detail from: KRK Art dizajn

GORAN - THE CHEF

NOVEL

As Goran’s schooling was going on, from year to year he was better and better. He started to express his interests for additional subjects, regarding food chemistry and nutrition, which in some cases confused his teachers. Occasionally, teachers had to look through the scientific literature in order to give Goran’s full answers.

Even before entering his high school Goran knew what carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, lipids, mineral matters, as well as all components of the food, were important in human nutrition. He was confident that he needs to know chemistry and nutrition, in order to prepare the best and healthiest food components in each meal for everyone, and prove himself to become world recognized. That was the reason why he loved subjects such as inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, chemistry of macromolecules, physical chemistry, and specifically chemistry of food. Beside all those Goran was very good in mathematics, as well as in all technical subjects, too.

For his admission for the first-year Bachelor of Science Goran had to have the best degrees in English, Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics. He already had it. Students focused on the Food and Nutrition of the Bachelor degree had to be prepared in an interdisciplinary approach that combines courses in Foods, Health, Nutrition, Human Ecology, Science, Business and Social Sciences. Since he lived in Ottawa, the nation's capital, with his parents, and his mom Sandra who had already worked at the National Research Council of Canada, governmental institution there was no problem for Goran to select any of the well-known universities. So, for the start they had selected the University of Carleton, Food Sciences and Nutrition program, in Ottawa, whose professors have strong links with government laboratories in Health, Agriculture, Food, Canadian Food Inspection, and National Research Council of Canada. The program was a four-year study.

In the Nutrition students studied Food metabolism, growth and repair, how food components convert into simpler components, used by the human body, and how food can lead to greater overall health. Later courses applied the knowledge to specialized topics, such as nutrition and diseases, treatment or prevention, sports nutrition or nutrigenomics (how nutrients affect genes).

Almost from the beginning Goran became involved in the research of the Student Undergraduate Research Award, with particular interest for involvement into the research of nutrition and the developing infants, and how lipids affect their brain. In addition, he joined the research group for neuroscience in biochemistry. Since Goran was oriented for the studies up to the highest grade (PhD) degree, he had selected to attend courses of Food Safety and Health, and as a career opportunity also attended courses for Health Education and Sport Nutritionists. He also participated in experimental laboratory work of food, nutrition and dietetic courses. When he obtained Bachelor’s degree, as one of the best at the university, he had been awarded the Governor-General Award.

For his Masters degree Goran decided to study at the University of Toronto, Department of Nutrition Science, and for his Doctor's degree try to be accepted at Harvard University. As usual, students apply to a few universities, at the same time, and after acceptance they select the one they prefer. Based on that experience Goran had applied to Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Princeton and McGill universities, expecting to select Harvard if they accepted him. Meanwhile, he went through the information, and found out that the University of Harvard is in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the Faculty for Food and Nutrition is located in Amherst. There are over 37,000 students a year, for all levels, while over 60 % are accepted. At that university they have programs for PhD in Public Health with concentration in Nutrition degree, at the Nutrition/School of Public Health Sciences.

While at the Masters Degree University of Toronto, Goran had studied other universities, just to have full knowledge of what each of those offers.

For Stanford University he found that their programs are at the School of Medicine, the nutrition studies are done at the research group of Prevention Research Center, focusing on nutrition intervention studies of diets.

Yale University concentrates on the topics of research in Food Nutrition Obesity, which was not of prime interest for Goran, since he planned to have his own restaurant of the first class and be a chef, not even university professor.

Princeton University in their program considers “Eating Well”, which covers the culture, religion, politics, environment, media, personal beliefs and preferences in the domain of health and nutrition. In their research main aspects were the real food with minimal ingredients, minimal processed, fresh or frozen, and in season as possible, choosing food grown locally or regionally, and if possible organic. Nutritionally rich food: fresh fruits, vegetables, skim and low-fat dairy, lean meat, poultry and fish, fiber rich grains (oat, buckwheat, legumes, nuts and others).

And finally, Goran investigated the University of McGill in Montreal, one of very well known Canadian universities. He had found that McGill has a School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition. Their primary mission is to improve human health, by training future leaders in the field of dietetics and nutrition sciences, in food safety and food security, as in the global, also internationally. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs, including PhD degrees. The PhD Program includes Human Nutrition in science or related areas, which corresponds to Goran the best. Careers include academic positions, senior government and industrial positions, etc. The PhD thesis allows for in-depth research in a broad range of areas.

After all, when Goran had finished Masters in Toronto, and worked a couple of years in restaurants in Toronto and Ottawa, he decided to enroll at the University of McGill in Montreal, as his plan was not to go for university positions, and that McGill University costs him much less than anyone in the United States. He even selected his PhD thesis which corresponds the best to the healthy restaurant nutrition.

While Goran studied in Ottawa and Toronto he had been going out with some girls, mainly from his faculty, but nothing serious, since he hadn’t planned to marry before he finished everything he had planned. In Ottawa, while at Carleton University, his girlfriend who used to come to Goran’s home and his parents knew her, was a very nice looking, fair-haired and blue-eyed, originally South-American. Her name was Mina and she was born in Canada, as well as Goran too. Her grandparents had immigrated from Peru to Canada, so she was a second generation Canadian. They were studying the same programs and when together at Goran’s home they spoke about special foods, and cultures, as well. Goran was very much interested in Inca civilization, especially since his grandpa had worked in Peru, as an expert, and visited Machu Picchu, and even climbed up to the top of Huayna Picchu hill. Goran’s grandpa Boris told children many times about his experience in Peru, especially pointing out writings of Swiss writer Erich von Daniken. He was amazed with Inca’s civilization, expressing also what evils Francisco Pizzaro did to Incas. Grandpa Boris once described to Mina that he had seen the statue in monastery Custodia de la Merced in Cusco, high 130 cm, made out of 22,200 g 22-carat gold, with 1518 diamonds and brilliants and 615 pearls, consisting of ruby, emerald and topaz. That statue was made from 1720 to 1804, in the style of French neoclassicism and baroque. When Mina heard that description, she said that she hadn't seen it, even though she once visited Cusco with her parents. She said that she would like to go once again with Goran, both to enjoy Inca’s civilization, which Goran would like very much, too. Boris’s experience in Peru was memorable for himself, as he had many unforgettable occurrences, and he loved Peruvians very much.

Goran was popular among his colleagues, and he loved his friends. At home, and every time when he was coming from Toronto, he mainly had spent his time with his cousin Vanya, who was a student in Toronto too, but two years ahead of Goran. They used to see each other often while studying, and knew each other too.

Goran had finished his Masters in 2035, when he was twenty four years of age. During the following summer vacation he told his parents that he plans to continue the PhD program, which parents accepted without complaints, mentioning only that with a Masters degree he already has his career and it’s up to him whether he wants it more or not. His father said that he will help financially how much they can, but it’s also his own responsibility to do everything on time. “No problem for that”, answered Goran. “You know that I have finished everything else on time and with the best marks, so I do not expect anything strange can happen to me. My plan is in fact to work a year or two before that, and find out exactly what would be best to do in the research”. That was between 2035 and 2036, when his mom Sandra was 63 years old, and already started to think about retirement. His father Luka was four years older than his mother, already ready to retire, but since he had been running his own private business, he didn’t think about it. They both were asking Goran to think about marriage and planning his own family. Goran’s reply each time was: “I am only twenty five, and still have time for that. I’ll do that on time, don’t you worry. You will be grandparents and have enough time to enjoy with grandchildren”. Goran found his first employment in a restaurant of hotel Chateau Laurier, near the Parliament building in Ottawa.

Fairmont Château Laurier stands as a testament to this dynamic, thriving city. Located next door to the Parliament Buildings, the landmark Fairmont Château hotel is a magnificent limestone of a French château. This luxury downtown Ottawa hotel near Parliament Hill enchants guests with its charm and stateliness. Summer or winter, there are healthy activities in the city. The Rideau Canal offers miles of bicycle and inline skating paths and the world's longest skating rink just outside our door.

In this hotel Goran got the best experience possible, since in this hotel the most prominent guests were served, so they had to prepare food of the best quality and based on different cultures. That was the best that Goran might have expected for the beginning of his career. As a beginner, he hasn’t been exposed personally too many guests, but besides that it was good.

Good experience for Goran was his learning of the French language. He had learned it in high school as an obligatory, but not much used. While in Toronto at the Masters program he didn’t learn it at the university, only a bit privately when it was necessary to ask and/or say something to someone. In the Chateau Laurier hotel most people spoke French more than English, so whether he liked it or not, he had to use it. But, since Goran planned to continue his study in Montreal it was an opportunity to know the language before time comes to listen to lectures in French.

Time was relatively short, so intensive preparation started. Goran had to reserve the church with a priest, a hall, City Officials, and himself as well. Ines was in a rush for the selection of wedding gown, beauty salon, and other necessary things too. Her mom Julie was the busiest one, who was taking care of everything for her daughter. Adrian was mainly joining Goran for men’s jobs, while Sandra tried to help Julie as much as it was possible and necessary.

The fall was ending and winter approaching, days were becoming colder, but still there was no snow before the middle of December. For Christmas day both families were together for final discussion of details. When Adrian and Julie asked Sandra for the reason why seventh January was selected for the wedding day, she and Goran have explained that it will be Orthodox Christmas by the Julian calendar, which Orthodox churches still celebrate, even though it is fourteen days behind Gregorian calendar. In-between they all celebrated the New Year 2040, while the newlyweds looked the happiest couple. Their life has just started. It was the beginning of their bright future. Very happy were both mothers, Julie and Sandra, especially Julie, whose only daughter is going to marry. She wanted to do everything which will be remembered. She didn’t think much about her son Dorian, who was younger and he is a man, so his time will come.

On the seventh day of January, Saturday, according to the arrangement, a limousine arrived at Adrian's home on time. It picked all of them, while the other one picked Goran with his family, and brought them both at the same time to the Notre-Dame Basilica church of Montreal. Newlyweds were decorated properly, as well as all invited relatives and guests. Bride looked gorgeous. Her wedding gown glistened in the sun, her blue eyes framed in beautiful makeup and white teeths shined as poured pearls. Golden earrings in Ines’s ears with emeralds shone like first morning rays of the May’ sun. Makeup even was not necessary at her face, she was natural beauty. Goran was serious, holding straight as a real gentleman. All others were nicely dressed, looking happy and joyful. Day was bright, everything was just as one can imagine.

Classic music was played, but very quiet, people could hear each other while waiting and speaking. Then, about two-thirty afternoon priests appear through the widely opened door. In front of them Ines in a long wedding gown, standing with her father Adrian, who was holding her left hand. As they moved towards the audience, two little girls of five years of age were holding the gown, which was much longer than her legs. Ines’s salute seen through the gown has shown her sports figure. They moved slowly, catching steps with the sounds of music, approaching two priests. One priest was Serbian Orthodox, and the other one French Catholic faith. When Ines and Adrian stop beside Goran, priests read them civil rights for newlyweds. There was absolute silence around. Then one priest asked:

“Are you Goran Filipovich taking Ines Bonneville for your wife”? “Yes”! Goran answered loudly. Than priest continued:

“Are you Ines Bonneville taking Goran Filipovich for your husband”? “Yes'! She answered, but not as loud as Goran. Then the priest added: “Now, I pronounce you husband and wife”! “You Goran can kiss your bride, and you Ines can kiss your bridegroom”! Finally, the priest asked Ines what family name she would want to hold. Her answer was: Both, Bonneville-Filipowich.

Goran removed Ines’s wedding gown from her head, they kissed a long and exchanged rings. All present applauded and started to congratulate them. First were two dearest mothers Julie and Sandra, after whom followed all the others. By that the official ceremony was over and celebration continued at the specially arranged hall, just behind the church. It lasted until six o'clock in the evening, and after that Goran invited all guests to the home, where celebration continued until late after midnight. Just about midnight, according to the customs, newlyweds went to their bedroom, while the others were left singing and enjoying themselves.

Early in the morning Ines got up first. She looked beautiful, and Goran didn’t take his eyes off her. Her seductive sight fascinated him, she was his Sleeping Beauty. They enjoyed each other very much. Ines felt herself like being in the sky. After returning from the bathroom she came to kiss Goran and wake him up. When Ines entered the kitchen her mom Julie had already prepared breakfast and coffee. Julie’s eyes were brilliantly shiny. It was Sunday morning and nobody had to rush anywhere. Julie phoned Sandra inviting her and Luka, Natasha and Vladimir with little Philip to join them for coffee, before returning to Ottawa. Sandra had accepted it and they arrived around ten o’clock.

While exchanging information about them-selves Sandra had told Julie that she already worked about twenty five years at the National Research Council of Canada, while Luka had his own company in telecommunication systems. They were able to raise children and give them corresponding education, and now both of them are on their own. Julie said: “Adrian and I helped Innes to finish the university, she is now a teacher, and Dorian is just about deciding what he would like. Somehow he is interested in sports, so he still doesn’t know whether he prefers to be a teacher for sports or be a sportsman himself. He likes both. Regarding sport disciplines he likes basketball and tennis. Adrian thinks that he will work a few more years and then retire. I have been raising children, while Adrian earned enough for the family, so I haven’t been officially employed, besides volunteer work that I did in the community”.

Early afternoon Sandra and Luka left, while Natasha with Vladimir and Philip decided to remain a bit more in Montreal. They liked the city, and wanted to stroll through streets full of passersby and tourists. Before returning home they went to a small restaurant, to have a drink and some dessert for Philip.

From Monday morning, January 9th 2040 Goran returned to hotel Omni Mont-Royal to work, and Ines continued at her school. She was teaching biochemistry and physics at high-school. Goran in hotel Omni Mont-Royal worked with the chef Mr. Anthony Cardin, as his deputy. When he started Goran expressed his opinion that his plan was to learn more about preparation of French specialties, and when he went to Europe his intention was also to specialize European foods of the first-class, such as French, Italian, Serbian and Greek. That was absolutely acceptable for Anthony Cardin, who gave Goran permission to obey him-self at home. Goran was satisfied too and he obviously learned a lot in Mont-Royal hotel. Hotel is located at 1050 Sherbrooke Street, West, in Montreal, which was convenient for Goran to go. Ines’s school was also located downtown, so they both used to drive one car, when it was convenient. Sometimes Ines had to go home before Goran, so in those cases she would take a city bus, without problem.

As the spring was approaching, the weather was becoming better and better, less cold and windy, with more sunny days. Even birds started to creep on trees around their house. In May everything was green, Ines’s birthday was approaching, her 25th birthday on May 22nd. For her birthday Goran bought her a brilliant diamond ring, and made reservations for their trip to Europe. The trip included a two months stay in Serbia, Greece, Italy and France. Tickets were reserved for the departure on July first, soon after Ines’s school year ended. And the return was booked for the end of August, just about a week before the new school years were supposed to start. Meanwhile, since the time of their wedding and the time of vacation they both lived at Ines’s parent’s home. Julie and Adrian insisted on that, as there was no need to rent an apartment before they had a definite plan of what they wanted to do. At the same time Julie, Ines’s mom, would be more alone in the house, then with Adrian and Dorian. Adrian was still more in Ottawa than in Montreal, and Dorian was more absent then present. That corresponded to Goran and Ines, as well. They had saved some money for down payment, when buying a house.

Time came and Ines and Goran had to pack the luggage for their trip, their honeymoon as well, to Europe. Ines was more concerned what to take. She needed dresses for every day, for evening outings, and for swimming too. But, as travelers, they were limited with their weight. Then Goran told her:

“Don’t take it too much, anyway. We are going to Europe where fashion is modern and you will definitely want to buy many different things too. So, the bigger problem would be on the way back. My suggestion to you is, take only necessary things, then you would be happier that you can buy more in Paris and elsewhere”.After thinking she agreed and added: “You are right, I’ll listen to you”!

It was Saturday afternoon, June 30th 2040 when Goran and Ines left Montreal flying to Europe for their combined trip, business and honeymoon. Their flight went over Zurich to Belgrade, where they arrived on Sunday afternoon. They haven’t arranged anybody to wait on them; they preferred to travel on their own. In Belgrade they stayed one day only, visiting a few places of general interest, and next day went to Novi Sad. In Novi Sad they had reserved hotel Putnik, located just in the downtown of the city, where they can walk and enjoy. For their visit to Petrovaradin fortress they took a taxi. In Novi Sad Goran had some relatives, from his mother's side, Anđelija and Arsen Popović, whom they informed about arrival and made an appointment to see each other, the other day. On Wednesday late afternoon they met and Anđelija and Arsen recommended Goran and Ines to go to one salaš in Čenej, ''Salaš 137''. That was a really good shot. Old fashioned farmer’s ambiance with perfect food and music characteristic for Vojvodina area, called “Vojvođanska tamburica”. They enjoyed it very much, plus Goran learned additional things about some local meals, such as “Ćevapčići”, “Karađorđeva šnicla“, „Praseće pečenje“, and for dessert „Štrudla s makom“. Recipes of those foods are mainly based on their grandma's, named „Bakini recepti“. That was an unforgettable night for Goran and Ines.

Next day, while strolling through Zmaj Jovina Street, a pedestrian area of the city, they went into the travel agency, asking for a good excursion through Serbia. A simpatic young lady recommended a tour for visiting monasteries. After her explanation Ines was very excited and they decided to take it. The tour had to start in two days. Meanwhile They spent one day traveling by bus through Vojvodina, just to enjoy its flat area, sometime in the far past called „Vojvođansko more”.

On Friday, July 6th the tour started, first visiting monasteries in Fruška Gora: Bešenovo (13th century), Krušedol (1509), Hopovo (1451), and Ravanica (1375). Although there are 17 monasteries in Fruška Gora there was no time for them all. In Serbia the included: Ljubostinja (1388), Kalenić (1407), Arilje (1296), Manasija (1407), Mileševa (1234), Sopoćani (1260), Studenica (1190), Gračanica (1310), Visoki Dečani (1327), and Lazarica (1376). On the way back they slept one night in Belgrade and visited the newest monastery in Belgrade „Sveti Sava“ and close to it also „Narodna Biblioteka Srbije '' and Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts. When they returned to Novi Sad, they had a short visit to monastery Kovilje (13th century), where they were offered a famous plum brandy „Manastirka“ and food prepared by Orthodox monk, which was also an additional experience for Goran.

The tour through Serbia, including Vojvodina, lasted a total 10 days, and it was exceptionally interesting and useful. Ines loved it very much too. Before that she never had in her mind that such a country could have such beautiful natural places and interesting history. She was glad to see it all. Marko was satisfied as much for himself, also for Ines too.

“Well, my dear, what do you think about Serbia? Goran asked Ines.

“I am amazed! I never thought about such a small country, to have so many historically interesting places. It is such a beautiful country and so good people. All people were honest and good-hearted. Even the food is excellent. For instance: “Palačinke with honey and nuts' ', or „Palačinke with kajmak“, one doesn’t know which is better. „Uštipci '' also were good, although with a bit too much fat. But “Karađorđeva šnicla” is phenomenal. “Ćevapčići '' are unknown to us in the west, so simple and so good. I know many different pies, but “Gibanica“is extraordinary. It tastes better than anyone I have ever tried. All in all, Serbian food is one of the best, as I can say. And, what is most important, most of it is based on old grandma’s recipes, and it’s all natural and healthy. I have tried „Sarma '' already in Montreal and it is so good, although I think it's mostly a meal for winter time. –It is, answered Goran. –Sarma is prepared in all households as a winter dish.

“What about the city?”, Goran asked Ines? “Novi Sad is just the right size of town for quiet life. I like its central part, which is adjusted for pedestrians only, there is no traffic, so people can walk and enjoy themselves. But you know what else? I love Danube's promenade the most. That is something great. Not many cities in the world have such a thing. Hundreds and hundreds of people walk there every evening, and everybody meets friends without any appointment. That's gorgeous. Even Fruška Gora is close, convenient for going on a picnic”.

“In general, Ines, you are satisfied with the visit to Serbia, aren’t you”? Goran asked Ines. “I definitely am”! She said. “Then we can go to Greece, as we plan”!

From Belgrade airport Nikola Tesla Goran and Ines flew to Athens by Serbian Airways on Wednesday, July 11th. It was sunny, just a beautiful sky clear, no single cloud. Passengers were quiet, walked slowly, taking their seats and adjusting hand luggage. Ines took her seat at the window. She liked to watch while flying. Goran took a booklet of information about Greece, and started to read it, when the stewardess announced that soon they will go, asking passengers to fasten their seats. While flying over Greece they both noticed the Mountain Olympus, and fifteen minutes later they were asked to get ready for lending.

In Athens they have reserved the hotel Electra Palace Athens, arriving in it about One PM. In the afternoon they joined a group of tourists visiting the first Acropolis, the hilltop temple mountain and Parthenon, Athenian temple ruins,built in the 5th century BC. Next day, Thursday, again with a group of tourists with professional guides, Goran and Ines visited the Heraklion Archeological Museum, and in the afternoon spent a few hours in the hotel pool.

On Friday Goran found a small motor boat from Piraeus port which took them to the island Crete, arriving in the afternoon to the hotel Kronos in Heraklion. There they were almost on the beach, where they spent most of the time, swimming and enjoying love on their honeymoon. One day, while there, they made an excursion to the island Santorini, and the other day visited the local Archeological Museum. Goran was also interested to see how they in the hotel prepare Greek specialties, which the hotel manager permitted him to watch, after hearing about Goran, who he was and what he had studied. Goran also told the manager that in Canada there are many Greeks and Greek restaurants, but just while he was there he was curious to see it in the original, himself. Goran used to take Ines every evening out to restaurants, ordering each time a different meal, just to try those as much as possible. Both of them enjoyed the food, as well as the warm sea water, but most of all they enjoyed each other.

Greek traditional dishes are: Barbouni; Dolmades; Gigandes; Gyro; Horiatiki; Keftedes and Kokoretsi. Some of those Goran tried, although Ines was suspicious of some. They both had tried the famous Greek Dolma, a family of stuffed vegetables common in Mediterranean cuisine. Also they once ordered a Dolmadakia, a stuffed grape leaves. One of Greek specialties is Burek, a family of filled pastries made of thin flaky dough. The same dish is well known in Serbia as a national dish. Other Greek well known foods are Kebab, known in Canada as well too. Known as Greek salad and Tzatziki. Also sweets are Chocolate Baklava with nuts, Kali Orexi, Kataifi and Kserotigana. Goran had taken recepies of some special dishes and in the restaurants he attended preparation.

At the beach they had a beautiful view of the sea, water was so blue, expressing its depth of the sea, while small waves were breaking in millions of white drops, like pearls. Gentle breeze was blowing only in the afternoon, while before noon the sea was quiet, and sunny beams were reflecting from its surface like from the mirror.

“You know what Goran would like,”saidInes.

“What”, asked Goran?

“Your plan is to have your own restaurant with world best specialties. I’d like, after your success, to buy something on an island like this and enjoy the rest of my life on the sea and sun”.

“Darling, '' added Goran, '' I expect that will be possible. Once we make enough money we can go wherever we want, why not? After we have our children, we will give them a good education and start their life, and after that we will be free like birds. Children will also have a place to come”. Ines jumps from her chaise longue and kisses Goran. He accepted that and grabbed her around her waist, pulled her over himself and continued kissing her. At that moment the whole word was theirs. They were relaxed, thinking about nothing but love. Mediterranean sun and sea water, with figs, watermelons and grapes gave them additional energy which was necessary for endless love. They obtained the bronze tan and Ines was beautiful more than ever. Her blue eyes were even darker than ever, face radiant, teeth white, and her smile was seductive. Goran loved her, and she loved Goran too. Their honeymoon on Crete will be remembered forever.

Ten days passed quickly and they had to take a boat back to Athens, where they floated to Italy. On that way they had passed through the Corinth Canal.

It will be continued

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