a responsibility to the viewers.

He's right, Kenny.

I'm not going to bump the schedule

for some fancy fish to fly in from Alaska.

We've got an audience coming in at 3:00,

and they're expecting salmon.

Okay, here's a thought.

We're supposed to shoot bread tomorrow,

but we've got the sourdough starters ready,

so why not shoot it today?

We rehearsed salmon for this show.

We need the overhead rig for bread,

and it's not set up.

It's salmon or nothing.

No, Lauren's right, why
are we going to waste our time…

Salmon!

No.

Someone get the network on the phone.
They're not going to like this Dexter.

You're costing them money.

This is not my fault.

If I ran my restaurant this way…

Hey…

How's about a drink, huh?

Take your mind off things.

Besides, it's my turn to buy.

No, thank you, Gio.

I'm a little wound up.

Buona sera.

Lauren,
very nice to see you again.

Ciao, Bella.

[SNIFFING]

You know, he hangs out here an awful lot

for someone who's not on the payroll.

He likes the vibe.

He's learning the tricks of the trade.

He probably has a man crush on you.

[POWER SWITCH CLANGS]

Great, another day wasted.

Hey, I have a thought.

Since we're already here,

why don't we work on the cookbook?

We could do bread. I've got my camera…

No, I don't feel like
going through make-up and wardrobe…

You don't have to.

That's actually what I was just
talking to Denise about.

I want you unvarnished.

What does that even mean?

Candid. Barefoot.

Washing vegetables in the sink.

Nobody wants to see that.

I think you're wrong.

Well, it doesn't sound
very appealing to me.

Okay, why don't you trust me to do my job?

No costumes.

Just you.

It'll be fun, I promise.

You put a lot of thought into this.

Well, if you're going to push the envelope,
might as well do it right.

[CAMERA BEEPING]

Take off your shoes.

[SIGHS DOUBTFULLY]

[SHUTTER CLICKS]

This feels strange.

I don't know, doesn't it seem boring?

Mm-mm. [SHUTTER CLICKING]

Looks great.

Now, how can I help?

Um, flour.

Okay.

Thank you.

What are you doing?

I'm measuring the flour.

Oh, come on, measurements
and temperatures are crucial to baking.

You can't just throw in a couple
handfuls of this and a dash of that.

I agree, but today,

we're going to learn to cook from the soul,

not from the scale.

Did you ever make mac and cheese as a kid?

Sure.

And I bet you made your first
batch before you read the box.

Yes, that's true.

How did you navigate?

You used your hands,

used your eyes.

You relied on your natural
instinct for cooking, right?

I suppose so.

Mm-hmm, okay, so today,

we're going to re-instill
that natural instinct.

Culinary school can teach you everything

but a real chef science
cooks from the heart.

Dexter, you do realize

I have to translate this all into a recipe

at the end of the day…

And you will.

Do you trust me?

Yes.

Close your eyes.

No way. I still have to take pictures.

And you will.

Later.

We'll take all the photos you need.

Close your eyes.

[SIGHS NERVOUSLY]

You said we'd be having fun.

I'm not having any fun yet.

Come over here.

Where are we? What are we doing?

Shh, no more questions.

I want you to tell me
what 80 degrees feels like.

Here.

How's that?

Warmer.

And there?

It's almost there.

You are good. That's 79.

Come on back over.

All right, now…

Here we go.

Ready?

Now, I'm just going to add a little salt.

Okay.

Okay…

Now, I want you to make
an indentation in the mound.

Mm-hmm.

I'm going to pour
a little water into that well,

and I want you to mix it
together with your hands.

Dexter I can't see.

It's going to make a huge mess.

Yes, the bigger the mess, the better.

It's time for you to get messy.

Get in there.

Good…

I've never felt it come together like this.

That's the gluten fibers aligning.

Here, don't be afraid to get into it.

Let me show you.

It feels incredible.

Yeah.

We're getting there.

Okay, we're just going to let
that rest for a minute.

Can I open my eyes?

No.

Turn towards me.

Dexter, we shouldn't.

We should.

[TROLLEY CLANGING]

[♫♫]

[SNIFFING]

[♫♫]

[ROAR OF TRAFFIC]

All the department heads were there,

and Denise was talking about how
Dexter has become a liability,

and it's time to cut him loose.

I thought his ratings were huge?

Well, they were solid
for the first three years,

but they've been eroding,

and Dexter's become a pain to deal with,

and we still have no cookbook.

We're making progress, Nan.

[SIGHS]

Gio's pushing really hard
for Dexter's time slot.

We're putting him
in a competition special

against Dexter
to test his numbers.

[SIGHS]

Okay, this cannot leave this room,

but…

They're talking about canceling
Dexter's show.

I thought things were going so well for us.

You need to let go

of trying to control everything.

Nothing's ever going to be perfect.

It's sort of complicated.

[GROANING]: oh…

You've fallen for him,
haven't you?

[GROANS]

Don't lose sight of why you are doing this.

Keep your eyes on the prize.

And it is not him.

[TROLLEY CLANGING]

Now, there's something primal

about our desire to cook
meat over an open flame.

Maybe it reminds us of our primitive DNA.

Or maybe,
it reminds us of dad at the grill

on Saturday afternoons.

Cut!

You know I think we should…

Great idea.

Let's get some new steaks on the grill.

That was good. Perfect.

Yeah, I know.

All right, let's set up the next shot!

Buongiorno, Durant.

How are you?

Good to see you, yeah.

You look good, you look good, yeah.

Yeah, thanks.

Ciao.

Huh?

How amazing is this?

It's so nice to be outside of the studio.

Can I talk to you about something?

Yeah. What's wrong?

I don't like Gio hanging around set.

He's been asking questions about Kenny,

and your art director.

I think he's trying to poach your crew.

There's rumor she's getting his own show.

[CHUCKLES] Are you kidding me?

It's not going to happen.

You have no idea what they're talking about

behind the scenes.

Yes, yes, I like. I like.

I want the set to be like me.

Fresh, exciting.

Okay?

I like what you're got here, it's nice.

Three years ago,

when I first got to the network,

the top slot was occupied

by "Down Home Cooking with Peggy Sue."

I remember her.

She was all fried chicken and grits,

and then she just disappeared.

The network brass decided
that she wasn't sexy enough,

that her audience was graying too fast.

So they had me do a guest spot,

and then another,

and another.

They knew all along.

I'm the new Peggy Sue.

Don't say that.

April's been trying to warn me

forever,

I've just been too headstrong.

This is hopeless.

Well then, all the more reason

to hunker down on the cookbook.

We can get a couple more chapters written,

and submit it…

No, there's not going
to be a cookbook, Lauren.

I mean, you have great ideas, you do,

it's just…

I need to go back to what I'm good at.

Standing behind a stove at Vertigo.

Dexter…

Dex!

I'm going.

[SIGHS HEAVILY]

[♫♫]

Are you okay?

I've been worried about you.

I just like to get in the kitchen

and clear my head.

You're not cooking your last meal, are you?

What does roast chicken mean to you?

Holiday dinners with my family.

My grandmother helping
my mom in the kitchen.

The whole house smelling amazing.

Not a care in the world.

It's childhood, family and security.

Say that again.

Childhood, family and security?

That's the essence of your cookbook.

You, teaching us to connect

to childhood, family,
security through food.

That's it.

So…

What does roast chicken mean to you?

There's no special meaning.

It's just a dish that I rotate on my menu

every Sunday night.

Oh, come on, it has to mean something.

We connect to our families through food,

what about you?

You do not want to go down that road.

Dex, we all have baggage from our pasts,

but that stuff with your dad,

that was ages ago.

And it's not that easy
just to walk away from it.

I'm not saying walk away from it.

I'm saying…

Embrace it.

I'll call you later!

[GULLS CRYING]

[DOG BARKING]

[RINGS DOORBELL]

Hi, my name's Lauren Hennessey,

and I'm from "Food &
Entertainment" magazine.

We're doing a story on Dexter Durant,

and I wondered if I could
speak with his father?

Wyatt died last year, very sudden.

Heart attack.

He would never go to the doctor.

He always knew more

than the experts.

I'm sorry, I didn't know.

Dexter brought me flowers

after the funeral.

I barely knew him,

but we sat on the sofa and he held my hand.

Sweet boy.

He doesn't let the world
see that side of him.

Just like his father.

Hard as nails.

You know, Wyatt missed
those kids every day.

Dexter feels
like he was a disappointment to him.

A disappointment?

Let me show you something.

Wyatt loved his son so much.

He kept everything that boy ever did.

Wyatt was so handsome.

He looks just like Dexter.

And so damn proud of him.

I don't understand.

Wyatt went through a lot of effort here,

so why didn't he stay in touch?

I think his kids were a reminder

of his own personal failures.

He thought they were
better off without him.

Has Dexter ever seen this?

No, I just found it last month

out in Wyatt's workshop.

Wyatt loved his Sunday dinners,

always a chicken.

Dexter serves that at his restaurant
every Sunday.

Hmm.

Who saves something like this?

I mean, it must have been important.

"Firehouse chili."

It was.

Everything in here was.

Fathers and sons.

Complicated.

It didn't have to be.

[♫♫]

Kale? Seriously?

Morning, chef.

I've had it with these food fads.

Last year, it was quinoa,

before that, it was chocolate and bacon.

Kale is dead to me.

I'm with you, boss.

He's on his way.

Oh! Jeez…

Yeah, walk over the talent,

and you slay the goose
that laid the golden egg.

Well, the golden egg is kind of tarnished.

Yeah, so I've heard.

I was just in a meeting,

and you are shooting "Vertigo" next week

against Gio Scapellini.

And they're going to do everything they can

to make sure he wins.

You know what, I'm going
to show those network suits

that I'm not washed up.

We are going to do a fourth season…

I'm sorry, Dexter,
but they're talking

about canceling your show
at the end of the season.

What?

No, they're going to move
me to another day,

give me a different time slot…

It's the ratings.

Canceled?

And this cookbook mess, it's everything.

[KENNY]: Dexter!

Let's get cooking!

Yeah, one more minute.

Okay.

Does Lauren know?

She has to.

Her sister is VP of marketing.

I can't believe this.

These people are snakes.

I'm going to put out feelers
to the Cooking Channel

and PBS, and see
if anybody is interested

in picking up your option.

Hey, I'm so glad you haven't
started cooking yet.

I have something to tell you.

I'm sure that you do.

What's wrong?

Nothing, I just heard that the network
is canceling my show.

[SIGHS]

Dexter!

We need you in hair and makeup.

Two more minutes.

I didn't want you to find out like this.

It's not a done deal, it's complicated.

Complicated how?

The fact that you and Nan knew all along?

I just found out.

Yeah, I bet you did.

Look, it's not too late.

Wait till you hear where I've been.

I've got some ideas…

Really?

You have an idea,

what a big surprise.

You know, I've had enough of your ideas,

and this whole cookbook,

whatever this relationship is,

I'm done.

Dexter…

I was trying to protect you.

I thought if we could get
far enough into the book…

No, you were willing to do whatever
you needed to to get what you wanted.

I'm your ticket to Cordon Bleu, I get it.

I don't mean anything.

That's not true.

Are we ready yet? 'Cause I'm ready.

Let's go. Please.

Somebody had a late night.

Look at those eyes.

I got slammed at the restaurant.

Didn't get out of there till 2:00.

[SNAPS FINGERS]

[♫♫]

[SIGHING HEAVILY]

Showtime.

[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]

[AUDIENCE CHANTS] Let's!

Get!

Cooking!

[APPLAUSE]

Let's get cooking.

[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]

[BELL RINGS, ECHOING]

[♫♫]

[GRUNTING ANGRILY]

Think I'm going to plant
some artichokes in here.

Something sturdy

something dependable,

something I can count on.

Get rid of all these herbs and vegetables.

I'm going to have so much
free time on my hands,

why do I need these vegetables?

Dexter, we need to talk.

We have nothing to talk about.

I already told you.

Why did you come up here?

Dexter…

Listen to me,

I've finally figured it out,
how we can capture the magic.

Magic?

Where do you see any magic?

That first night we cooked here

was one of the most beautiful
meals I've ever had.

There was no shortage of magic.

Why do you care so much about this book?

Because I care about you,

and I'm not going to let
them do this to you.

I want to show you something.

I've done a few sample chapters.

We preface each recipe
with a story about your family

and your childhood.

Cooking from the heart.

This cookbook is the essence
of you, Dexter.

[SCOFFS]

And who is that?

Because I don't know anymore.

What's that?

Your father made it.

My father? How did you…

I went and talked to your stepmother.

She showed me this book
and let me borrow it.

It's filled with pictures
and stories about your family.

We can build the cookbook around this.

This is the real you.

I can't believe he saved this.

You tell me the story.

Firehouse chili and roast chicken…

They were the only two things
my dad knew how to cook.

[CHUCKLES]

And I'd…

I'd stand there on the stepladder

just watching him, next to the stove.

That was one of the…

one of the few things
that we actually shared.

You know?

On those days,

even for a moment,
we were a family.

And this is all I have left of him.

Your father loved you very much.

Sometimes, people don't know
how to show their love,

so they do it in secret,

with scrapbooks, and pictures,

and stories that they leave behind.

[CHUCKLES RUEFULLY]

He really did care.

You were always good enough.

More than good enough.

I don't know if I can do this, Lauren.

We can do it together.

Trust me.

[♫♫]

[ANNOUNCER PRACTICING]:
Ladies and gentlemen…

Ladies and gentlemen.

Ladies and gentlemen…

Welcome to a special edition

of Vertigo!

Knockout!

Knockout!

How are you feeling?

Nervous.

Excited.

Sick to my stomach.

All of the above.

Do you want your jacket?

I think I'm going to take a pass.

Not even for your entrance?

It's the unvarnished
version of me or nothing,

right?

Besides, I've got everything
I want right here.

Knock, knock, knock!

They're ready for you onstage.

It's a great turnout.

Now, no matter what they throw
at you out there, don't freak out.

Thanks, Nan,

but I'm not the one who needs the pep talk.

And where's Erik?

He should be dressed by now.

I told him to sit this one out.

Well, he's your best sous.

And there's no one I want on my side

more than you.

[♫♫]

Ladies and gentlemen,

welcome to a special edition of Vertigo.

[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]

Today, we'll be raising money
for the Mission Street Shelter.

Teams will be comprised of a TV
Chef and a sous chef.

Ingredients have been chosen
by local chefs.

[APPLAUSE]

And now it's time

to meet our competitors.

In blue,

your favorite Bay City Chef,

Dexter Durant!

[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]

And in red,

his opponent,

up-and-comer Gio Scapellini!

[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]

Gio will be starring

in his own Food & Entertainment TV
show this fall,

"Gio's Pasta al dente."

[CHEERING]

Chefs…

It's time to open your boxes!

Tomatoes…

Rose water.

Pasta!

Buckwheat pasta.

[CHANTING] Pasta! Pasta!

[AUDIENCE CHANTING AND CLAPPING ALONG]

Pasta! Pasta!

They did this on purpose.

Japanese maitake,

escarole,

sage…

fava beans…

Gio was raised on this stuff.

He practically lives and breathes pasta.

It's nothing we haven't seen before.

This whole competition is to showcase Gio.

We're supposed to lose.

You think pasta was a random choice?

Well then, why aren't you
shaking in your boots?

Because I have you.

I believe in you, you are a chef.

And one thing you should know,

is Gio's accent is fake.

He's from Cincinnati, not Sicily.

Really?

Yeah, we went out drinking one night,

and he totally forgot he had an accent.

Gio Scapellini is just a confection,

the same way Dexter Durant is.

Chefs, you have 60 minutes

to prepare a five-course tasting menu.

Good luck.

Start the clock… Now!

[BELL DINGS]

[SNIFFING]

You two think you really
have time for pillow talk?

Basil is basil, you silly girl.

If you say so.

[♫♫]

[SIZZLING]

And I've got the mushrooms…

And I've got the salt here…

They're like Fred and Ginger.

I like what I'm seeing over here.

Mm-hmm, looks delicious.

[SIZZLING]

[♫♫]

No deconstructed anything,

no towers of food,

just simple, straightforward cooking,

like you do at the farm.

Okay, you're right.

Paolo, I need you on the grill.

The maitakes are burning.

I'm draining the pasta.

This is why God gave you two hands.

Vai! Vai!

[LAUREN]: Dexter, they've
already got two courses plated.

We're not even done one.

Yeah, don't worry about it,
just keep cooking.

[ARGUING]

[POT CLANGING, GIO ROARS IN FRUSTRATION]

Oh!

[AUDIENCE WINCING]

What's wrong with you, huh?

[PROTESTING IN ITALIAN]

[GRUMBLING]

And… Stop the clock!

[BELL DINGS]

Chefs, put down your knives.

It's time for…

The twist.

"The twist?"

We have added three ingredients,

which you must include in your main course.

Air-chilled chicken,

Dulce De leche ice cream,

and licorice vines.

This is insane.

[ANNOUNCER]: Good luck.

Restart the clock… Now!

[BELL DINGS]

The chicken…

Okay, what do you want to do?

I had the whole menu planned.

We can do this.

How?

Okay, you're 11 years old.

You're standing in front of your mom's
refrigerator, what do you cook?

Come on, something.

Nothing's coming to me.

I need your help on this, please.

What would you do?

Okay.

What if we melt down the ice cream

and add a dash of Rose water,

then we'll puree the licorice,

saute some shallots and chives,

and we'll make a sauce.

It'll be the perfect
complement to the chicken.

I love that.

That's your first recipe.

[SIGHING] Yes.

[♫♫]

I like what I'm seeing over here.

At no time do her fingers leave her hand.

[APPLAUSE]

Do not trifle with this woman.

She knows her way around a chicken.

[SIZZLING]

And… Stop the clock!

[BELL DINGING]

[SIGHS WEARILY]

And this…

is my favorite part of the show.

Thank you.

What to eat first.

Ooh.

Oh.

Team Dexter, your grissini was sublime.

Pulling off a yeast bread in 60 minutes

is ambitious,

but delicious.

Team Gio,

your "Chicken under a brick"

was rustic perfection.

The sage and garlic under the skin,

I absolutely adored it.

My chicken was wonderfully
charred on the outside,

until I cut into it.

A little raw for me.

I was unaware this was a Sushi
competition, chef.

[AUDIENCE MURMURS AND GROANS]

Judges, have you made a decision?

Yes.

Team Dexter, team Gio…

For their extraordinary

yet honest

use of ingredients,

and the best meal

I have had in months,

we award the Kitchen Knockout trophy to…

Team Dexter!

[GASPS AND CHEERING]

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE]

Amazing.

[FERVENT APPLAUSE]

Chef Dexter,

chef Lauren,

congratulations.

Thank you.

[LAUGHING IN DELIGHT]

You know why we won, right?

Because we're the best chefs?

Because we worked as a team.

I couldn't do this without you.

[AUDIENCE CHEERING LOUDER]

That's lovely.

That's sweet.

[♫♫]

Beautiful writing,

beautiful thoughts on layout,

beautiful images.

Somehow,

you got inside his head.

You got inside his heart.

Congratulations, Lauren.

You're publishing the book?

[CHUCKLING] Yeah.

Not only are we publishing the book,

but the network has
decided to renew his show

for another two seasons.

That's incredible!

The ratings for "Kitchen Knockout"

were through the roof.

Twitter blew up about the chemistry
between you two.

Every woman I know wants the secret

of how you tamed Dexter Durant.

[CHUCKLING]

We are hoping to keep
you on our team.

We'd hate to lose you to Cordon Bleu.
So, we have big plans for you.

I still want to become a chef.

With all due respect,

why would you want to spend your life

slaving over a hot stove?

Opportunities like this
don't come by very often.

Think about it.

Your future here is limitless.

[APPLAUSE]

Wonderful.

It's great.

Hello, everyone!

Okay, just go.

Thank you for your patience.

On behalf of Food & Entertainment Media,

I would like to thank you
for coming here today.

We are here to witness the unveiling

of the season's most hotly
anticipated cookbook.

Please welcome Dexter Durant.

[APPLAUSE]

You should be up there with him.

Oh, it's fine.

There are so many people
that I'd like to thank,

so many people involved in this.

I know it seemed like it took forever,

but I think you'll agree,
that it was worth it.

[APPLAUSE]

And of course,

none of this would have been possible

without the help of one very
special person.

Lauren Hennessey.

[APPLAUSE]

Not only did Lauren take this photo,

but she also tested

and wrote the text for each recipe.

She isn't just a ghostwriter,

she's an angel.

She saved my life.

[APPLAUSE]

Don't miss a second of this.

Who said fiction is better than life?

There's just, um, one more change

that I'd like to make

before we go to print.

[APPLAUSE]

I think the world needs to know
who really wrote this book.

Dexter…

[FERVENT APPLAUSE]

Can I talk to you for a sec?

So Denise offered me a deal

on a second cookbook.

That's fantastic.

I thought you'd be smiling more.

We've both been avoiding it,

but we need to talk about Cordon Bleu.

[SIGHS]

It's been on my mind, too.

Look, tonight is a celebration of you,

and everything you wanted.

We pulled it off,

and brilliantly, I might add.

But now it's my turn.

I start classes in September.

I leave for Paris next week.

[SIGHS]

I knew all along.

Really?

You're going to be amazing,

and maybe one day,

you'll let me cook in your kitchen, chef.

Thank you.

[CLINKING GLASSES]

Who would have thought

Dexter would turn you into such a gardener?

I'm going to miss you.

Did you save all the heavy stuff for me?

It's not easy packing for two years.

Well, it'll go by in the blink of an eye.

Right?

We've got holidays, summer break.

We'll Skype all the time.

Am I making the biggest mistake of my life?

I can always defer admission for a year.

This is your dream, Lauren.

You now know you have the heart and soul

to be a chef.

Thanks to you.

I'm scared, Dex.

You're going to be fine.

School is just the beginning.

You're going somewhere.

I want to be here, with you.

I'm not going to stand in the way, Lauren.

All right, the whole
world's waiting for you.

[SNIFFLES]

You ready?

[SIGHS HEAVILY]

[♫♫]

Oh, merci.

Uh, Mon cafe?

Excusez…

Cafe? Please?

Your coffee, miss?

[GASPS]

What are you doing here?

I missed you,
and I took a sabbatical.

I want to do some traveling,
brush up on my French cuisine.

I missed you.

I missed you so much.

Oh, you have to try this.

Mm!

- Pretty incredible.
- Mm-hmm.

♪ One more kiss ♪

♪ two makes bliss ♪

♪ and the third's the charm they speak of ♪

♪ only you ♪

♪ only me… ♪

- No.
- No?

- Mm-mm.
- Okay.

[♫♫]

♪ What we are when apart from each other ♪

♪ sadly missing ♪

♪ the touch, the smile ♪

♪ the beat of our hearts ♪

♪ a country not left on anyone's chart ♪

♪ somewhere in between ♪

♪ life stops and it starts ♪

♪ we live in a world of love ♪

[♫♫]