detail from: KRK Art dizajn

GORAN - THE CHEF

NOVEL

part IV

From Piraeus the passenger boat went through the Corinth Canal over the Ionian Sea and Adriatic to the town of Bari on the Italian coast. Bari is a town interested in the activity of the population. It looks like everyone is rushing somewhere. One can notice immediately South Italian temperament on streets and stores, everywhere. All streets seem to be too noisy. Goran and Ines haven’t had in their plan to stay in Bari any longer than necessary. They asked some passerby for the railway station and went there. The train to Rome was scheduled fifteen minutes after eleven, so they had to wait almost an hour-and-a-half, and they went to the cafe.

Traveling from Bari, the train route was to small town Adrian, on the Adriatic coast, and from there towards west to Frosinone and Rome. Soon after Adrian town Goran happened to be in the toilet, and just returned to the compartment, where he left Ines with an Italian couple. Suddenly in place Ascoli Satriano he heard a loud noise in the cart in front of theirs. Goran succeeded to enter their compartment and locked it, when they heard three gunshots.

-Che diavolo a chi (What the hell is that)?

-Qui gli attacchi si verificano di frequente (Here that often happen attacks), said a man.

-Nel sud Italia, che non può risolvere questo mole (In South Italy they never can solve that evil).

Goran and Ines didn’t know Italian, but somehow they assumed what the Italian coupe was speaking about. In about five minutes or less the train stopped, and a group of carabineers entered all the carts, running to all directions. Goran kept their compartment locked. Even when the carabineer tried to open it, Goran gave him a sign that there were no attackers in their compartment, which was possible to see through the glass door. While the investigation lasted the train was more than two hours, so they finally arrived in Rome late at night. Close to midnight, July 23rd, Goran successfully got the room in hotel Canada Best Western. Hotel was not far from the center of the city, relatively cheaper, and even Canadian.

When they woke up it was around nine o’clock, outside sunny, in the hallways of the hotel Goran heard some female voices, loudly speaking Italian. At that time Ines was in the bathroom. When she came out they dressed for long walks and went downstairs for breakfast. A bit after ten they were at the River Tiber, and continued for sightseeing. It was July 24th when they first wanted to see the Coliseum. Since the Coliseum is an iconic ancient Roman gladiatorial arena, historically well known, they spent almost an hour-and-a-half in its sightseeing. Lunch they took in a restaurant close to the Coliseum, where many people take place, so it was noisy again. Too many tourists are all over places, such as in the anthill. Ines had mentioned that Italy looks too crowded at summer time. Goran’s comment was:

“I don’t think I’ll have a chance to see any restaurant in regards to preparation of their food”!

You even don’t need it, added Ines. –We are all familiar with Italian foods. They mainly use dough products, macaroni and pizza, well known all over the world. Do not worry about that. Those who plan to come to your restaurant would probably not ask forpizza. You know how many Italian restaurants already exist in Montreal and all over Canada”.

“You are right”, concluded Goran, and suggested she have another visit in the afternoon, when it gets a bit cooler. Between five and eight o’clock they walked slowly, embraced through Piazza Barberini and Piazza del Popolo. As it was enough to walk for one day, they went to a smaller bistro, where only three couples were seated, having a drink and enjoying a light music. Goran found a table in the corner, under the hanging flowers, facing the backyard. Goran said: “We had enough disturbance today, so this is a better place to rest. My darling, what would you like to drink, first of all, and think what nice we can have for dinner”.

“I would like a big glass of cold water, first, and cranberry juice after, but in-between I’d love to have your kiss”. “Oh, this, what you ask in-between is the best serve, so you’ll get it immediately”.

While they were kissing a girl waiter approached, asking for the offer. Goran apologized to her, but she was only laughing nicely.

For the remaining two more days in Rome Goran and Ines have visited Villa Medici, Galleria Borghese, and Sapienza Università di Roma. For those days they didn’t want to rush and get tired. They preferred to relax, walking less crowded streets, hugging and whispering to each other love stories. They wanted to take Rome in their minds as a lovely place, remembered forever.

In the evening there was News on TV that in place of Asciali Satriano three bandits attacked the train for robbery, and two were killed, one robber and one carabiner. Other two were still escaping. The police were expecting to catch them soon, but remained that they were armed. Goran and Ines were lucky to escape it.

Going by train from Rome to Milan, Goran and Ines stopped for one day in Florence. They were known for famous Italian art in Florence, and that was a chance to take a look at some of it. First, what they were interested to see was something of Michelangelo. After taking a hotel room and visiting important buildings in the central part of town, they went to the University of Florence, after which they visited Art di Firenze Galleria dell Accademia, to see David (1501-1504). Same day they visited Florence Academy of Fine Arts. In the evening they walked around River Arno, just for relaxation and enjoyment. Next day they took a short visit to Michelangelo’s Institute of Florence, and in the afternoon spent a couple of hours at Riccardi Medici Palace (an iconic Renaissance palace & museum). Two days in Florence gave them a general impression about Italian arts, and with satisfaction they continued by train to Milan.

Milan is the Italian city of fashion, for Ines the best place to fill up her soul with the latest trends in the world. Goran and Ines arrived in Milan around noon, July 31st it was a hot day the sun was burning. They had reserved hotel Michelangelo in advance through the internet. The hotel was with whirlpool, tubs, plus bar, restaurant & free breakfast buffet. Its location was a walking distance from the city center. After taking a room they first took a shower and spent about an hour in the swimming pool. When the sun was approaching down the west and the day temperature became bearable, Goran and Ines took each other’s hand and walked the square. First, it was impossible to miss Milan's Cathedral, an impressive church of fantastic Gothic architecture. It was Tuesday afternoon, at the time when most Italians finish their work, except those who work in shops. Also many tourists were walking in all directions. Goran and Ines entered the Cathedral, which was so impressive inside, looking much bigger than when watched from outside. Inside was very quiet, hundreds of people walked slowly in silence, while one priest was watching to all visitors, ready to answer questions, if such. As planned to stay a few days in Milan, Goran and Ines didn’t rush, so that night they went to a restaurant to have a diner with Italian specialties. Restaurant was nicely decorated with lots of flowers hanging on the walls and ceiling. On every table a vase with a fresh bouquet of flowers, food smells and ambient is very impressive. When the waiter approached Goran asked him for cold drinks and local specialties. They were served with a dish of fish, and at the end good Italian pastries and typical Italian gelato. Ines has enjoyed everything she had seen and expressed herself by kissing Goran, when he hugged her in the semidarkness. Music was quiet, the atmosphere adjusted for those who were in love. When the waiter offered them coffee, they felt that he had disturbed them from dreams.

Next day, it was also very hot. Goran and Ines had dressed light, ready for longer walks. They have joined a group of tourists visiting Museo Poldi Pezzoli (Collection of European master paintings), which took them over two hours. After lunch in a small restaurant, they joined another group visiting Museo Nacionale Scienza (Science museum). Before evening they walked through the Orto Botanico di Brera (Botanical garden). Ines enjoyed being between a thousand different flowers. Everywhere the flowers were full of bees and other insects. Bee’s buzzing was natural music, pleasant for ears, and flower colors for eyes. Evening was again for their-own enjoyment. They went to bed earlier, to rest and have an unforgettable love. Goran enjoyed fondling Ines from her face down to the top of toes, mainly holding her breasts, while kissing her. She loved him more than anything in the world. “I love you Goran, so much”, she said. “I love you too, my dearest Ines. I am happy to have you”.Goran had reminded Ines that they are on their honeymoon, which both of them will remember forever. They were making love and whispering to each other, how much they love each other. They felt that they were in the sky. Enjoying love they didn’t notice that it was late after midnight when they slept. When they woke up the sun was already high in the sky, but they didn’t have anywhere to rush. After breakfast they decided to go to places where good shopping is. They were informed that in Milan there are over two hundred shopping and fashion places. There were fashion places of Armani, Versace, Calvin Klein, as well as others, such as: Burberry, Dolce & others. That full day they spent through shops, enjoying fashion and buying many exclusive things for Ines. That was most probably her happiest day of her life. To be married to the boy she loved very much, traveling through many European countries, enjoying love and buying anything her heart wanted. She can’t imagine anything better. For that evening Goran gave both of them tickets for theatrical performance in La Scala Opera house. That was their culmination, they have reached the top.

For one more day in Milan they left a relaxing visit, just walking in the morning and evening, and spending a few hours in the swimming pool. They enjoyed gelato and coffee, summarizing through discussion what they have had so far. In the evening they packed the luggage, prepared for traveling to Paris, the City of Lights and fashion.

“You know Ines what I was thinking last night before going to sleep”? “How can I know what you were thinking if you don’t tell me”! “I think that we can go first to some of France's resources, before going to Paris, as it’s so hot, and why should we stay long on the concrete”. “I agree, my darling, let’s do it”!

They went to the bus depot in Milan, bought tickets to Nice, and the bus route took them by highway A7 down to Genoa. Genoa is located at the Ligurian Sea, which is actually the Mediterranean Sea actually. In Genoa there was a bus change which took them by the coast near Savona, Alassio and Sanremo. Highways go around all those places, but it entered Sanremo, as its very well known place for international song festivals, and there were some passengers who had to stay there, as well as some new ones who came in. In Sanremo the bus stays half-an-hour, so it was possible to have a cold drink and a coffee. From Sanremo it didn’t take long to get to Nice, where it arrived about one o'clock in the afternoon. At the bus depot taxi drivers were offering transportation and at the same time rooms for tourists. As Goran and Ines hadn't had any reservation they asked for a room close to the beach, and the taxi driver took them to a private house at Rue de Rivoli, which goes out to the sea at Neptune Plage. There Goran accepted it for one week.

They arrived in Nice on Monday, August6th and stayed until next Monday morning August 13th. On the beach they were swimming every day, partly sitting in the shadows, while enjoying cold drinks. The most relaxing time they had was lying in a chaise longue under the umbrella, hugging and watching far away on the blue sea with waves, which were breaking as they approached the coast. Many young people, with some children, were jumping into waves and screaming. While Goran was whispering to Ines, she fell asleep. “Wakeup darling, it’s time for lunch”. “OK, let me stay just a few more minutes, until I orient myself where we are”. “We are in Nice, Mediterranean Sea, France”.

Very close, just about hundred meters, across the Promenade des Anglais, there were two restaurants Le Chantecler and La Rotande. Both were nice and with light music while lunch was served. Some days they used to go to one, the other day to the other one. For the evening walks just across their street was a small park, Jardins du Musee Massena, around the Ville Massena. From their house towards the center of Nice there were tens of different restaurants, of all nations, such as: Chinese, Japanese, Cubans, Spanish, Greece and others. Seven days pass fast. Nice is a very well known tourist attraction, weather was very good, Goran and Ines were in love, enjoying every moment being together. Almost every night they had phoned their parents. Ines used to speak with her mother much longer than Goran, when he phoned his parents too.

When they left Nice it was Monday evening, August 13th their bus traveled overnight. As soon as the bus left the depot, an hour later both of them were sleeping in dropped seats, touching each other’s face.

The Nice bus route was by the coast Cote d’ Azur to Cannes, then A8 by continental part to Marseille, where from north by A7 all the way to town Lyon. When in Lyon it was already morning, we had to change buses and have breakfast with lots of coffee. From Lyon they continued almost at ten o’clock by A6 all the way to Paris, arriving there late in the evening, Tuesday, August 14th. In Paris Goran had reserved the hotel Prince Paris, which was relatively close to the Eiffel Tower.

“I am so tired, even though we have been sitting all the way in the bus, but being sitting twenty-four hours is too tiring, so I am going to take a shower and not wake me up tomorrow morning, regardless how long I will be slipping”!

“Don’t you worry, my dear, sleep well, '' replied Goran to Ines, ''

I'll probably do the same thing. “Tomorrow we don’t have any special plan, but relax”.They both slept like logs, and Goran woke up first at nine-twenty-five. He left Ines to sleep as much as she could. When she was up they had breakfast and lunch at the same time.

“Tell me Ines, what would you like to do today”?

“My preference would be to walk and walk, but walk outside, not inside any institution”. “Then I can recommend Montmartre or Bois de Boulogne, where we can spend a lot of time watching painters do what they do, and see Paris from a hill”. “That’s good, I accept it”. “Let us go”,said Ines. At Montmartre they were from about three to seven, enjoying light walks and discussing with some painters. On the way back they saw the famous night club Moulin Rouge, where they had a drink, while watching some performances. In Montmartre there was a museum of art and history, Le Musée de Montmartre, but Ines said: “I told you, for today there are no museums, nothing, I just want to be outside. We have seen enough of those painters in real life. “I would be ready to walk today through the Bois de Boulogne forest, but forget it for now. I know that there is only one Paris, the City of Lights. Also, I know that the main landmarks in Paris are: The Eiffel Tower, the Louver and Notre Dame”.

On sixteenth of July in the morning they went to the Notre Dame Church, even though it was Wednesday. When there is no mass it was nice to attend in church to listen to silence. Notre Dame Church is created for that.In the afternoon, the same day, they went to the Louver Museum, where they have spent eight hours, although one can spend days there, and never see everything. The most impressive thing for everybody is the Mona Lisa in the Louver. In the Louver visitors have benches, where they can take a rest. Louver is the Paradise for everybody’s soul.

On Thursday Ines and Goran visited Eiffel’s Tower and the University of Sorbonne. Both were walking distance from their hotel. From Eiffel’s Tower it was a phenomenal and unforgettable view to all of Paris. Good view from there is to the Chaillot Palace, with beautiful gardens, across the river. In the distance it is seen the national monument the Arc de Triomphe, as well as Avenue des Champs-Elysees. From its top they noticed the boat which floats all the way by the River Seine, and decided to take a ride. It was nice to float on a boat in the evening, when all lights were on, so at that time they saw Paris as the “City of Lights”, as it is known all over the world. From Seine they have seen it in reality.

For the three remaining days in Paris, Goran and Ines had spent their time in Musee Galliera. That is a museum for fashion of clothing and accessories and fashion shops. Ines loved models designed by Christian Dior and Nina Ricci the best. In fashion shops Ines was buying what she wanted to bring from Paris. She enjoyed the Bottega Veneta shop, where they sell Italian leather goods. In the New Look shops there was casual clothing, and in the Claires mainly youth jewelry. Ines loved so many things, but Goran didn’t save money for her. He said: “Ines, you know how much I love you, so take what your heart loves”.She kissed him in the shop, and Goran hugged her, returning her a kiss too.

Walking the streets there were hundreds of small shops with wonderful products displayed in the windows, which were attractive to the eye. Since days were fairly hot, only those places around the River Seine felt fresh, easier for breath. Evenings were used for good restaurants, where Goran was ordering French specialties, asking waiters about food preparation. Flowers were on each table, fine china and sparkling crystal too. As the sun set in the restaurant candles were let out. Goran started a conversation with one of the waiters, telling him: “We are from Montreal, which is mainly French populated, and we are planning to have our own restaurant, so it is always good to know details from the original people”. The waiter was very polite and gave some explanation, but also added: “I think that you can ask our manager, he will most likely permit you to spend some time with our cooks”.Goran thanked him and they disappeared gracefully.

By the time of finishing their stay in Paris, Goran and Ines had to buy two more pieces of luggage to pack all bought things in Milan and Paris. But Ines said: “I am happy and glad that even if we have to pay additional price for overload I do not regret it. I love everything I bought”. Goran looked at her with a smile, saying: “You are lovely to me, I love you. It is happiness to have you like this. You are so sweet. I am glad I have you”.

Last night in Paris Goran and Ines spent time in the prestigious restaurant Pierre Gagnaire, where the atmosphere was excellent and the meals exceptional. In that restaurant Goran asked for permission to see their kitchen, which was permitted by him. A few of French dishes are as specified:

Coq au vin (chicken roasted with wine, mushrooms, pork, garlic and brandy). Cassoulet (white beans stewed with meats, typically pork or duck).

Chocolate soufflé (baked egg with origins in early 18th century). Tatin is a French apple tart made by mistake in 1898.

For good-bye from Paris at the airport Charles de Gaulle over the public-address system Mireille Mathieu was singing La Paloma Ade. It was something to remember forever, leaving the City of Lights with such a nice voice. “I have a feeling that the whole of Paris is saying good-bye to us now, with this song”, said Ines. “This song is just at the right time for us, I agree”,added Goran. “Paris is the world capital. In Paris there are all sorts of things for everyone, at any time. I love Paris”.

Flight was in the early afternoon, arriving in Montreal the same day, late afternoon, local time. Both parents, Julie and Adrian, with Sandra and Luka were waiting, eagerly anxious to see their children, and heard how they spent their time.

On the way home Ines told how she was excited, visiting all four countries. She said: “In Serbia I am fascinated with all monasteries and their food. Oh, the food is delicious. In Greece sea water is so clean and warm, it's an enjoyment to swim there. In Greece they also have lots of fruits, of all sorts. Historical monuments are important to see, although we all know about those things from school. In Italy Milan was the best. Milan is Italian, as well as the world's fashion city. Oh, it’s gorgeous to shop there. I love Paris too. In Paris one can spend weeks and weeks for sightseeing and enjoyment everywhere. We had a very good time, we enjoyed every moment of our time. Our honeymoon was great, I felt like being in the sky”.Both mothers were listening with satisfaction, and kissed her at the end. Goran was speaking less. He mainly confirmed what Ines had told them. His satisfaction washerimpression.

By the time they were at Riviere home, supper was already prepared. Adrian invited them all to the table, and offered a drink for welcome home. It was August 22nd, Wednesday, ten days left before Ines’ school was supposed to start. Goran said: “I will contact Mr. Anthony Cardin, chef of Omni Mont-Royal hotel, tomorrow, hoping they will accept me again”.When they met the next day Mr. Cardin listened to Goran’s experience from the vacation, regarding his interests for food preparation in different countries. He was surprised to hear details about Serbian food. Not many people in the world pay good attention to smaller nations, even on their food as well. Goran promised him: “I will prepare all those specialties and you will taste each of those, so have to convince yourself. When you do it, then you will get your own opinion”. Hearing that Mr. Cardin added: “Goran, you can come whenever you are ready”!

Ines and Goran were seated at the backyard of her parent’s home on a two-seated hanging bench, Ines leaned her head on Goran’s shoulder, while he was reading her a book. Sun was considerably hot and she fell asleep. Since they just returned from Europe, their biology rhythm hasn’t been adjusted, so they felt sleepy in the afternoon, but used to wake up early in the morning. It always takes a few days for that adjustment, to some people a full week. When Goran felt the rhythm of her breathing he stopped reading and let her to sleep. It was a nice picture to see, Ines’s head on Goran’s shoulder, and Goran’s head on her head. A book that Goran was reading fell down the grass.

When Goran started to work, he was in the hotel's kitchen, preparing Serbian dishes. First he made Gibanica, a cheese pie, which aroused Mr. Cardin’s enthusiasm. Then Goran said: “Serbian pies are different. They make similar pies with apples, and/or with sour cherries too. They are sweet, but perfect. Next time I’ll make one with sour cherries, so you will taste it, and I hope you’ll like it too”.Goran continued to make Serbian dishes, day by day, every time a different one. One day on the menu was Sarma (a cabbage roll). Second day was Pečena prasetina (a young pig on a barbecue), third day Srneće pečenje, Roasted lamb,etc. Our specialty is also beans with smoked pork and vegetables. But for desserts Serbs have many great “Torta” (like birthday and/or chocolate cakes). Guests were delighted. Goran added then: “Serbian sups are well known, such as: Sup with dumplings, Cream soup with mushrooms and others”.One of these guests said: “Next time I will bring all my friends, they need to taste it”. The other added: “I must bring my wife. She cooks well, but not this kind of food”. When they asked Goran for recipes, he said: “Sorry, it’s my secret. You are always welcome to come to eat, but recipes are my own. One day you will come to my restaurant, too. Then, there will be all Serbian dishes”.

September has just started, the school year is to begin, and Ines has got ready for her work. Ines’s mom Julie was occupied in the house, preparing everybody too. Her husband Adrian was already at his duty in Ottawa, their son Dorian started at the university. Everybody looked too busy, all in silence. Goran’s parents were ready to retire, and Luka was thinking of helping Goran’s start in his own restaurant business. When Goran and Ines went for a weekend to visit them in Ottawa, came Adrian to their home too. Then they all spoke about Goran’s plan and how to help him.

Luka started first: “For the whole of my career I worked as self-employed, earning some money, whichI am willing to invest into our children’s future. I am already over seventy years old, and retired, therefore I am ready to give you Goran my savings for buying the building for the restaurant, which we need to adapt accordingly. We have paid off our house, and pensions of both of us will be enough for our life expenses. You go a-head”.

“Thank you very much dad”, replied Goran.

Adrian continued his speech, telling:

“Goran and Ines, you both know that I have worked in a good company and have been paid relatively well. I am able and willing to invest into your business, buying you necessary equipment and furniture in the restaurant, too”.

Both mothers, Sandra and Julie jointly agreed that they will help when the restaurant starts.

“You know how I cook Goran. I reared you up with my cooking, so I can cook some meals, and some you will cook”, said Sandra.

“I will accept your help, mom, but I do not want to keep you as my employee. I prefer to have you as my mom, not my employee”.

“What else would be necessary, asked Julie, what do you expect from me as a help”?

“Nothing much,'' said Goran,'' we want to have you as a mom, too. When we come home, you wait for us. There are enough of us, don’t you worry. We will be able to do everything we need”.

“Oh, you know what I can do”? Asked Ines, and continued: “I will keep you in good spirits and morally help you all the time”. “That’s what I will need exactly. You are my moral supporter through life, and I need you as such”Both families had dinner together, told jokes and different stories, laughed and enjoyed the evening. Time passed quickly. Goran and Ines had defined their plan, and got ready to start it soon. Goran also had to take some credit for the operational expenses in the beginning, when he had to invest in food and people. He was still working for Omni Mont-Royal hotel, and decided to work until his restaurant was ready for opening. He asked Ines for the name of their restaurant. Without thinking long she said: “My recommendation is GOR-INES, from our names.Goran agreed with it.

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