Original subtitles

THE SPECIALITY OF THE HOUSE

I wanted to ask you

to show me those orders to Mexico.

The orders? Yes, of course.

Pardon.

Excuse me.

I'm sorry.

I'm really sorry.

- Easy, boy. - Thank you.

My God, that's typical of me.

You know what?

Put everything in order and then bring it to me.

Sir?

I haven't done the papers yet.

Beg your pardon?

I had a lot of work with the settlement in Lima.

And you yourself have said that we'd send it all in tomorrow's mail.

Man, why didn't you say so right away?

- Ehm... it wasn't the right time. - Time...

You shouldn't have stampeded him so much.

You yourself told him that everything was supposed to be sent by tomorrow's mail.

For God's sake, I just wondered if he already had it.

He could say he didn't have it yet, instead of crawling at my feet.

He's nervous, he's only worked here for a short time.

And he's afraid of you,

because he doesn't know you're only acting strict.

Because...

you are a shy little boy.

I'm not a little boy and I'm not shy!

I'm just not comfortable supervising anybody,

or even exhorting them.

I know, that's the reason why I love you.

Today is Monday.

I'm going to cook a leek pie with trout.

Then I should buy some Riesling.

He's bringing it to you, be nice to him.

I'm not sure

if it is right to be too friendly with subordinates, Costain.

And I'm sure it's not right to allow them to infringe a work break.

I'm really sorry, sir, I forgot to keep track of the time.

I've been talking with Mrs. Wolf about the new employee,

she had very interesting views and...

I employ her as an accountant.

When I'm interested in her psychological counseling,

I'll let you both know.

I understand, sir.

I apologize to you for the three minutes of delay.

I usually work one hour overtime, as you know.

- I will stay here today too. - But you don't understand me, Costain.

As the team-leader you aren't obligated to keep the breaks.

It's about your familiar attitude to people.

It is not good to go speak with our office workers.

After all, you have the phone.

Sometimes it is easier to go after them.

As you came to speak with me.

Brilliant!

I can appreciate the joke,

although it may not look like it

I want to discuss something with you right now.

Is something wrong, sir?

Where are you dining today?

And what will you have?

Most likely it will be trout, sir.

Trout...

Could you postpone the dinner?

I would like to have you...

as a guest tonight.

To be your guest?

I need to informally discuss with you some business matters.

I thought we could eat something together and on that occasion...

But if you can't, or do not want to go,

I will not, of course, persuade you.

I have the time, sir, because I want to go.

Where should I come to? I don't know where you live.

I do not accept visitors at my home.

I've lived alone for a long time.

It's not my fault.

We'll meet at seven o'clock on the corner of Svateho Krystofa and Hradebni.

By the clocks.

I will come, sir.

Unfortunately, I have no tuxedo or dinner jacket,

I don't go to restaurants or theaters.

Don't worry, Costain.

At Sbirro's, content is important,

not the wrapping.

What is the content of my wrapping?

In any case, I'll tell Marion I'll come just for a drink.

Just a one thing.

I'd be glad if the invitation

stays just between us.

Over there is Sbirro's restaurant.

It is a joyless place.

Sbirro's restaurant is not pretentious.

He refuses to make concessions,

though this modern neurological age attacks him.

Maybe this is the last restaurant in the city that has gas lighting.

You will find there original furniture

and the same exquisite sets of cutlery made of Sheffield steel.

And perhaps there are the same webs,

that were already noticed by the standing guests half a century ago.

Well, that sounds pretty unhygienic.

When you enter,

you will find that your mind has risen.

Not by luxury,

but by dignity.

By the lost attribute of our time.

You speak as if it were a temple rather than a restaurant.

Maybe I made a mistake when I invited you here.

If you wish, sir, I can go back to the program I had for tonight.

No! You definitely have to dine with me at Sbirro's restaurant!

You're probably the only person in the company who might appreciate...

good food.

And I already have to share with someone Sbirro's dishes.

You scare me, big boss.

Should I really leave?

Mr. Laffler with a guest.

Your coat, please.

Oh, so.

He's already waiting for us.

Have you noticed,

there are no women here?

Our old man is not gay, it would be known.

If this is reserved for lovers of the same gender,

then I have nothing to do here.

No, it is not like that.

Sbirro just does not like the ladies' clientele.

And I fully understand it.

I didn't notice any prohibition.

Sbirro does not forbid anything.

His method is elegant, furtive and the most efficient.

Not long ago I saw a lady experience it on her own.

She sat at the table for more than an hour,

she waited for the waiter,

but no one even noticed her.

And Mr. Sbirro?

He did not show up.

Maybe he pulled the strings from behind,

maybe he was not here,

in any case his victory was complete.

The lady did not come again,

nor even the gentleman who was accompanying her.

Is the speciality of the house being served tonight?

I'm so sorry, sir, not today.

It's been months now, I was hoping...

You have to understand the difficulties, sir.

Do you want to eat right now, sir?

Of course.

I wanted to introduce you to the finest food that Sbirro offers,

but unfortunately, it is not on the menu today.

I'd like to choose something else,

but I don't see any menus.

You still don't know that much.

Sbirro offers no choice,

we will eat the same meal as everyone else.

Very unusual.

Surely sometimes it can be inconvenient,

what if one does not have a taste for the food that is served one?

I guarantee you that you'll enjoy every mouthful,

even if your tastes are the most exquisite.

And think what sophisticated benefits this system has.

You have an enormous choice on a common restaurant's menu.

You are forced to make difficult choices that you may regret.

Freedom always brings some disadvantage.

Of course.

But the result of this situation is tension,

which, although insignificant,

necessarily leads to moodiness.

There is a chef, who in proper solitude,

concentrates all his talents on a single task.

And so he will achieve a perfect victory.

I have never heard you speak with such passionate enthusiasm,

even at annual meetings.

Business is business,

but this is a hobby.

Do you go to the kitchen often?

Unfortunately, the image I've created is only hypothetical.

It is composed of fragments I've put together over the years.

And I admit that the desire to visit Sbirro's kitchen

is slowly becoming my life's only dream.

Have you mentioned it to Sbirro?

A hundred times.

He always stays silent.

- This is a strange obstinacy. - No.

A perfect artist must never act under the pressure of petty compliments.

And yet I have never given up hope.

Well, why not make the old man happy.

- It is delicious! - Nonsense!

It seems to you that it does not taste and it needs some spice.

I know it.

I reacted quite the same way years ago.

I also wanted salt and pepper and found that Sbirro

doesn't offers any condiments.

Nor salt?

Nor salt.

The simple fact that you need it proves that your taste

is too badly jaded.

I'm sure that when you eat it,

you will find that you do not actually want any salt.

To my own surprise, I have to tell you you are right.

I should also prepare you for other remarkable features

that characterize... thank you... Sbirro's restaurant.

I will never come here again,

but at least we have a fine conversational subject.

There are no alcoholic drinks.

Only pure cold water is drunk here.

A little bit of alcohol wouldn't hurt you, you fogeys.

It is also forbidden to use tobacco in any form.

My God!

Isn't Sbirro's restaurant more a refuge for teetotallers,

than a sanctuary for gourmands?

When we finish the meal,

I'll explain the difference between gourmand

and gourmet to you.

Sure, old man, don't talk while eating.

What a theatre!

It smells nice.

Is it possible?

Marion cooks great, but this...

Enough, it's just food!

Can you imagine

that it would be necessary to speak during this extraordinary meal?

I sincerely apologize for all my doubts.

There is not a single exaggerated word in all the praise of the kitchen.

Well, admit it, is there now any need for alcohol?

Actually, I don't even have to smoke.

So you see.

When you're a long term visitor to this restaurant like me,

you won't even think about it.

Sbirro represents man

at the apex of his civilization!

Wait...

...I don't want to delay you.

It was a beautiful evening.

It's with coriander, as you like it.

It's excellent, as usual.

I don't feel like food today.

What happened?

I'm tired after this evening's event.

I'm going to sleep.

Aren't you staying here? It's Monday.

Let's leave it until tomorrow.

Trout and all the other pleasures of Monday.

Maybe it will be more interesting on Tuesday, life changes.

Don't you like it with me anymore?

I mean, even more interesting.

What did you eat and drink at Laffler's that you don't even want cognac?

How did you know I was with the boss? I didn't tell you that... nobody.

Who could you possibly be with, sweetie,

all you know in the whole city are people from the company?

Don't call me sweetie, you know I hate it!

And I don't like it when you care too much.

I'm sorry.

Sleep off your grumpiness and come tomorrow.

Are you excited?

We agreed that we are only workmates here in the office.

Come in time so that we can cool the Riesling properly.

I will probably have some work to do.

Please?

Never mind, put that bottle under your coat.

Why?

Your warm heart will cool it well.

It's okay, sir, I checked it twice.

Put it in the mail and make a copy, okay?

Of course, sir.

A lemon.

Beg you pardon?

At seven o'clock at the usual place.

What exactly is the speciality?

- Nightingale’s tongues? - No.

Fillet of unicorn?

No, nothing so trivial.

A gourmand requires an increasingly wide range of experiences

to satisfy their supersaturated senses.

A true gourmet has a penchant for quality and simplicity.

The old Greeks enjoy eating olives.

The Japanese contemplate in their bare rooms

the curve of a single flower stem.

So it is...

a potato!

A lamb!

If I had to use my own words

to describe what I think of a speciality,

I would have spoken in verse

and you would have considered me mad.

I'm listening intently, sir!

It is neither the fatty chop,

nor the too solid leg;

it is, instead,

a select portion of the rarest sheep in existence, named after the species

Amirstan lamb.

Amirstan?

A fragment of desolation almost lost on the border separating Afghanistan and Russia.

I gather it is no more than a plateau

which grazes the pitiful remnants of a flock of superb sheep.

From chance remarks dropped by Sbirro.

It looks the same as yesterday.

But it tastes different!

Totally different and great!

Well?

A Miracle!

It is better than yesterday!

The train was late, I was afraid I wouldn't make it.

Is the speciality being served tonight?

I'm very sorry, sir, but there's no speciality today.

All the better, I'm much too tired,

maybe I wouldn't even enjoy it to perfection.

When you taste the lamb, you will no longer be amazed.

That magician Sbirro

had somehow acquired the exclusive right

to buy sheep from the herd.

That is why he is the only one

who offers lamb from Amirstan.

Whenever you start talking about the speciality, you become a poet.

When you taste it,

you will understand that it is pure poetry.

Well, after all, it's just food.

You will make Sbirro happy.

Thank you.

Are you saying

the owner will be here today?

I mean, he'll come here someday and he loves verbal skirmishes.

Great!

Then I'll tell him straight away he shouldn't excite his regular customers

and tell them about the speciality at least one day in advance.

So they don't rush like animals.

Regular customers rush from thousands of miles of business trips,

not only because of the speciality,

or because they have a month's subscription or two.

Who doesn't understand that every meal at Sbirro is worth a little effort,

shouldn't come here!

Great.

I'll pay.

Do they take checks?

I...

I did not voluntarily choose this solitude.

You can laugh at me,

or think that I am an eccentric,

but in my heart I feel that this restaurant is not just a family,

but also a friend to me.

Poor old man, he doesn't have much.

I understand that and I appreciate you bringing me here.

If you really insist, you can write a check

that also works as an order for tomorrow.

It is not excluded that we will have the speciality.

But I can't promise you firmly.

Only God and Sbirro can do this at the moment.

Third time lucky!

At least we will finally discuss work matters.

Apparently I am a bad employee.

I completely forgot about my job here.

Here you are only my friend, Costain,

and you will be evening after evening.

Tomorrow, and after that never again, even if I have to lose the speciality.

How much money should I write?

I'm so sorry.

That sometimes happens, sweetie.

You've been working into the night for 12 days,

you're just overworked.

I appreciate you coming here.

I shouldn't have listened to you, I shouldn't have come here at all!

Now I will just get depressed and not fall asleep until morning.

You can stay here.

We'll just lie side by side

- and in the morning... - By no means.

If you eat a little, have a little drink,

you will sleep like an angel.

I told you I've already had dinner.

Now when I work in the evening,

I order food from the Japanese restaurant across the street.

Laffler went crazy,

why didn't the others have to work?

This is top secret.

It concerns several of our affiliates abroad,

they must not know that we suspect them.

I'll bring you some food from the French restaurant tomorrow night.

Japanese cuisine doesn't suit you.

I love Japanese food.

- Is it possible? - What?

Your tummy is growing.

That's because of the evening work.

I like it.

How long can it last?

When I get the chef's speciality.

At most...

A fortnight.

Did I startle you?

I thought the break was over.

Excuse me.

Hello, I'm glad to see you, sir.

Unfortunately, I can't come tonight.

Yesterday at Sbirro's you said you were coming?

And you paid for today...

...ordered.

Some family matters, I had no idea about it.

Do you have to leave?

I'll handle it tonight, sir.

You can count on me tomorrow.

But what if today...

I hope I will not have such bad luck.

You'll make up for it tomorrow.

We will...

Maybe just tomorrow...

Lamb...

...four letters...

Lamb...

Come to the table, sir, or it'll get cold.

Please.

Thank you.

Please.

The speciality of the House.

Bon appetit.

What time is it?

20:10.

Why?

Sorry, I have to...

I have to check something immediately!

You're really crazy!

I'm a guest of Mr. Laffler, I came late...

Come in, sir.

Good evening.

Sir?

You let me in!

Your hat and cloak, sir.

Excuse me.

Is the speciality of the house being served tonight?

Unfortunately not, sir.

The speciality is not today,

but I assume you still wish to be served.

Of course, I've thought of nothing else all day.

Did you manage everything quickly?

Yes, I did.

You rushed when you have prepaid, huh?

You know I didn't hurry here for that.

No?

So because of the speciality?

Well, of course I thought of it.

But most importantly, I realized that

an evening without this environment, with everything, including you,

is hardly enjoyable for me.

Yes, lover, family, friend...

all in one mouthful.

Enough!!

It's just food, just food!

I won't eat the two last pieces of meat and a half scoop of rice,

or I'm a loser and a quitter!

You enjoyed the meal extraordinarily today, didn't you?

I'm a loser and quitter today,

but tomorrow no one will see me here.

I hope we will have dinner tomorrow.

Or don't you have time?

I'll be very glad to see you, sir.

He signs it as if it were a death sentence,

I'll wait for the speciality, get to know Sbirro,

and then I won't come here again!

I won't come at least a few times.

It's good, right?

It's better than you imagined.

It is as impossible for the uninitiated to conceive the delights of lamb Amirstan

as for mortal man to look into his own soul.

You have just been initiated.

Perhaps you have just had a glimpse into your soul, right?

Without intending any disrespect,

I should hardly like to build my church on lamb en casserole.

Just don't let yourself be intimidated, Costain,

Sbirro is a dog that barks but does not bite.

It won't take long, he will introduce you to all the exclusives of the restaurant,

except for his precious kitchen, right?

Mr Costain will have to wait a little longer for that.

Tell me the truth, Mr. Sbirro.

Has anyone except your staff entered the sanctuary at all?

Of course, some of our most regular guests.

Which of them? I'm jealous!

None of those present here.

But this very dear friend of mine

and longtime guest is proof that my kitchen is not inaccessible.

Isn't it the famous writer? Well, you know, Laffler,

he wrote those fantastic stories and then suddenly disappeared in Peru.

Of course!

I've sat under his portrait for so long and I didn't realize it at all.

His disappearance must have hurt you greatly.

It was, I assure you, gentlemen.

But I am comforted by the fact

that he was even greater in death than he was in life, agreed?

He was a very sad and lonely person.

And he often said

that the only happy moments are the ones one spends at this table.

It's pathetic, of course.

So don't be surprised that I showed him the favor

and showed him my kitchen.

You talk as if you're sure of his death.

As far as I know, there is no proof of his death.

No proof at all... and now excuse me, duty calls.

He really didn't come, poor man.

I believe it’s the first dinner he’s missed here in a whole month.

Dear friend,

the poor man had not missed a single night in five years since I saw him there.

Do you understand?

Five years!

Did he really never miss one evening?

No.

Tomorrow, when he finds out he has missed the speciality,

it will be worse for him than death.

Great!

Okay, will you tell it me tonight?

Kiss!

Bye!

You've been avoiding me for a month!

Could we solve it after work?

I agree!

Tonight?

I already have something.

- Tomorrow? - I probably won't have time off either.

How long should I wait before you have time for me?!

Don't shout, please!

It's a lie that you'll inspect an affiliate in Mexico.

The gatekeeper told me that you didn't come here last night.

And they didn't bring any food for you from that Japanese restaurant.

You should have said straight away that you don't care about me,

it's humiliating.

I'm sorry, it's my fault, we'll break up.

- Are you with anybody? - No.

So you go to the whores.

I've been, a couple of times.

It's easier, isn't it?

You pay and then you have peace, but I could be silent, too.

Laffler praises you.

He raised your wage.

You'll have almost twice as much as you've had so far.

I guess you're really doing something for him.

If you could explain it to me, I would understand.

You don't go smoking, you don't go for coffee,

Do you think I'll bother you in the hallway?

Don't worry, I'll leave you alone!

I...

don't smoke anymore.

And I don't like coffee anymore.

You're ill?

I've never felt better.

Are you tired, Mrs. Wolf?

Take a day off today.

On the company's time!

We've never talked about work matters in the evenings,

but today I have to make an exception.

I'm worried about the Mexican affiliate.

That's unbelievable,

just today we talked about it with Mrs. Wolf,

actually, I told her six weeks ago...

Help! Help!

- Help! - Something is happening there!

Help me!

Stop, what you're doing!

Let him go, do you hear? Release him now!

He’s either out cold from liquor,

or he struck his head going down.

In any case, it’s a job for the police.

- Yes. - No, sir, no police, please!

Mr Sbirro does not want such.

But, I do.

That man, sir,

he makes a most erratic way while walking,

and without meaning to I pushed against him.

Then he attacks me, accusing me of robbing him.

Search me, sir.

But I believe you, go, they'll treat you in the kitchen.

I can't get the incident out of my head.

A civilized man in all his glory.

Reeking with alcohol,

strangling to death some miserable innocent who came too close.

Surely there’s a reason for that man’s condition.

Of course there is.

Plain atavistic savagery!

Why do we all sit here at our meat?

Because our atavistic selves cry for release.

Do you remember that I once described Sbirro as the epitome of civilization?

He fully understands the nature of human beings.

He bends all his efforts to the satisfaction of our innate nature

without resultant harm to some innocent bystander.

When I think back on the wonders of lamb Amirstan,

I quite understand what you’re driving at.

You see, and I will be unlucky this time.

I’m off to Mexico.

One month, Lord knows how long.

For I have found some discrepancies.

Nobody knows about this except myself... and now you.

When you go in tomorrow

you’ll find yourself in receipt of a promotion.

But...

It has nothing to do with our friendship either.

The company thinks I went on a trip...

- Do you understand, Costain? - Sure.

I informed Sbirro

and I asked him to hurry with the lamb this time,

but I can't wait any longer.

I'm leaving tomorrow.

This will be in the nature of a farewell celebration.

- Do you wish to be served now, sir? - Of course.

I do hope that when you’re sitting over your share of lamb Amirstan,

you’ll think of me with suitable regrets.

Maybe tomorrow?

Honestly, I wish, that you wouldn't have to go anywhere.

In a month, no more than six weeks, I'll be sitting here

with you again.

The bald guy hasn't been here for a month.

My life. I owe it to you. I can repay you!

You have repaid me sufficiently with your thanks.

By the body and blood of your God, sir,

I will help you even if you do not want!

Do not go into the kitchen!

I trade you my life for yours, when I speak this.

Tonight or any night of your life,

do not go into the kitchen at Sbirro’s!

What is all this about, gentlemen?

Sbirro, thank heaven you’re here.

This man is saying something about my not going into your kitchen.

- Do you know what he means? - But of course.

It happens that my too emotional chef heard some rumor

that I might have a guest in his precious kitchen.

And even though I assured him

he was an old friend leaving us for a long time,

that fool got into such a rage, gentlemen!

He even threatened to give notice on the spot.

Fortunately, I succeeded in showing him

what a signal honor it is to have an esteemed patron

and true connoisseur observe him at his work first hand

and now he is quite amenable, right?

Quite.

You are at the wrong table, see that it does not happen again.

Now I am afraid that the cat is out of the bag.

This invitation to you, Mr Laffler, was to be a surprise;

but the surprise is gone.

I am faced with a dilemma of great proportions.

You, Mr Laffler, have been my guest for...

ten long years.

But our friend here...

I understand perfectly.

This invitation is solely for Mr Laffler.

As it happens,

I have an early engagement for this evening and must be on my way anyhow.

No, absolutely not.

I won’t enjoy the experience half as much if you’re not along.

Surely,

Sbirro can make an exception, this one occasion.

Please.

I’m not going to spoil your great adventure, Laffler.

You’re being very decent, Mr Costain,

I assure you that one day you will also get the opportunity.

Be careful that the angry cook does not attack you with a meat cleaver!

You can't be sure about him, right?

I’ll just say goodbye, and leave you to Sbirro.

I’m sure he’ll take pains to give you a good show.

The month will pass in no time!

I will expect you, Mr Costain!

How about taking a break?

Now?

Why?

- If you need to leave for a while... - No.

I meant a social break rather than a toilet break.

I just need 10 minutes for a snack and 30 minutes for lunch.

She's making up for you, Felix.

She won't be able to drink coffee for that.

Hopefully the new director will be much nicer on smokers than the old one!

A Director? He is not only his deputy?

It will be official from tomorrow.

I'd better go.

The office manager doesn't have to rush.

What do you mean?

He will announce it tomorrow.

Pack your stuff, Felix, there's a room waiting for you.

- But how do you know? - I know everything,

at least a day earlier.

Shall we celebrate?

Come to my house tonight for dinner.

Do you like a good food?

Who wouldn't?

I wanted...

I've been a little late, I'm sorry, sir.

The office manager...

does not have to respect the breaks required for ordinary employees.

But I...

Tomorrow it will be officially given to you.

I've watched closely how you have been working

and I am very satisfied.

Six months after the disappearance of our dear Mr. Laffler,

it is time to put an end to the temporary measures,

although of course we all hope that he...

But if Mr. Laffler returns,

everything will remain as it was before he went on that unfortunate inspection trip.

Naturally.

I need to discuss certain business matters with you.

Do you think that today you can get out of your,

certainly numerous, social commitments?

And come to dinner with me?

Me? Sure.

It will be possible to make time.

But I don't know your address, sir.

I live alone, not through my own fault, you understand

and I do not accept visitors at home.

But I do know a certain...

very nice restaurant.

But I don't think I have an appropriate suit, sir.

Don't worry about it.

At Sbirro's...

there is a homely atmosphere.

Translated by holahej 2017 - 2020. Proofed by corvusalbus