Gemotions

“A culinary wasteland.” The critic's sentence echoed in Chef Kenji’s ears. He was at his desk. He hadn’t touched his food or his water since he'd read the review. He couldn’t. He had to think. He had to plan. He had to rebuild.

He reread his menu, his eyes darting across the familiar words. The descriptions now felt hollow, the dishes themselves a betrayal. His hands clenched into fists. He had to be extremely careful.

He made a list of every ingredient, every spice, every step of the preparation. He would leave nothing to chance. He spent hours on the phone, sourcing only the finest produce, the most exquisite cuts of meat. He would craft a new meal, a masterpiece.