Henry Appleby has an appetite for life. As a recent high school graduate and the son of a wealthy family in one of Chicago’s affluent North Shore suburbs, his life is laid out for him. Unfortunately, though, he’s being forced to follow in the footsteps of his successful attorney father instead of living his dream of being a chef. When an opportunity comes his way to work in a real kitchen the summer after graduation, at a little Italian joint called Fiorello’s, Henry jumps at the chance, putting his future in jeopardy.<br><br>Years ago, life was a plentiful buffet for Vito Carelli. But a tragic turn of events now keeps the young chef at Fiorello’s quiet and secretive, preferring to let his amazing Italian peasant cuisine do his talking.<br><br>When the two cooks meet over an open flame, sparks fly. Both need a taste of something more -- something real, something true -- to separate the good from the bad and find the love -- and the hope -- that just might be their salvation.

Dinner at Fiorello's

What made him think of the Disney film right now, though, was not a dysfunctional family memory but Mickey Mouse. He was in the segment called “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” and he lost control of his magic when he tried to have a broomstick carry buckets of water for him. The brooms multiplied and got out of control, flooding Mickey’s castle.


Henry didn’t feel like a magician, but he did understand now, better than ever, what it was like to have overwhelming work just keep coming at him, like some sort of tsunami. The plates, the knives, the forks, the spoons, the drinking glasses, the wineglasses that had to be hand washed, and more just never seemed to stop coming once service began. Henry was afraid that if he paused to take a piss or even something as luxurious as a deep breath, he would be buried in stainless steel and pottery.


Chapter 31