detail from: KRK Art dizajn

GORAN - THE CHEF

NOVEL

SIMO JELACA, Ph.D.

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Almost a year later, restaurant GOR-INES in Rue Mansfield Montreal, close to the University McGill, Eaton’s Centre and World Trade Centre Montreal, was opened on May 22nd 2041, on Ines’s birthday, to her honor. She was 26 and Goran 30 years of age. They were married for about a year-and-a-half. The same day was the birthday of Goran’s mom Sandra. All relatives, close friends, and officials were invited. Among those present were Goran’s mentor Professor Dr Bertrand and Dean Dr Francois, chef of Omni Mont-Royal hotel Mr. Cardin, all three with their wives, while from the family side were Goran’s aunt Lara with her family members Filip, Vanya, with their families and her husband Boban. Also present were Goran’s sister Natasha with Nenad and their son Bojan. There were also close friends of Goran and some of Ines's colleagues, teachers from her school, too.

Chef of Omni Mont-Royal hotel Mr. Anthony Cardin spoke first, expressing how Goran has been a good worker and phenomenal creator of different meals. “I had a few people who wanted to learn about healthy nutrition, but no one was like Goran. I think Goran is simply born for that profession”.

Then Goran’s mentor Professor Dr Pierre Bertrand added: “Manypeople who want to be Chefs think that cooking meals is simple, and that everybody can do that. But Goran understands that that is a science, like many others. He has expressed good knowledge in chemistry, nutritional components and their importance in healthy nutrition, as well as sanitary conditions at cetera. Goran was our best postgraduate student so far, and I wish him a very successful career in his business”.

Goran thanked them both, and added his ideas: “By opening this restaurant, I am offering absolutely healthy food, which needs to have next characteristics: to be biologically correct, looking nice, with the best smell and greatest taste. Every single lot of products will be sanitary controlled, and when meals are done will be tested by my-self personally. I want to build a good reputation right from the beginning, from right now. My idea is to become very well known in the country, and later in the world. I’d like to add that in this country all foods that are grown without fertilizer are called “organic”. I am sure that you all know that every plant food is organic, not inorganic. Inorganic food doesn’t exist. Now my dear guests, today we are not going to ask what each of you would like to be offered. You will get what we have prepared for you, as our surprise, and you will tell after if you like it. I wish you to enjoy our food and have a good time. Good appetite”! Then all guests applauded him.

On every table Goran left Serbian drinks, brandies of plum, pear, apricot, and quince, tasting to all, and meals were served. After everybody had eaten they had expressed their satisfaction with taste, some promising to inform friends to come. When guests wanted to pay their bills, Goran said they were his guests and he didn’t want any money. Dr Bertrand said: “Goran, we all know that this is your beginning, and it costs you, so we want to help you for your good start. So, let me recommend that everybody pays as much as they wish”. On that recommendation others agreed and started to collect money. That was a good idea of Professor Bertrand, and all the guests started to sing. Cheerfulness lasted until late in the evening.

When at Adrian’s home, Goran and Adrian spoke about Adrian’s plan for his future. Adrian was planning soon to retire. Goran’s suggestion to him was: “Why don’t you wait a year more, while we open another restaurant in Ottawa? After that you can take control over that restaurant. My plan is to open another restaurant in Ottawa, and sometime later one in Toronto, too”.Adrian had listen and said to Goran:

“I’ll think about it, and do my best”. It certainly looks promising. Julie entered the room, bringing them coffee, and asked: “What is so important you are speaking about”? “Our plans for the future”! “Haven’t you told me the other day that you are planning to retire”? “Yes, I told you that, but Goran has now his new idea”. “What is that, if I can know”? “It’s opening a restaurant in Ottawa, too”. “So, what does that consider you”? “He is thinking that I can take care of that one, while he will be running this one in Montreal, or vice versa. Goran is also recommending that you and I take vacation, after Ines finishes the school year, and travel to the west, to see our beautiful country”.

Two months later Ines was home from her school, and started to help Goran in the restaurant. Adrian and Julie bought tickets for the tour to the west. They called Sandra and Luka asking if they would like to join them. “That’s not a bad idea”,replied Sandra. “I’ll ask Luka if he wants, we’ll let you know soon”. Two days later Sandra confirmed to Julie that they would like to join them, and asked for exact propositions where and when to go. After all was arrangedSandra and Luka came to Montreal a day before leaving. Goran and Ines asked them only to be ready to tell them how they liked it and wished them a happy journey.

While on tour the group of tourists flew to Calgary and then visited Banff first, and after Banff and Louise Lake spent a couple of days in Jasper National Park. Tourist guide were informing visitors:

The elements that make the Canadian Rockies a year round dream destination are all right here in Banff National Park, a beautiful 90 minute drive west of Calgary. Established in 1883, it became Canada’s first national park in 1885. Today it is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Banff National Park and the Rocky Mountains lie in the heart of Canada's most beautiful scenery. Turquoise green lakes, snow-capped peaks, and glaciers are all easily accessible in this stunning park. The jewel of the park is Lake Louise, where green waters reflect the surrounding mountains and visitors can stroll easily around the shores. The Icefields Parkway that runs from Lake Louise to Jasper is an unforgettable drive and another must see in Banff. At the south end of the park is the lovely little town of Banff, providing all kinds of accommodation, shopping, and dining options.

Nestled in the heart of the park, the town of Banff in summer has 1,600 km of trails where one can watch for deer, elk, moose and bear. Surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, the majestic Victoria Glacier and a glistening emerald Lake Louise, the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel is located in Alberta's Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is recognized tourist destination.

Lake Louise is Canada's "Diamond in the Wilderness' '. Moraine Lake is a glacially-fed lake in Banff National Park, 14 kilometers outside the Village of Lake Louise. Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, spanning 10,878 km2. It is located in the province of Alberta, north of Banff National Park and west of the City of Edmonton. The park includes the glaciers of the Columbia Icefield, hot springs, lakes, waterfalls and mountains. Wildlife in the park includes elk, caribou, moose, mule deer, white-tailed deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, black bears, coyotes, beavers, Rocky Mountain picks, hoary marmots, gray wolves, mountain lions, and wolverines.

This park was declared a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site in 1984, together with the other national and provincial parks that form the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, for the mountain landscapes containing mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, canyons, and limestone caves as well as fossils found here. Major river systems originating in the park include the Athabasca and Smoky rivers. Other attractions are the ski area and Athabasca Falls, the Jasper Sky tram, and numerous other outdoor related recreational activities. The Miette Hot Springs are created by an extremely hot spring of 54ºC. Jasper Park size: 2,774,500 acres. The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is wild in every sense of the word. It’s also home to some of North America’s healthiest populations of grizzly bears, moose, and elk along with thousands of species of plants and insects.

Jasper is part of the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage site, one of 15 World Heritage sites in Canada.

Jasper National Park is home to at least 82 species of songbirds. The birds can be heard singing in the forests, providing a musical background to the natural beauty of the area. In such a large and spectacular area explore Jasper’s nearly 1000 km of hiking trails and 300 km of bike-friendly, multi-use trails. As a visitor one must-see park sights: Mt. Edith Cavell, Athabasca Falls, Maligne Canyon, Maligne Lake, Athabasca Glacier, Jasper Sky Tram, Sculpture Skyline Trail, Pyramid and Patricia Lakes.

The tour in which Bonneville and Filipovich families participated continued to visit Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, the flower garden of Canada. Two moms were fascinated with flowers in Victoria and spoke:

“Reaching the end of the Canadian west, to the town of Long Beach, we visited the city of Victoria, British Columbia Administrative Center, which is located in the southern part of Vancouver Island. With pleasure we stayed in Chinatown, which is the second largest on the American continent, immediately after San Francisco. Victoria is considered the “City of Gardens”, because it is rich in flowers and greenery on all sides. It is very popular as a tourist destination. Well, that, and the four of us set up our trip, which gave us a chance to enjoy, learn about Canada and our country, which really for sure remains in our memories. We enjoyed the extraordinary natural beauty of such a wonderful country”.

This is a great place for strolling, relaxing, shopping, dining, and watching street performers all against the backdrop of the harbor. The centerpiece of this area is the historic Empress Hotel, one of the city's most lovely buildings. Over the years, the Empress has welcomed kings and queens and today is one of the highlights for many visitors coming to Victoria.

Victoria is the capital city of the province of British Columbia, Canada, and a gateway to the Pacific Rim. With the mildest climate in Canada, Victoria is known for its gardens and is a clean and charming city. Victoria holds many reminders of its native heritage, and views of totem poles.

Approximately 1,500 hanging baskets adorn lamp posts throughout the City of Victoria each summer. The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria has the second best and most comprehensive collection of Asian art in Canada. Founded in 1886, the Royal BC Museum is one of the foremost cultural institutions in the world. Victoria was named one of the top 15 Friendliest Cities in the World and the #1 Most Romantic City in Canada. The world’s tallest free-standing totem pole is located in Victoria’s Beacon Hill Park. The trip lasted ten days and it was wonderful. All participants were very satisfied.

Business in Goran’s restaurant started well. After two months only it was on the positive side. The name became known very quickly, and wealthy people were coming more and more. They were leaving good tips to waiters, so that became known in the city too. Goran had a chance to employ reliable people, who did their duties exceptionally well, too. Almost regular customers were his university professors, and business people. Goran’s rules, to have absolutely organic food, with healthy characteristics and etiquettes about guaranteed caloric values, vitamin and mineral composition as well, were kept all the time. Reputation once achieved must be kept for 100%. In the evening when guests were coming-in, Goran used to wait personally at the door to salute everyone. That was also an appreciation from their side, too. Ines didn’t want to interfere in Goran’s business, unless he asked her. She was his moral supporter. They both were happy their businesses were promising them a safe future. They enjoyed their love.

A year-and-a-half after Goran started his business or approximately two years after they were married Ines got pregnant, expecting a baby in the summer of 2044. When news came to the family they all were happy and wanted to celebrate it. Goran said:

“No kind of celebration before the baby is born, please. We both, Ines and I, are glad to have children, and I guess you both moms are looking forward to being grandmothers too. We plan to have at least two children, possibly more”.

Ines and Goran took a walk in the evening, beside the Prairies River, with Goran’s right hand over her shoulder. They walked slowly, speaking about their plans for the near future, when kids come. Ines was silenced, when Goran said: “You know, since we started my business with the restaurant, we haven’t had a vacation, even though you have a summer vacation every year. I’d like to recommend that we go somewhere at least for a week. I was thinking about a few alternatives, such as Maritime Canadian Provinces, Algonquin Park and/or Yellowknife. What would be your preference, darling”?

“Honestly speaking, I haven’t been thinking of any, so I’d accept anyone you choose. I can only add that we can go now, before the baby comes. After that we will not be able to go at least for a year or more”.

Goran also brought out another subject for discussion, buying a house. He spoke, while walking and holding Ines’s shoulder in his hand: “You Ines also know that my business has started rather well. We are paying-off our expenses on time, our employees are paid on time, we have enough and I am able to take another credit for a house. If you agree I’d like you to think in which area you’d like to live, as you know Montreal better than I. Also, think about the size of house. Have in mind that we will have children ''.

“Let me think a bit, but we will definitely decide it together”,answered Ines. Ines was much better informed about Montreal’s areas, first of all regarding safety, schools and all other aspects important for life. She also had consulted her parents, as they lived their whole life in Montreal.

It was Sunday morning, middle of September, warm and sunny. Ines asked Goran to drive through many different areas of the city, and walk through some of those where she was expected to find a better place. While walking they saw which houses were on sale. They took addresses and contacts of a few which both of them thought would be satisfactory chances. On Monday, next week, Goran started to call asking for prices and other information, such as size of a house, how old and if any inconveniences. He had arranged to see two of the houses, of their preference, for the coming week.

A week later, again on Sunday afternoon, all of them: Ines and Goran, Julie and Adrian, went together to see houses, as arranged. They selected one which was not far from a small lake, convenient for walks, and relatively close to the school. The broker had confirmed to them that the area is very safe, they will not regret. Goran said to the broker: “I need to check with my bank and I will give you an offer by the end of the week”.They shook hands and left.

Two weeks after giving an offer they bought a house, which had four bedrooms, plus an office room and a huge basement, convenient for adjustment of anything. Basement hasn’t been finished, since the house hasn’t been old. So, it was a good chance for male staff to show what they are able to make. For ladies, chances were to select curtains, carpets and all other things for decoration.

A week later Sandra and Luka came to see the house, and they spoke about what they will be willing to do when the time comes.

Goran has told parents and Ines that he had engaged the local police to supervise his restaurant, mainly at night when it’s closed. The reason for his decision was burglary of the store in his neighborhood. Every time when the policeman passes by Goran will call him inside and offer something to eat. He knew that policemen can’t drink anything while on duty, except juice or water, so they usually offer a snack.

Since the business in the restaurant was going well and Goran was busy, he didn’t have time for vacation, as was telling to Ines, therefore this season was without any traveling. Ines hasn’t complained about that. She is the kind of person who is satisfied with everything, as far as it is regular. When spoke about it, she said: “Don’t worry Goran. I am not angry at all. Important thing is that we understand each other and help each other too”.

As the time was going on Ines’s belly was noticeably growing and she felt happy. Goran was also looking at her and taking good care that she doesn’t lift something heavy. At night, when in bed, he would fondle her belly every time and then kiss her before sleep. Ines’s mom Julie used to mention occasionally that Goran is very gentle to Ines, and she loved that. Three months before delivery, at a regular check up, the doctor told Ines that she will get twins. When she came out from the doctor's booth she made Goran happy with the news that they will have twins, boy and girl. Goran was the happiest ever, kissing her innumerable time.He even didn’t have time to go home before phoning both moms about their news. Both families started celebrating. Soon after that Sandra and Julie were speaking about what to buy for the newcomers.

As her due date, the delivery happened on June 27th 2044, Saturday, just one day after Ines’s school year had finished. Goran had attended Ines’s labor, and was happy to be the first who saw their babies. When the babies were bathed and dressed, and left in the incubator, Goran hugged Ines, kissing her and congratulated her for bringing them two new lives. They stayed for a long time hugged, while Ines was happily crying. Kissing her Goran was picking her tears from chicks by his lips. After a while Goran had to leave her, giving her a chance to sleep. A day later both mothers came to visit, now both were grandmothers too. All visitors were permitted to stay a short time, just having a chance to see babies, while they were nursed. Goran had insisted they leave Ines, just that she can sleep as long as babies sleep.

When Ines arrived home the whole family started to think about the baby's names. Ines and Goran have already thought about it, and they said to their parents: We think that names need to be international, easy for pronunciation, common in French and Serbian languages. So, we have already made a narrower selection, and they are: For boy Stephan (Stefan) or Philip (Fillip) and for girl Daniella or Natalie. Since in Canada most people have two first names, we can keep both of those names for each. Parents accepted their explanation and all agreed.

Three months later babies were christened in the same church where they were married. Two priests, one French Catholic and the other Orthodox Serbian, used service in the presence of all relatives. It was very festive.

After coming from hospital with babies, Ines and Goran lived in their newly bought house. Ines’s mom Julie stayed all the time with them, helping Ines with the babies. Julie was doing almost everything except nursing babies. She was preparing food for Ines, Goran and herself, vacuuming house, going shopping and everything that was necessary. She was always careful, so they had her full attention. Occasionally, Goran happened to be in his restaurant at the time for lunch, so he would eat there. Income from the restaurant business was good enough, which gave Goran the impression that he could open another restaurant too. When he spoke with his father-in-law Adrian, they concluded that the best place for a new restaurant would be Ottawa. They had informed Goran’s parents about their idea, which they accepted with pleasure.

Before any activity Goran had ordered a feasibility study from a highly professional organization, which gave him a general location where it will be mostly used and how profitable it can be expected. In about six months the project was done, and construction works started. A year from the idea to the reality a new restaurant was open. Adrian was the main organizer of all activities when the restaurant started. He was experienced with the type of staff, food and its preparation, at cetera.

Meanwhile, Goran was very busy in Montreal, taking care about family as well. Babies were growing healthy, Ines had a maternity for a full year, and they decided to also take “Leave of absence”, another year for her absence from work in school, just to be with babies. Stephan and Daniella were happy kids, started to walk after their first birthday, which was celebrated on the family level. For their first birthday, among others present were Vanya’s and Nikolina’s children Svemir and Venera, who were born in space, the same year. It was exceptionally nice to watch four children, two twins, playing together. Families were happy with them.

Goran had earned his first million, and decided to return borrowed money to both of their parents. Even though they didn’t insist, Goran said: “You have given me your money when it was necessary to me. I have success in business, so far, and you never know when you might need it. I am able to do it now”and he wrote checks to both parents.

Second restaurant in Ottawa, located in the Ottawa Market area, soon became known, as its name was already known from Montreal. Goran had knowledgeable staff, with full confidence, so business went well. Both Goran and his father-in-law Adrian were supervising both restaurants, while Luka, Goran’s father, has been visiting restaurants in Ottawa from time to time. In Ottawa, also, Goran wanted to have police supervision, even though the area in Ottawa was closer to the federal government buildings and protected much better.

Sitting with Ines and playing with Stephan and Daniela, Goran asked Ines: “Would you mind stopping working in your school, and having more time with kids? Haven’t you been thinking about it, why”? “We now have enough income from restaurants, and I think that for children it would be better to be under your control than in the kindergarten. You yourself are a teacher, so you can teach them the best. Think about it”!

For the year 2045 Goran’s restaurants were pronounced the best in Canada and he was awarded by the medal, which gave him an enthusiastic wish to be even better. That information had been advertised on the TV news in both provinces. That reward gave Goran the idea of opening one more restaurant in Toronto. He knew that he will not be able to supervise all three restaurants effectively, and by that obligation he will be less and less with his children. So he discussed it first with Ines, then with her parents and his parents, too. Common final decision was to share it with someone else. An income will be smaller, but less obligations as well, too. Soon Goran met with a few business people from Toronto, who were interested in it, and they found a solution. The decision was to share it 50:50%. People from Toronto had to finance the project and select the location. A year later restaurant GOR-INES was opened in Toronto, located in North York, at Yonge Street, north of Sheppard Avenue. That one soon became even more popular than previously existed. The reason was mainly due to the bigger city and rich area.

When Goran was a child he used to say: “When I grow up I will be Chef, nothing but Chef, and the famous one”. He loved cooking and food, and he knew what he would like to be. His dreams went through. He became famous, he became rich, had married a very nice girl and had two nice children, twins. What else can one wish? Modest people do not need anything better. His second million was made twice as fast as the first one.

While being in Ottawa’s restaurant Goran visited his parents in the afternoon and chatted with them. He spoke about how he treats his employees. “Whenever I enter the room where they work, I always say first Hallow, or Hi. I always shake hands with everyone, and ask how they are family, at cetera. They appreciate that, and I do. I never forbid anyone to eat in a restaurant or kitchen. There is always enough food, and left-over’s, so they are confident in me. Everyone is paid better than others in similar positions in the city. They know that, so they keep their positions. Whenever one needs a day off, the others are always ready to replace each other. If I ever have something to complain or suggest to someone I always speak it face-to face, but whenever I have to reward somebody I do it publicly. Everyone has a vacation, and we plan it at the beginning of the year”.

Both Sandra and Luka accepted those rules, telling Goran that he is doing it well, and that it is very important to keep mutual, reciprocal confidence. Goran needed moral support from his parents, from time to time, as he had the greatest support from his mom through his childhood.

GOR-INES restaurants soon became very well known in Canada, and even Americans started to take interest in them. Goran got official information that some American company would like to meet him, regarding the possibility of opening a restaurant in New York City. He postponed recommended appointments until he consults with responsible people. His responsible people were, first of all, his families, but Americans didn’t need to know who they were.

While consulting with Ines, Julie, Adrian, Sandra and Luka, Goran had asked them: “What is your opinion for selling them licenses, according to Canadian and International law? I am thinking that I’d rather not spend too much of my time traveling non-stop, I’d rather spend more time with my kids”.

Ines was first to accept that idea. She said: “I think you are right. Even these three restaurants are too much. We have enough as the income is concerned. Sell it and let the others do it”!Ines’s mom supported her, as well as Sandra too. Then fathers Adrian and Luka simply added: “If you say so, we accept it as well, so let it be with a lawyer”.

Next day Goran had arranged it through the lawyer's office and phoned Americans, fixing the time for negotiation in Ottawa. Everything was done by lawyers, and after a few meetings they signed the contract. Just about six months the restaurant was opened in New York, when Goran and his family were invited to attend the ceremony. The line of GOR-INES restaurants started to spread through the continent.

It will be continued

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