Talk about kicking me when I’m down. Lena rubbed at her temples, a tension headache starting to throb behind her eyes. “I know. But I did what I did to protect Kyle and the family and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. I just have to hope karma is on my side and Cole gets his just desserts, no pun intend.” But then again…
“I totally agree. Thank goodness you’re out of there. Now, back to the fund raiser, let’s look at this menu and see what we have.” Gail ran her finger down the page, making ooh and ahh noises as she went. “This sounds pretty awesome, but I don’t like the chances of it coming in under budget. Have you priced it per head?”
Lena opened the folder and brought out another sheet and slid it across the table. “I need to know who is going to help me besides Kyle and Mama. I hope you have that under control because there is no way in hell we can cook and serve that many people.” Stay on track, Lena, just stay on track.
“The grade twelve’s usually help and some of the elevens have offered too.” Gail looked up from the menu. “But, once this gets out, I can imagine there will be a few people desperate to work in the kitchen with you—parents and the like.”
Guess that will be helpful and make life easier on the night. “So long as they have half an idea of what they’re letting themselves in for. It’s not an easy job being a kitchen hand. Tempers get frazzled and people lose the plot when the pressure gets too much for them.” As well she knew.
“I get that, and you can chat to them all before-hand anyway. I’m sure it would be a good idea to have a meet and greet before you decide who gets to work in your kitchen with you.”
Good because they wouldn’t have time for melt downs once she got going. “Yes, I really would. What about tables and chairs?”
“I can get Pete to bring those to Adam’s place on the truck. Nothing to worry about there, the school has heaps of furniture. You don’t need to worry about the barbeques either, he can deliver those.” She looked at the list of goods Lena had supplied. “Are you sure it’s going to be alright having it at his place? I know you said he doesn’t mind, but still…”
“Look, as far as I’m concerned, it’s perfect. Use your imagination and picture the longest lunch or similar. This is what I want to showcase if I can. Not everyone lined up in the school hall under bright lights being fed like cattle set out in a straight line. I want something different because that’s who I am.” At least that’s what I thought. She shrugged her shoulders. “You of all people know me, Gail. I could no more cook in somewhere like that than fly to the moon. I want character so next year when people look back on this night, they’ll get a happy glow and race to get tickets for the next one.” That was the plan anyway.
“You know you’re setting the bar high here don’t you? I doubt anyone else would dare take it on after you’ve outshone everyone. Not a wonder your restaurant was always so popular.”
“So be it. If you’re good for it, I’ll tell Adam it’s a go.”
“Hey, no problem from me, I promise.” She looked at the papers and frowned, running her finger down the list of requirements Lena drew up. “You need to price some hotplates and gas rings and any other cooking appliances you might need from the hire company. The school has all of the crockery and cutlery you could possibly want so that part is covered. Decoration is entirely up to you, but give a shout and we can get a group of people to help the day before.”
“Awesome. Adam said he would make sure it’s clean and mowed. The front paddock is good enough for car park usage. We’ll need lighting as well. Can you organize that for me with one of the parents? Surely someone has connections with a hire company in town. I’ll need as many strung bulbs as we can get our hands on.” May as well make this a night to remember.
“Sure, consider it done.” She cast her gaze over the figures on the sheet, mumbling to herself. Gail grinned and looked up.
“So your new neighbor is selling you the venison for your entrée cheap. He must like you.”
It would seem that way. “He’s a nice guy and that’s all there is too it. He wants to support the local community. He said something about culling the ones he couldn’t use for breeding so don’t go reading anything into it.” I’m trying not to.
“For now.” Gail sighed, putting down the sheet of figures. “You know, you’ve done well. None of the other years have been this cheap and they didn’t do anything anywhere near as posh as this. Just goes to show you how good you are, kiddo.”
“I’m not that good. You’re biased.” Lena blushed under the praise. And I love you for it.
“Read the rest of the article then.” She watched Lena pick up the magazine again and waited until she got to the part where the reporter made the comment about the menu being superb and obviously designed by the former chef restaurant owner, Lena Hawkins.
“The class of food on offer and the creative use of spices and local produce could only have come from Ms Hawkins. Having tasted her food many a time, (and swooned over every mouthful) I would recognize the style anywhere. It will be interesting to see if she starts up again so this gastronomic heathen can be tempted to follow her. Please get in touch and let me know if you see her in a kitchen somewhere trying to keep under the radar. I have
