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TVTranscript
00:00:00 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:00:04 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:00:07 Deck all the halls.
00:00:19 Put up the tree.
00:00:21 String all the lights for the world to see.
00:00:24 Open up a can of cheer and spread it around.
00:00:32 Frost up the cookies.
00:00:34 Sprinkle with love.
00:00:36 Break out the carols.
00:00:38 Ba-rum-pum-pum-pum.
00:00:39 If you haven't heard--
00:00:41 Hey, boss.
00:00:47 These are from table three.
00:00:48 You've got a birthday right here.
00:00:50 I appreciate that.
00:00:51 Thanks.
00:00:51 Hi.
00:00:53 Little birdie just told me there's a birthday over here
00:00:55 today.
00:00:56 Laura.
00:00:57 I am remembered for anything.
00:00:59 Let it be my liberal use of cheese.
00:01:01 You're legendary.
00:01:03 Very.
00:01:04 You just had a kid and you already
00:01:05 have the dad jokes on lock?
00:01:07 Impressive.
00:01:07 How is baby Joey, by the way?
00:01:09 No picky eater.
00:01:10 Limited power.
00:01:11 Oh, that I'm used to.
00:01:12 Oh, I think the Brussels sprouts are done.
00:01:14 Oh.
00:01:14 Oh, no.
00:01:19 They're burnt.
00:01:20 Uh-oh.
00:01:21 They are hard as coal.
00:01:23 Did I bump into heat by accident?
00:01:24 It's OK.
00:01:26 Hey, Jules.
00:01:27 86 Brussels sprouts and tell stylist--
00:01:29 Tell me what, chef.
00:01:31 That I have it all under control.
00:01:34 Shouldn't those be green?
00:01:36 Yes, they should be.
00:01:37 But as head chef, I take responsibility
00:01:39 for their charred demise as I take responsibility for this.
00:01:42 I never made anything this fancy in the woods.
00:01:44 It was just me, a camp stove, and a crew
00:01:46 of hungry lumberjacks.
00:01:47 I would love to dine at stylist's dishante any day.
00:01:50 Allow me?
00:01:51 Yes.
00:01:52 It's my name on the door.
00:01:53 Got to earn my keep.
00:01:55 Chef says they're family of yours.
00:01:58 This is Grace.
00:01:59 Hey, kiddo.
00:02:00 Hi, Uncle Neil.
00:02:01 Let stylist know I shipped the case as he ordered.
00:02:03 Should be there tomorrow.
00:02:04 Oh, great.
00:02:04 Would have delivered it myself and had dinner.
00:02:06 But the next reservation is three months away.
00:02:08 Yeah, we are slammed.
00:02:10 How's the winery?
00:02:11 We had a good grape year.
00:02:12 The B&B gets mostly wine tour groups
00:02:14 and the occasional stranded boater is--
00:02:17 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:02:20 Tell Aunt Trish I said hi.
00:02:26 Gracie, we're so proud of you.
00:02:28 You're a real star.
00:02:30 We've been reading about you on the internet.
00:02:31 Oh, thanks, Aunt Trish.
00:02:32 I'm giving it my all.
00:02:33 You have plans for the holidays, sweetie?
00:02:35 Christmas is a week away.
00:02:37 Excepting a full menu, we are booked right through the year.
00:02:40 Your presence on its way.
00:02:42 Should be there just in time.
00:02:43 I'm so sorry.
00:02:44 I haven't had any time to go shopping yet.
00:02:45 Don't worry about us.
00:02:46 Your success is the gift we need.
00:02:48 We love you, Grace.
00:02:49 I love you, too.
00:02:50 Oh, no.
00:02:57 Oh.
00:02:58 Hey, Chen.
00:03:02 Hey.
00:03:03 I need your opinion for table nine.
00:03:05 Table nine had the micro gnocchi
00:03:07 with the edible dandelion.
00:03:09 The sancerre has a soft mineral finish.
00:03:11 It'll bring out the sage.
00:03:12 Soil along the French Riviera can do no wrong.
00:03:16 Isn't that the truth?
00:03:17 About table four--
00:03:18 Hey, hey, hey.
00:03:20 What's with table four?
00:03:21 It's Delaney Fox.
00:03:23 Delaney-- Delaney Fox?
00:03:26 Is here?
00:03:27 I didn't want her getting in your head
00:03:29 and throwing you off your game.
00:03:30 Any time a Michelin star food critic is here,
00:03:32 it's the Super Bowl.
00:03:33 I don't speak sports.
00:03:35 I'm getting that star.
00:03:38 That looks great.
00:03:39 Keep it up.
00:03:41 I have a lovely selection of two different wines for you.
00:03:44 Oh, and this is Chef Grace Cole.
00:03:48 And this is the molten cocoa lava tart.
00:03:54 You've been on my radar for quite some time, Chef Cook.
00:03:57 Well, I hope it was worth the wait.
00:03:59 And dessert wine to pair.
00:04:01 Cal's Riesling is crisp to balance out the fruitiness.
00:04:05 And Nutwood Winery's Black Cherry Pinot
00:04:07 has a jammier profile for a delicate balance.
00:04:10 Balance.
00:04:12 If that came in a bottle, I'd take a whole case.
00:04:14 [LAUGHTER]
00:04:16 We'll do both.
00:04:22 Now what's all this?
00:04:24 Each layer has its own reduction,
00:04:26 a trend I may have started.
00:04:28 Trends, huh?
00:04:29 Come and go so quickly.
00:04:34 That they do.
00:04:34 I mean, one day everybody wants braised plum,
00:04:37 and the next, Blanche Beeches are the new It stone fruit.
00:04:40 Says Restaurant Rose, new It Girl.
00:04:44 Oh, I don't know if It Girl--
00:04:45 No, no.
00:04:47 That wasn't a question.
00:04:49 Right.
00:04:50 Something else?
00:04:53 Oh, uh, no, no.
00:04:55 Um, bon appetit.
00:04:58 OK.
00:04:59 That could be you one day.
00:05:17 That could be you one day.
00:05:20 Isn't that what everybody wants?
00:05:21 To have it all.
00:05:23 My vision board is full.
00:05:25 The last thing I need is a handsome distraction.
00:05:28 What else is on that vision board?
00:05:31 Well, I'd love to cook with grandmas around the world,
00:05:34 learn all their secrets.
00:05:35 Plenty of grandmas around here you can cook with.
00:05:39 Where's your lucky apron?
00:05:41 Oh, I spilled wine on it.
00:05:44 Delaney seemed happy, right?
00:05:46 But hardcore food critics are notorious for their poker
00:05:49 faces.
00:05:49 I should have torched the tart at the table.
00:05:51 Don't shoulda yourself.
00:05:53 You did good tonight.
00:05:54 You gotta leave it all out there on the field.
00:05:59 Nailed it.
00:06:01 Hi.
00:06:03 How was everything tonight?
00:06:05 All right.
00:06:05 Shoulda torched the tart.
00:06:13 OK, we are all set in the back.
00:06:16 You are lucky you came from wine country.
00:06:18 Yeah.
00:06:19 Growing up there, I'd spend the off seasons there.
00:06:21 My aunt and uncle have this cute little B&B on the winery.
00:06:24 It was like living in a fairy tale.
00:06:28 Well, the region's booming.
00:06:30 Five new wineries opened in the past year.
00:06:33 Time flies when you're chasing the dream.
00:06:35 Trying to catch that falling star.
00:06:37 Rising star.
00:06:39 With a Michelin star, the only way to go is up.
00:06:41 How to avoid wine tour fatigue, a tasting room tutorial.
00:06:49 I have 99 problems, but getting tired of wine
00:06:51 isn't one of them.
00:06:52 Don't believe every story you read, my friend.
00:06:55 My lumberjacks would tell some stories.
00:06:58 Had me believing in everything from Santa Claus to Sasquatch.
00:07:02 You believe in Santa Claus?
00:07:04 I believe in everything.
00:07:07 Especially you, chef.
00:07:08 Good night.
00:07:12 Good night.
00:07:13 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:07:17 [ENGINE STARTING]
00:07:21 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:07:25 [ENGINE RUMBLING]
00:07:28 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:07:32 I'm almost there, Mom.
00:07:54 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:07:57 [PHONE VIBRATING]
00:08:20 [SIGHING]
00:08:23 Oh, the review.
00:08:26 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:08:35 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:08:48 [PHONE VIBRATING]
00:08:51 I got the phone, Silas.
00:08:52 I got the phone.
00:08:55 [GROANING]
00:08:57 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:09:01 You've arrived at Silas's mobile message receptacle.
00:09:04 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:09:07 Silas?
00:09:13 Yes, chef?
00:09:14 I have been calling you all morning.
00:09:16 I saw that.
00:09:17 Forget about it.
00:09:18 We're moving on.
00:09:19 Chef Cook's avant-garde dishes are a dizzying array of flavor,
00:09:23 a complete disregard of classic cuisine,
00:09:26 putting more emphasis on standalone bites
00:09:27 than a grand vision of taste.
00:09:30 That was my one shot.
00:09:33 And I blew it.
00:09:36 I used to be the chef of this big logging
00:09:38 outfit in the mountains.
00:09:40 It took me 10 years of working for other people's goals
00:09:42 for me to realize my own.
00:09:46 We may get a bunch of cancellations
00:09:48 tonight because nobody wants to experience
00:09:50 what amounts to a basic culinary school taste test.
00:09:55 You know what?
00:09:58 Take a few days off.
00:10:00 Come back fresh.
00:10:01 What, now?
00:10:03 No way.
00:10:04 You've earned it.
00:10:05 And you clearly need it.
00:10:07 Where would I even go on such short notice?
00:10:09 For the pain?
00:10:16 For the destination.
00:10:17 Thank you.
00:10:23 Have a good time.
00:10:25 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:10:28 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:10:33 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:10:37 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:10:41 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:10:44 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:10:53 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:11:03 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:11:07 Grape theory?
00:11:32 This whole--
00:11:34 Everyone's a philosopher.
00:11:35 --out of a massive stone cave.
00:11:38 And the fishermen prepared a traditional holiday
00:11:41 meal for total strangers.
00:11:43 The best unknown chef in Greece.
00:11:46 Everyone's a food critic.
00:11:47 And I can't tell you where exactly,
00:11:50 or it'll lose its touristy charm.
00:11:52 But I do love tourists, as I've been one
00:11:54 for pretty much my entire life.
00:11:56 Well, in your expert opinion, which is the best
00:11:58 time to travel to Greece?
00:12:00 Oh, with European wines?
00:12:01 You can't go wrong with any season.
00:12:04 Oh, but not everyone's a wine expert.
00:12:07 Is that Grace back there?
00:12:09 Hi, Mr. Cardigan.
00:12:14 Nice to see you.
00:12:15 I haven't seen you since--
00:12:17 since you were a guest reader here at Storytime with Santa.
00:12:20 Good to see you.
00:12:21 Welcome back.
00:12:22 Thank you.
00:12:22 Yes, it's been a while.
00:12:24 Sorry.
00:12:25 Carry on.
00:12:26 This gal knows a lot about grapes.
00:12:30 Grace, what's your hot take on the best time for wine lovers
00:12:33 to travel to Europe?
00:12:34 Oh, fall.
00:12:35 Italians stomp grapes in the fall.
00:12:38 The Greeks pick them fresh from the vine
00:12:40 at the end of a warm summer.
00:12:41 But a once in a lifetime experience
00:12:43 would be crushing the grapes in the original stomping ground.
00:12:46 Wine Mecca.
00:12:48 I never knew.
00:12:49 Yeah, a lot of people don't.
00:12:50 It's just my opinion.
00:12:52 So sorry for interrupting.
00:12:55 How long do they let them ferment?
00:12:57 They open the first bottle on Christmas Eve
00:12:59 and do a taste test.
00:13:01 Pairing that first bottle with the seven fishes,
00:13:03 it's a holiday tradition.
00:13:05 To see if it's ready to go or if it needs more time.
00:13:08 Speaking of time, it's time for me to go.
00:13:13 Ciao.
00:13:15 And my new book, Open Table, Open World,
00:13:18 is full of such traditions.
00:13:19 Thank you all for coming.
00:13:20 [APPLAUSE]
00:13:27 You know a lot about wine for someone whose last gig here
00:13:31 was--
00:13:31 what was it?
00:13:33 Santa's Story Corner.
00:13:35 That was a long time ago and not exactly my area of expertise.
00:13:39 What happens to be mine?
00:13:41 I'm Asher.
00:13:42 A self-proclaimed Christmas expert.
00:13:46 You're pretty far away from the North Pole.
00:13:49 I spend time with families around the world
00:13:51 celebrating their Christmases.
00:13:56 It's all in here.
00:13:57 Take it.
00:13:59 'Tis the season.
00:14:00 Just a tip for tourists.
00:14:02 This season, Christmas time, is the off season for wine country.
00:14:08 Thanks for the book.
00:14:10 Are you a writer?
00:14:12 No.
00:14:13 Tour guide?
00:14:14 Nope.
00:14:16 Book tour crasher?
00:14:19 Nailed it.
00:14:21 Hey, Asher, your fans are waiting.
00:14:23 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:14:26 [WIND BLOWING]
00:14:30 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:14:33 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:15:02 Surprise!
00:15:04 Goodness gracious, look at the winter breeze blew in.
00:15:08 Oh, it's so good to see you.
00:15:11 Come on in.
00:15:12 This is for you.
00:15:17 Thank you.
00:15:18 This is going right on the tree.
00:15:25 How pretty.
00:15:28 Glad you like it.
00:15:30 Gracie, thank you.
00:15:36 Well, your gingerbread house looks amazing.
00:15:39 Well, you got here just in time.
00:15:41 Because I'm going to need extra hands.
00:15:43 I am happy to help.
00:15:44 Oh, great.
00:15:45 Is Felicity around?
00:15:47 Of course, we'd be swamped without her.
00:15:49 You know, she's probably in the cafe now.
00:15:51 Hey, our favorite niece returns from the concrete jungle.
00:15:57 Good to see you.
00:15:58 You look pretty good for a gal who
00:15:59 lives in a commercial kitchen.
00:16:01 Is there any room at the inn?
00:16:02 Nah, we're going to turn your way
00:16:04 and make you sleep in a manger.
00:16:05 [LAUGHTER]
00:16:07 You must be hungry after that drive.
00:16:09 Oh, I'll just grab a bite to eat at the cafe.
00:16:12 Well, there's not much in there.
00:16:14 We sometimes open on a as-needed basis.
00:16:18 Oh.
00:16:20 Decorations are still in the boxes.
00:16:23 Well, I'm happy to help.
00:16:24 I love decorating.
00:16:26 Great.
00:16:26 And I love cheese.
00:16:28 Well, then, queso de Greyso coming right up.
00:16:33 [LAUGHTER]
00:16:36 My goodness.
00:16:38 It looks exactly like I remember.
00:16:46 We like to believe you're here with us
00:16:47 in spirit every Christmas.
00:16:49 Yeah, even if you can't be here, be here with us.
00:16:53 I've been gone too long.
00:16:56 I hope to never be gone that long again.
00:16:58 Come on.
00:16:59 We keep your room all made up.
00:17:00 Let's go get settled in.
00:17:01 It's almost happy hour.
00:17:03 Happy hour already?
00:17:05 Any time our Gracie girl is here is the happiest of hours.
00:17:09 What's on the menu for happy hour besides cheese?
00:17:11 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:17:15 [DOOR OPENS]
00:17:18 [DOOR CLOSES]
00:17:21 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:17:24 [FOOTSTEPS]
00:17:27 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:17:30 [FOOTSTEPS]
00:17:33 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:17:36 [CAR ENGINE]
00:17:39 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:17:42 Gracie?
00:17:44 Felicity?
00:17:45 Is that you?
00:17:46 Felicity, hi.
00:17:48 Bring it in.
00:17:49 Oh, good to see you.
00:17:51 [LAUGHS]
00:17:54 I love you, boo.
00:17:55 I love yours, too.
00:17:57 Of course.
00:17:58 [LAUGHS]
00:17:59 How have you been?
00:18:01 Oh, it's been a bit slow at the cafe,
00:18:03 but that's normal this time of year, I guess.
00:18:06 Emotionally, a lot better seeing you.
00:18:10 [LAUGHS]
00:18:11 Do you remember that Christmas that my aunt and uncle
00:18:14 were struggling to keep up with everything?
00:18:16 The tasting room, the bottling, the cafe, the decorations.
00:18:19 I mean, it was--
00:18:20 A lot.
00:18:21 Yes.
00:18:22 And then you came along and saved the day.
00:18:24 The whole season, actually.
00:18:26 Seasons of life keep on coming.
00:18:28 But it picks right back up in the spring.
00:18:30 You know the drills.
00:18:32 The restaurant's busy every season.
00:18:34 Hey, why don't I help you out while I'm here?
00:18:36 Oh, you're way too overqualified for what
00:18:38 we have going on in there.
00:18:40 OK.
00:18:41 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:18:45 Thank you.
00:18:49 The menu looks pretty much the same.
00:18:52 Minus the more complex dishes that I had to mix.
00:18:56 What's that code you'll use?
00:18:57 86.
00:18:58 I had to 86 when the stove decided to 86 itself
00:19:02 without a warranty.
00:19:04 Oh.
00:19:05 Rhystic.
00:19:06 Mm, you don't get a lot of traffic.
00:19:08 Where do people go out to eat around here?
00:19:10 Beats me.
00:19:11 I missed your dinner at the B&B.
00:19:13 Oh, your family knows how to cook.
00:19:15 Oh.
00:19:16 They are the best.
00:19:17 Taught me to put cooking wine in everything.
00:19:19 The menu could use some TLC.
00:19:21 Tradition, love, and consistency.
00:19:25 That's what keeps people coming back.
00:19:27 You know, chef.
00:19:29 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:19:41 We're going to pack in as much Christmas
00:19:44 as we can while you're here.
00:19:46 And as many family traditions as possible.
00:19:48 Is there something on your mind, kiddo?
00:19:53 Um, there is another reason why I wanted
00:19:58 to be with family right now.
00:20:00 I really screwed things up, and I'm not much of anything,
00:20:06 according to a critic.
00:20:10 All right.
00:20:12 Time to cyber bully whoever slandered my perfect niece.
00:20:16 Name, please.
00:20:17 Come on.
00:20:18 They say if you read the good reviews,
00:20:22 you have to read the bad, too.
00:20:24 How bad are we talking here?
00:20:26 Um.
00:20:29 I like to exact revenge from the comfort and safety
00:20:33 of my cozy B&B.
00:20:35 Uncle Neil.
00:20:36 I bet this guy just had a bad day and took it out on you.
00:20:40 It was a woman, actually.
00:20:42 What?
00:20:43 It's complicated.
00:20:46 You can't let this stuff stick to you.
00:20:49 I know.
00:20:50 Everyone thinks I have thick skin.
00:20:52 I'm sorry you had to read that.
00:20:55 You know, whenever we read one of those once in a blue moon
00:20:58 types of reviews, we know it's by somebody who doesn't know you.
00:21:03 Aren't you guys worried that I'm wasting my time?
00:21:05 I mean, that was basically just canceled by a major food critic.
00:21:09 We like reading updates about you and catching up with your success.
00:21:14 I hear having online haters is actually a good thing.
00:21:17 Neil, that read-a-part is here.
00:21:27 Who?
00:21:29 Hello!
00:21:30 Anybody home?
00:21:32 Neil, Trish.
00:21:34 Hello.
00:21:35 This is Grace, our niece.
00:21:38 Hi.
00:21:41 Rita is the head of the Winemakers Association
00:21:43 and hoping to help grow our little community here.
00:21:46 Oh, do you have a winery, too?
00:21:48 Not exactly, but I do enjoy showing people what's possible.
00:21:53 So, do you have many guests coming in lately?
00:21:57 Oh, a handful here and there.
00:22:01 Just a handful.
00:22:04 So much potential.
00:22:08 How about a look around?
00:22:12 Yeah, of course.
00:22:16 Hey!
00:22:17 Hi!
00:22:19 What's the deal with her?
00:22:22 Ugh, word on the street is she's expanding her empire.
00:22:27 Rita bids on vineyards whether or not they're on the market.
00:22:31 They're not going to sell their home.
00:22:36 Uh, and Trish made a cheese wreath.
00:22:39 It's in there? Right now?
00:22:40 Yep, but we need something to pair with it.
00:22:42 Oh, time for my annual food coma.
00:22:45 Oh, I love a big tree at Christmas time.
00:22:48 Watch this.
00:22:51 It's perfect.
00:22:54 Oh, my brother's in town for a few days.
00:22:57 The long-lost brother is back?
00:22:59 I haven't seen him in years.
00:23:01 Where was he again?
00:23:02 Where wasn't he?
00:23:03 So, all around the world.
00:23:06 Hi, welcome!
00:23:11 The author.
00:23:12 The heckler?
00:23:13 What are you doing here?
00:23:15 Hold on. You two met already?
00:23:18 Not really. It was kind of, it was, um...
00:23:20 She crashed my book signing.
00:23:22 Apparently she's been stalking me for years.
00:23:24 Wait, no, that is, that is so not true.
00:23:29 You must be very proud of yourself.
00:23:30 Both times I've seen you, you've been hawking your own book.
00:23:33 Felicity asked me to bring them to sell here in the winery.
00:23:36 Thank you for these.
00:23:48 So, what's your YPH?
00:23:51 YPH?
00:23:53 Yield per harvest.
00:23:56 How much wine can you squeeze out of the vines for a 12-month interval?
00:24:01 We typically measure by the season.
00:24:04 I guess we'd have to check our books.
00:24:07 Family-owned for five generations.
00:24:10 That's impressive.
00:24:11 With a legacy like that, you could see a bidding war.
00:24:16 Trisha's folks passed it to us when she got back from the Peace Corps.
00:24:21 It went all over the world.
00:24:23 I would love to go back with Neil one summer.
00:24:27 You should.
00:24:29 So romantic.
00:24:31 Go, sell this place and see the world.
00:24:42 So I hear you're a city girl.
00:24:44 I am.
00:24:45 And where are you from?
00:24:46 Oh, everywhere.
00:24:48 Sports, hotels, hostels, the occasional yurt.
00:24:52 Travel writing is just basically paid vacation, right?
00:24:56 It seems a little vacation-y on the outside, but it's a lot of work.
00:24:59 I'm just lucky I get to spend a little time with my sister.
00:25:02 Yeah, she's the best.
00:25:06 So what made you wander so far from home?
00:25:10 I guess I got the travel bug from our dad.
00:25:12 He was a wanderer.
00:25:14 He started to write about it. People liked it, so here I am.
00:25:19 Here we are.
00:25:22 I'm Asher, a traveling nomad.
00:25:25 I'm Grace, a culinary workaholic.
00:25:34 Where do you spend Christmas?
00:25:37 Wherever my next assignment takes me, I guess.
00:25:40 I miss spending Christmas with my family.
00:25:44 Do you spend it with your boyfriend? Fiance?
00:25:49 I'm married.
00:25:51 To my work.
00:25:54 I have spent every major holiday that I can remember in a kitchen.
00:25:58 Workaholic finally visits family.
00:26:02 That could be a good story.
00:26:04 What? No, there's no story. I don't have a story.
00:26:06 Everyone has a story.
00:26:08 My most recent written was once unwritten.
00:26:12 I like that. I'm going to use that.
00:26:14 Please don't write about me.
00:26:17 A few skeletons in the wine cellar?
00:26:20 No, I've just had my fair share of literary beatdowns recently,
00:26:25 and I would love to spend time with my family without it ending up in print.
00:26:29 Noted.
00:26:31 I mean, not noted.
00:26:34 Thank you.
00:26:40 It's a shame that little cafe of yours isn't open.
00:26:43 I am just famished after all that shop talk.
00:26:47 Well, I'm off to test those new robotic cork buddlers.
00:26:51 Iconic.
00:26:53 If you're interested in selling, I come in peace.
00:26:57 It is a wine cellar's market.
00:27:01 Get it?
00:27:03 Cellars with a C.
00:27:05 Toodles!
00:27:08 Hello.
00:27:09 She's a lot.
00:27:14 With our investment, we can hire someone to help Felicity with the cafe.
00:27:18 And?
00:27:19 And we can travel.
00:27:22 We'll be fine.
00:27:24 Hey, there's the kids.
00:27:25 Oh, hi!
00:27:26 Kids!
00:27:28 Cork toss, yay!
00:27:30 I say the new guy goes first.
00:27:33 Sure.
00:27:34 Hey!
00:27:35 Perfect, that's great.
00:27:36 Have you ever done this before?
00:27:38 No, I'm a first timer.
00:27:39 So, is it just sink the cork, win a prize?
00:27:42 Well, the winner gets to put the star on top of the tree on Christmas Eve.
00:27:46 I'll try my best, but I'm going to be on top of a pyramid by then, so.
00:27:50 Hmm.
00:27:52 Thank you.
00:27:54 Oh!
00:27:55 Oh!
00:27:57 Okay, not bad.
00:27:59 Well, you know, you're just warming up.
00:28:02 Oh!
00:28:04 Come on, Felicity, you got this.
00:28:07 Oh!
00:28:09 I mean.
00:28:11 Oh!
00:28:12 That was so close!
00:28:13 All right, okay.
00:28:14 Okay, eyes closed.
00:28:16 Ready?
00:28:17 Ready?
00:28:18 Okay.
00:28:19 You don't get double points.
00:28:20 No!
00:28:21 No!
00:28:22 Look, look, look, eyes covered.
00:28:24 Okay.
00:28:28 All right, hey, if you sink this, you're staying.
00:28:31 The rules of cork toss are serious.
00:28:33 I get it, I respect it.
00:28:40 Yay!
00:28:43 Now she has to stay.
00:28:45 She's the family cork toss expert.
00:28:47 I'm the expert at infiltrating families during the holidays.
00:28:52 How about pizzas tonight for game night?
00:28:54 I love that.
00:28:56 There's a pizza place around here?
00:28:57 Mm-hmm.
00:28:58 Carvella's, the only one in town.
00:28:59 Totally worth the trip.
00:29:01 Besides, we're celebrating two family reunions tonight with Santa.
00:29:06 Bingo!
00:29:08 All right, I'll snack the pizzas.
00:29:09 You two coming?
00:29:11 Sure.
00:29:17 Well, we'll just keep playing.
00:29:21 Go ahead.
00:29:23 All right.
00:29:25 Oh!
00:29:27 So, yeah.
00:29:29 This was the last stop on my book tour.
00:29:31 I'm in town for one more day, then I'm off to literally see the seven wonders of the world.
00:29:36 Sounds wonderful.
00:29:39 Okay, we got a few close to winning.
00:29:45 S.
00:29:47 S.
00:29:50 Bell.
00:29:51 Yes!
00:29:53 Yay!
00:29:55 Oh, bingo.
00:29:56 Wait, no, no, you have to say--
00:29:57 Oh, I mean, Santa.
00:29:59 You get to open the first gift on Christmas morning.
00:30:03 All right.
00:30:04 I'll be hiking the hanging gardens of Babylon by then.
00:30:09 I wish you both were staying for Christmas.
00:30:13 Are you staying for the winter solstice?
00:30:16 No, that's the night I have to drive back.
00:30:19 But I promise I will try to stay late enough to see at least one shooting star.
00:30:23 Oh, solstice night?
00:30:24 There's a cosmic firework show.
00:30:26 It's incredible.
00:30:28 I always loved that night.
00:30:31 Do you guys have any family traditions?
00:30:33 Not like this.
00:30:34 Our grandmother does have a funny tradition, though.
00:30:38 Do you remember letters to Santa?
00:30:42 So over there, the children write their wish lists to Father Christmas, and then they throw them in the fire so that he can read it in the smoke.
00:30:52 I love that.
00:30:54 I bet you're thrilled to take over the family business one day.
00:30:58 I have a very specific life plan.
00:31:02 On track to earn a Michelin star.
00:31:06 Do you ever take time off?
00:31:08 Does jury duty count?
00:31:11 No.
00:31:15 Okay, the green olives balance out the black olives, which balance out the green peppers, which balance out the red peppers, and don't even get me started on the mozzarella.
00:31:23 Don't knock it till you try it.
00:31:25 I prefer to take things more simple.
00:31:27 Leaves the taste buds wanting more.
00:31:30 To me, pizza's like a relationship.
00:31:34 The only one he's ever had.
00:31:36 Oh, okay. I think I need to head out and do a little research for my next assignment.
00:31:41 I thought you were on vacation?
00:31:43 Apparently, travel writing is a vacation.
00:31:47 Stay here with us. We've got plenty of room.
00:31:50 You prefer a sketchy hostel?
00:31:52 No. The tour put me up in a cabin over on West Point Lake, so...
00:31:57 I'll run you over.
00:32:00 Thanks for sharing our family tradition.
00:32:03 Good night.
00:32:08 Okay, are we playing for second place? 'Cause I think I have a shot.
00:32:23 This is pretty cool, yeah?
00:32:26 I hadn't noticed.
00:32:28 Yeah, right.
00:32:30 It's nice here.
00:32:32 I'm happier with great people.
00:32:34 And? I know there's a butt coming. There's always a butt with you.
00:32:39 But you know how it is with me and relationships. It's just not possible.
00:32:43 Because you don't know her?
00:32:45 Because I don't know where I'll be next week, and because I don't know her, and...
00:32:49 My life doesn't lend itself to commitments.
00:32:54 I've been on more airplanes than dates lately.
00:32:57 I saw the way you looked at her.
00:33:00 Because she had the entire produce section on her pizza.
00:33:25 What's the deal with this critic?
00:33:27 In my opinion, you can't possibly make or break everything.
00:33:31 I've worked hard to get this far, and we'll get that start.
00:33:35 Like my mom knew I would.
00:33:37 Your mom? Oh, wait.
00:33:40 I wanted to show you something.
00:33:46 Look what I found when we pulled out the Christmas boxes.
00:33:51 My mom's cookbook.
00:33:53 She loved all those recipes. Especially the Christmas pecan tart.
00:33:59 I remember her making that when I was too little to even crack pecans.
00:34:03 Yep. We had more pecans than grapes some years.
00:34:08 This is her handwriting.
00:34:11 Needs more cheese. Double amount.
00:34:15 So that's where I get it.
00:34:17 You should have it.
00:34:19 No. This belongs here.
00:34:22 Well, we all do.
00:34:28 [sigh]
00:34:30 [phone buzzing]
00:34:34 [phone buzzing]
00:34:37 [phone buzzing]
00:34:39 [phone buzzing]
00:34:44 [music]
00:34:49 [music]
00:34:54 [music]
00:34:59 [music]
00:35:04 [music]
00:35:09 [music]
00:35:14 [music]
00:35:19 [music]
00:35:24 [music]
00:35:29 [music]
00:35:34 [music]
00:35:39 [music]
00:35:44 [music]
00:35:49 [music]
00:35:54 [phone buzzing]
00:35:59 [phone buzzing]
00:36:04 Good morning!
00:36:07 Good morning.
00:36:09 [music]
00:36:13 Okay, Mom. Let's do this.
00:36:16 [music]
00:36:23 Did you read the article I sent?
00:36:26 I'm too busy to read the news.
00:36:29 Ugh. It was a writer. It pains me to hear that.
00:36:32 [music]
00:36:37 Two cups of dry shibly.
00:36:40 Gotta have shibly around here somewhere, right?
00:36:43 [music]
00:36:48 Grace's name is trending.
00:36:50 She gets written up all the time.
00:36:53 She's a big deal.
00:36:55 And the food industry is a small town.
00:36:58 Why are you whispering?
00:37:00 Because this is also a small town.
00:37:04 I think that's why she's here.
00:37:07 When I got my first bad review, I got out of town.
00:37:11 Speaking of getting out of town,
00:37:13 I gotta take off tonight.
00:37:15 [music]
00:37:37 Oh, I just found it.
00:37:40 Yikes.
00:37:42 Don't take food too seriously.
00:37:45 I'll stop by for coffees on the way over.
00:37:47 You want the usual?
00:37:49 Always.
00:37:51 What's Grace's usual?
00:37:53 I don't know.
00:37:55 Uh, let's not mention the article.
00:37:57 If she wanted us to know about it, she would have told us.
00:38:00 I'm not gonna say anything.
00:38:02 Hey, girl.
00:38:03 Hi. Good morning, Grace.
00:38:05 What the braid?
00:38:06 Is that Grace?
00:38:07 Listen, I gotta go wash her.
00:38:08 Talk to you later.
00:38:09 Okay, bye.
00:38:11 Tell me that you have a bottle of Chablis.
00:38:14 Oh, we don't.
00:38:16 I know better than to start a recipe without procuring all of the ingredients.
00:38:19 Have I lost my edge? It's been one day.
00:38:21 You're fine. You're just probably used to a fully stocked kitchen.
00:38:25 Right.
00:38:26 [music]
00:38:30 What are these?
00:38:32 They're from Asher.
00:38:35 It's so sweet.
00:38:38 Peru, the Eiffel Tower, Venice.
00:38:42 Wow.
00:38:43 I would love to go to all these places.
00:38:46 To get away from cutthroat kitchen?
00:38:49 It's not that bad.
00:38:51 And where else could I go that would allow me to have so much creative control?
00:38:56 I guess control is not the right word.
00:39:00 Look at that berry tart.
00:39:02 Freedom. Freedom.
00:39:04 Where else could I go that would allow me to have so much freedom?
00:39:08 [doorbell rings]
00:39:15 A name, please?
00:39:24 Asher.
00:39:25 Sure, absolutely.
00:39:26 Can I get one latte, one peppermint hot cocoa, and what's your most--
00:39:33 How do you say this? Complicated drink?
00:39:36 You want something with multiple flavors going on.
00:39:39 That when you take a sip, you're like, "Is this chocolate? Is it salted caramel?
00:39:43 Wait, is this even a drink? Who am I? What was I doing before I had this?"
00:39:47 Exactly.
00:39:49 One Mrs. Claustrophobic coming up.
00:39:52 Thank you.
00:39:54 Aren't you Felicity's brother?
00:40:01 I am, yeah. Are you a friend of hers?
00:40:04 Oh, not yet. But I'd like to be.
00:40:07 I'm--
00:40:08 Rita?
00:40:10 Latte with oat milk?
00:40:12 This better be oat milk.
00:40:14 I'm lactose intolerant.
00:40:16 [fart noise]
00:40:18 You know, I stopped by to gauge if they were planning on staying there forever.
00:40:21 Did your sister mention anything?
00:40:24 Browsing LinkedIn or dusting off her resume.
00:40:27 No, definitely not. She loves it there.
00:40:29 I didn't catch your name.
00:40:31 Asher.
00:40:33 Thanks so much. Have a good day.
00:40:37 You'll hear through the grapevine that I'm revitalizing this area.
00:40:42 Big changes. Big money. Big ideas.
00:40:46 Did the town ask you for this?
00:40:48 Nobody asks for what they want.
00:40:51 Well, because they don't know how to.
00:40:55 I also heard through the grapevine--
00:40:58 Through the grapevine, yes.
00:41:00 --that their niece is heir apparent to the estate.
00:41:04 Think you could put in a good word for me?
00:41:07 Nice to meet you.
00:41:09 You know, if I took over, tourists would flock to this place like a goldfinch on glue.
00:41:14 Is that a thing?
00:41:16 It is now.
00:41:18 Nice to meet you. Have a good day.
00:41:21 Samantha! Hi!
00:41:26 Christ, Cook! You're all grown up!
00:41:30 So good to see you.
00:41:32 Thank you.
00:41:33 Do you have any Chablis by any chance?
00:41:35 Chablis, Chablis. Where do you be?
00:41:37 Preferably one from Switzerland.
00:41:40 My foreign section's teeny tiny.
00:41:42 These are all local wines?
00:41:44 Almost. Our local section just keeps growing and growing.
00:41:47 Wow.
00:41:48 Okay, any dry European white would be great. It's for fondue.
00:41:52 I'm afraid you're out of luck.
00:41:54 I'll figure something out.
00:41:56 No, Bob! Bob, hello!
00:41:59 He better not sell out to a national bookstore chain.
00:42:04 Have you met Rita?
00:42:06 Yeah, she came by the winery.
00:42:08 Are they selling?
00:42:10 I don't think so. They had a great year. Great reviews, great harvest.
00:42:15 The small business survival guide calls that the kiss of death.
00:42:18 The better you do, the shinier you are to them.
00:42:22 Who's them?
00:42:24 Winemakers Association. Big wine.
00:42:27 This is a petition to keep them out of town.
00:42:29 I wish I could help.
00:42:31 I wish I could help too, but I'm coming up dry.
00:42:33 That's okay.
00:42:34 Tell your aunt and uncle I said Merry Christmas and to hang tight.
00:42:38 I will. It was good to see you. Bye.
00:42:41 You know, Bob, that is a very cute little bookshop you have over there.
00:42:48 Well, thank you. Been in our family for years.
00:42:51 It's a track record of success. That's very attractive.
00:42:55 Oh, hi. Excuse me. Are there any taxis in this town?
00:43:05 There's a tour shuttle that pulls up out front every so often.
00:43:08 That'll take you anywhere you want to go.
00:43:10 That'll do. Yeah. Nice shop you got here.
00:43:13 Well, enjoy it while it lasts.
00:43:18 The real winemakers ban corporate cash from stomping our profits?
00:43:23 They'd steal change from a corner Santa if they could.
00:43:26 Is what they're doing illegal?
00:43:28 It should be. They're storming in here like it's a gold rush. A grape rush.
00:43:33 You planning an all-nighter?
00:43:35 Oh, no, they're not all mine. My sister Felicity works at the Nutwood wineries.
00:43:40 Oh, I adore Felicity. And Grace was just here.
00:43:43 She was?
00:43:46 Way to tick. You're that writer. I saw your poster at the bookstore I wanted to go, but Bob and I have this "will they, won't they."
00:43:56 Oh, hey. Sorry to interrupt. I got cornered by that Rita again.
00:43:59 I saw that.
00:44:01 Oh, hey, Bob. It's good to see you.
00:44:03 Nice of you to stick around town.
00:44:05 I got held up for a little while, but I'm heading off to Europe again tomorrow.
00:44:08 I got a crate from some hotshot European wine dealer. I might still have it in the back.
00:44:13 (footsteps)
00:44:15 She is such a character.
00:44:17 It's here.
00:44:19 It might have what in the back?
00:44:21 (footsteps)
00:44:25 Take this to Grace. It's the exact wine she was looking for.
00:44:28 I'm sure it is. She's all about the exact details.
00:44:33 Something going on between you two?
00:44:36 Oh, no. No.
00:44:39 I see. Grace is notoriously single. She always has been.
00:44:43 Oh, no. On the house, you just tell Grace that I'll be telling everyone a top chef shops here.
00:44:52 Will do. Thank you.
00:44:56 You're welcome.
00:44:57 Good to see you.
00:44:58 Safe travels.
00:44:59 (music)
00:45:28 (music)
00:45:47 Fold in the cheese to melt when baking. Sounds good to me.
00:45:52 Hey.
00:45:54 Anyone home?
00:45:55 Yeah, Felicity's out at the cafe.
00:45:57 Oh, actually, I stopped by to see you.
00:46:00 Oh. Oh, if this is about reading grape theory, I'm so sorry. I haven't had time. My hand's been full.
00:46:07 I got this for you.
00:46:08 What is it?
00:46:10 Well, if you hate it, blame the barista. And if you love it, it was all me.
00:46:15 Okay.
00:46:16 (music)
00:46:20 Wow. That's flavorful.
00:46:23 Um, it has a hint of caramel with notes of espresso and a sweet mocha finish.
00:46:35 (laughter)
00:46:37 Oh, and, um...
00:46:39 Oh, my gosh. Thank you so much.
00:46:41 Samantha sent this over.
00:46:43 This is so helpful. I'm making a new recipe. Well, it's an old family recipe, but it's new to me.
00:46:48 I've been wanting to try a dish that by the chef Good Food Guru describes as the culinary rain man in an apron.
00:46:56 You read that?
00:46:58 Yeah, I told you. I do my research.
00:47:02 Pizza.
00:47:06 May I?
00:47:07 Of course.
00:47:08 I love leftover pizza.
00:47:13 So good.
00:47:15 It tastes better the next morning.
00:47:16 Yes, it is so cold and delicious.
00:47:22 Do you always wear that before you cook?
00:47:24 Uh, yeah. It's my lucky apron. My mom made it for me.
00:47:28 Is it working?
00:47:30 Oh, we're about to find out. Behind. Oh, that's kitchen code for I'm crossing behind you.
00:47:36 Okay.
00:47:38 Put me to work.
00:47:39 What? No.
00:47:40 Show me how it's done.
00:47:42 I don't have enough time to teach you everything you need to learn. I mean, you leave tomorrow.
00:47:47 Just think of me as one of your sous chefs.
00:47:50 You wouldn't last a day in a kitchen.
00:47:56 What's this?
00:47:59 Oh, that was my mom's.
00:48:02 When you open a restaurant, you should put all of these on the menu.
00:48:09 Okay. Moment of truth. You ready?
00:48:26 I'm getting notes of aged white cheddar.
00:48:30 Creamy.
00:48:32 With an elegant pizza crust finish.
00:48:38 I know you were brave because you will eat anything put in front of you.
00:48:45 I feel seen.
00:48:47 Really, I do.
00:48:51 Wait, shouldn't you be packing?
00:48:54 Actually, I was hoping to pack a bottle of your finest cab to enjoy the top of my chupichu.
00:49:01 Great. Let's make that happen.
00:49:06 You know, I once spent a month in Bordeaux covering French fusion restaurants.
00:49:10 I once spent a month learning how to julienne a carrot.
00:49:16 Oh my gosh.
00:49:22 Grace's special blend, aged ten years.
00:49:25 I'll take it.
00:49:27 Absolutely not. You are way too tough of a critic.
00:49:31 No. Better this.
00:49:38 Thank you for this.
00:49:39 My pleasure.
00:49:44 So how about a tour before I go?
00:49:47 Let's do it.
00:49:48 Excellent. Wine tour today, pyramid tour tomorrow. Tough life.
00:49:53 Sounds like it. This way.
00:49:57 Do you know the difference between red and white grapes?
00:50:00 Yes. Color.
00:50:04 And acidity and density. So they add a variety of flavor. Dark is bold and light is sweet.
00:50:11 I'd love to own this much land. Look at that view. Pure nature as far as the eye can see. I'm envious of you.
00:50:18 Me? I'm envious of you. You get to see what's beyond all this.
00:50:23 I can't knock it. Travel's been my passion.
00:50:26 But?
00:50:28 There's another life where you settle somewhere and get mail.
00:50:33 You don't get mail?
00:50:37 Okay, so you don't get mail.
00:50:42 Why do you think I mail Felicity postcards? No return address.
00:50:48 Ah.
00:50:51 So what does a vagabond cherish the most?
00:50:54 A hot shower. And a pillow.
00:50:57 And, um, oh, and, uh...
00:51:04 And this.
00:51:08 My dad gave it to me.
00:51:13 It's a compass. It's very beautiful.
00:51:18 And very old. And it directs you just west of where you're trying to go.
00:51:24 Was your father a traveler too?
00:51:27 Um, sort of.
00:51:33 He never settled in a place long enough to build a home like this, but...
00:51:39 What about you? The chef. Your parents were good cooks?
00:51:43 Yes, they were. They had this little hole-in-the-wall grilled cheese shop.
00:51:47 I was in charge of the cheese until they closed it all up to take a cruise around the woods.
00:51:52 Nice. From grilled cheese to the high seas.
00:51:56 Not bad. Thank you.
00:52:00 Well, I should, um, I should get that wreath in the oven. I'm gonna grab some flour from the cafe before we head back.
00:52:11 [♪♪♪]
00:52:21 [♪♪♪]
00:52:31 [♪♪♪]
00:52:41 [♪♪♪]
00:52:51 [♪♪♪]
00:53:01 [♪♪♪]
00:53:11 [♪♪♪]
00:53:21 [♪♪♪]
00:53:25 Did you get your flour? I sure did.
00:53:28 You should see this place in the summertime. It is packed.
00:53:33 If you ever get assigned an expose on dessert wine, you should come back.
00:53:37 I certainly hope to. That'd be a dream come true.
00:53:41 Oh, my apron. Behind.
00:53:43 You remembered. How could I forget?
00:53:48 I can't believe it. Oh, it happens all the time.
00:53:52 I just saw that Rita lady, and she has an agenda.
00:53:56 She said something odd to me, too. Really?
00:53:59 I think she's angling to take over the winery. What?
00:54:02 Well, you're the sole heir to this place, so the only way to keep it in the family is for you to inherit it.
00:54:07 Great. Done. Where do I sign?
00:54:09 It's a bit more complicated than an autograph. Tell me.
00:54:13 You'd have to leave behind Atlanta, restaurant, and move here.
00:54:20 And my shot at the Michelin star.
00:54:23 But you do have options. Yeah. We could clone you.
00:54:27 City Grace, Country Grace, one there, one here.
00:54:31 We'll figure it out. When? We both leave tomorrow, and who knows what will happen then.
00:54:36 Talk to your aunt and uncle. Tell them what you want to do.
00:54:39 They'll love you no matter what.
00:54:42 Thank you for saying that.
00:54:44 I better get back to the cabin and pack.
00:54:47 I'll do some more research on it, though.
00:54:50 See you in a little bit. Yeah, I'll figure out science, club name.
00:54:55 [phone buzzing]
00:54:57 [phone buzzing]
00:54:59 [phone buzzing]
00:55:01 [phone buzzing]
00:55:03 [phone buzzing]
00:55:05 [phone buzzing]
00:55:07 Where are you? Are you still at the lake? You missed your flight.
00:55:10 The tour company is waiting for you to go to the airport. Mr St James, be a saint and call me.
00:55:15 [phone buzzing]
00:55:17 [phone buzzing]
00:55:19 [phone buzzing]
00:55:21 [phone buzzing]
00:55:23 [phone buzzing]
00:55:25 [phone buzzing]
00:55:27 [phone buzzing]
00:55:29 [phone buzzing]
00:55:31 Okay, I want to go over the particulars of everything that needs to be updated, so you're all good to go when I leave.
00:55:36 Here's the plan. We will keep the classics from the old menu, but modify them so the ingredients are either local or things you can grow here.
00:55:44 So this, this, and this will stay. This goes, this goes, and this goes, because those are too complicated and we need to focus on consistency.
00:55:51 These are all 86ed.
00:55:53 Oh, ho, ho.
00:55:55 Exactly. And I pulled some unnamed wines from the cellar for us to play around with.
00:56:01 What should we call this one? I never gave it a proper name.
00:56:06 Smells like raspberries. Yum.
00:56:09 As you guys know, when it comes to cooking with wine, it's all about finding the perfect pairing.
00:56:15 All of the supplies that I ordered should be here today. I got tablecloths and silverware. Oh, napkins.
00:56:20 I saw some nice ones at Samantha's shop. If they are still there, I will get enough for a full day's service.
00:56:25 I know it's a lot, guys, but we can do it.
00:56:29 But just go over everything and I'll answer any questions when I get back, okay?
00:56:33 Okay.
00:56:34 We got this.
00:56:35 Yes, we got this.
00:56:37 [music]
00:56:40 Silas, hi. You miss me already?
00:56:43 Of course we do. How's home?
00:56:45 It's great. A few surprises, but mostly just fun with the family.
00:56:49 You sound different. Relaxed.
00:56:52 I wish I was.
00:56:53 I'm putting the schedule together and wanted to know when we should expect you back.
00:56:57 Actually, if it doesn't put you in too tight of a spot, I would love to stay here a couple more days.
00:57:01 I didn't realize how much needed to be done.
00:57:03 Spend Christmas with your family. I have it all under control here.
00:57:07 You sound like me.
00:57:08 Only less relaxed. Merry Christmas, chef.
00:57:12 You too, Silas.
00:57:13 [music]
00:57:20 Thank you. Enjoy.
00:57:22 If you change your mind, my contacts are a who's who of rare livestock.
00:57:27 Their cheeses are utterly delicious. Get it?
00:57:33 Utters.
00:57:34 Where cheese comes from.
00:57:36 You know your industry. That's good. Ciao.
00:57:40 [music]
00:57:48 These big wine wackos are intense.
00:57:51 Yeah, she tried to get my sister to turn Grace against her family.
00:57:54 She just needs to move along and go play Monopoly with another town.
00:58:01 She seems like a real game player, and I'm worried that she hopes it's an opportunity for something it isn't.
00:58:06 That's the thing. Some people are optimists. Some are realists.
00:58:09 That gal is straight up delusional.
00:58:11 She won't be around much longer. Just have to wait it out.
00:58:15 Ambitious people are intense.
00:58:17 I hear you.
00:58:18 [music]
00:58:22 Okay, so what cheeses would you recommend for fondue?
00:58:26 Grace is making her family a special recipe, and I want to get her the best.
00:58:30 I got just the thing.
00:58:31 Okay.
00:58:32 [music]
00:58:38 Grace!
00:58:44 Hey.
00:58:47 Figured out your tradition. It's saying goodbye and then not actually leaving.
00:58:55 Confession, this is the most cheese I've ever bought in my life.
00:58:59 Oh, you? The guy who's been everywhere and done everything?
00:59:05 You know, I've been called intense before. In person and in print.
00:59:09 Intense is just another word for passion.
00:59:12 Well, if you meant passion, then say passion.
00:59:15 I ever heard you venting to Samantha about how you worry that I hope for an opportunity for something that it isn't?
00:59:23 I wasn't talking about you. I was talking about that Rita person.
00:59:28 Oh.
00:59:31 Sorry.
00:59:36 [music]
00:59:43 I just heard you say that she's delusional, and I assume that people think that when I say I want a Michelin star.
00:59:52 I don't think you're delusional for wanting that. In fact, it's quite the opposite.
01:00:00 What do you feel about ambitious people?
01:00:04 Ambition's a good thing, especially when it's paired with talent and heart and...
01:00:11 It's a very attractive quality in someone who knows what they want and is more than capable of getting it.
01:00:21 Thank you.
01:00:25 We present the Christmas wreath.
01:00:31 And a pot of cheese lava.
01:00:36 Using your finest muscadine wine.
01:00:39 Voted most delicate by Wine and Dying Guy.
01:00:42 Bravo.
01:00:43 Bravo.
01:00:46 Okay, a new family tradition. Everybody, dig in.
01:00:53 Your mom would love this. I feel her now more than ever.
01:00:57 Me too.
01:01:01 I'm glad you pushed your assignment to stay a bit longer.
01:01:05 I'm just not ready to leave yet. It's so nice here.
01:01:09 It's nice having you.
01:01:14 Now, another tradition. As the longest night of the year is ahead of us, and a whole year behind us...
01:01:24 Winster Solstice year in review. Highs and lows. Who's going to go first?
01:01:30 I'll start.
01:01:33 The reason I came back out of the blue is because I was running from a situation that I couldn't control.
01:01:41 Got my shot at the Michelin star, and I blew it.
01:01:46 And everyone out there can see my demise, and so I am taking a break from packed tables and potential disappointment.
01:01:55 I don't believe everything I read, which annoys my brother.
01:02:00 But you're good at what you do.
01:02:03 Cooking lets me teleport to places that I want to be, and that's good enough for me.
01:02:12 The meteor shower started. Let's bundle up, everyone. We'll finish this later.
01:02:19 All right.
01:02:26 The North Star must be...
01:02:28 There. Make a wish.
01:02:33 You deserve a star. You'll get it.
01:02:38 Tell me the story. I know it's in your book, but I want to hear it.
01:02:45 My dad had a wandering spirit.
01:02:49 And one year, he decided he wanted to get a boat and sail to England to visit his mother. And so he did.
01:03:01 It was just him, the open ocean, and a compass.
01:03:07 He almost made it, but his boat got stuck just off the shore. Here's where it gets good.
01:03:16 Suddenly, he saw something in the surf.
01:03:22 It was a girl who was swimming out, Sam.
01:03:27 Who was she?
01:03:29 My mother.
01:03:33 He gave her that compass when he knew he loved her.
01:03:38 That's a beautiful story.
01:03:45 Thank you.
01:03:47 What do you say we go back in the old homestead and get warm?
01:04:03 That's so funny.
01:04:05 Hey, you two look great.
01:04:08 There's a wine expo in the city.
01:04:11 Fun.
01:04:13 Get whatever you need for the cafe.
01:04:17 Thank you for trusting me.
01:04:19 We trust you with all of it.
01:04:23 Christmas Eve is in a couple of days. Should we do the big dinner party?
01:04:29 I love that. I'll cook for it.
01:04:33 I will debut a whole new tasting menu.
01:04:37 Christmas tree needs to be decorated and set for the tree light.
01:04:41 It'll be the grand reopening of the cafe.
01:04:43 Invite all our friends.
01:04:45 Let's put the word out.
01:04:47 Sounds great.
01:04:50 Question for you.
01:04:52 How long were you two together before you knew that you, you know, two and a half years?
01:05:02 Three harvests.
01:05:04 Wine math.
01:05:08 Have fun.
01:05:11 Yeah.
01:05:39 Hi.
01:05:46 Good morning.
01:05:48 Are your aunt and uncle here?
01:05:50 No, they stepped out for a bit and left you in charge all alone.
01:05:55 Seems like an awful lot for just one person.
01:06:00 Are you two here for tasting?
01:06:02 We're here to do an appraisal and appraisal.
01:06:04 Why? What for?
01:06:06 It's a lot of legal mumbo jumbo.
01:06:08 It's kind of hard to explain.
01:06:09 I got it.
01:06:10 You see, we're here to assess how much the property and its assets are worth in order to put it in an accurate bid to buy it.
01:06:17 But they're not selling it.
01:06:19 Oh, not yet.
01:06:21 But they're also not planning a trip to backpack around the world together yet.
01:06:25 Which they will do.
01:06:27 And this place will still be here when they get back.
01:06:33 You think that you can run this place better than my family?
01:06:36 But you would run it straight into the ground.
01:06:40 But there's a reason.
01:06:41 That it's been in my family for five generations.
01:06:45 And with my plans, five more.
01:06:49 Why would we give it up now when our wines are still winning awards?
01:06:53 You know, we'll come back another time.
01:06:57 We'll always be here.
01:07:03 By the way, I don't know what you're doing on Christmas Eve, but if you're not bulldozing a playground, you should come by the cafe.
01:07:10 We're having a big dinner to celebrate the success of the family business.
01:07:14 You should come.
01:07:16 [dog barks]
01:07:18 [music]
01:07:25 [music]
01:07:29 [music]
01:07:34 [music]
01:07:39 [music]
01:07:44 [music]
01:07:49 [music]
01:07:54 [music]
01:08:00 Hey, it's your favorite client.
01:08:02 I got something big to pop off. I need to run it by you.
01:08:05 I'm headed to the airport soon. Call me.
01:08:10 [music]
01:08:17 [music]
01:08:24 [music]
01:08:31 [music]
01:08:38 [music]
01:08:42 Hey guys.
01:08:44 I have an idea for what we should name this.
01:08:47 Really? Oh, great!
01:08:49 [music]
01:08:56 Hey, sorry for the late call.
01:08:59 Is that you, Harry Houdini?
01:09:02 I can explain. I'm on a red eye.
01:09:05 This isn't like you, Asher.
01:09:07 The wonders of the world have been there a long time and they'll be there tomorrow when I land.
01:09:12 I'm just sending you an email. Keep an eye out.
01:09:15 Sounds good.
01:09:17 Thanks.
01:09:19 [music]
01:09:26 [music]
01:09:31 [music]
01:09:38 [music]
01:09:45 [music]
01:09:52 [music]
01:09:59 [music]
01:10:03 [doorbell rings]
01:10:08 Asher!
01:10:09 Hey! How's it going?
01:10:14 Well, it's been years since we had a Christmas tree lighting and Ghost and Neil Past wasn't very good at organizing.
01:10:23 I can see that.
01:10:27 Hey, I got a question for you.
01:10:29 What made you want to run a winery?
01:10:31 Well, I wanted a simple life and all I needed was grapes and patience.
01:10:38 And I got neither, but I admire what you built for your family.
01:10:44 Grace told me how she got her first start at her parents' sandwich place.
01:10:48 Yeah, until her mom got sick.
01:10:53 They didn't know how long she had, so they closed up shop and took a cruise to see the world.
01:10:59 Grace was eight. She stayed with us.
01:11:03 Not long after they got back, she passed.
01:11:08 And her dad?
01:11:10 Just a year later. His heart.
01:11:15 As you can imagine, it hit Grace pretty hard. She was only a kid.
01:11:20 She's always been pretty good at looking after herself, losing her folks so young.
01:11:27 What do you think?
01:11:31 I think she's strong and resilient and ambitious and she knows what she wants.
01:11:40 I was talking about the lights, but she's spot on about Grace.
01:11:47 Thank you.
01:11:50 Well, hello.
01:11:52 You're going to look great, guys.
01:11:54 Look at this.
01:11:57 Starting to feel like Christmas in here.
01:12:00 Hey, these are for the party tomorrow.
01:12:03 Oh, my goodness.
01:12:05 Think they look good?
01:12:07 So, before I leave, I wanted to share something as a thank you for sharing your traditions with me.
01:12:15 In the spirit of our 'gram in England, we're going to write letters to Father Christmas.
01:12:21 Oh, okay.
01:12:38 So, toss your letters into the fire and the smoke will carry your wish up to the North Pole.
01:12:46 All right, come on up.
01:12:49 I seriously believed her when she had us do this.
01:12:52 Oh, me too. Pulled me over camp.
01:12:55 Do you think that he has any restaurant connections?
01:12:59 Anything's possible.
01:13:03 He's giving me everything I want right now, so keep it coming.
01:13:08 I think she's talking about me.
01:13:13 You being here, it's good.
01:13:17 I hope to come back soon.
01:13:19 You should.
01:13:25 Hot chocolate? Let's get some hot chocolate, you guys.
01:13:27 Sweet, that's what I asked Father Christmas for.
01:13:30 That was sweet.
01:13:33 So, um, what'd you wish for in your letter?
01:13:37 That's between me and Kris Kringle.
01:13:40 Oh, I know. That elusive star.
01:13:44 I can have many wishes at once.
01:13:54 For you to remember us by.
01:13:57 As if I could ever forget.
01:14:00 Thank you.
01:14:02 You're welcome.
01:14:06 [♪♪♪]
01:14:09 [♪♪♪]
01:14:37 [♪♪♪]
01:14:40 [♪♪♪]
01:14:43 In the spirit we are.
01:14:46 Christmas Eve has arrived, kiddo.
01:14:48 I have an idea for the menu tonight, if I can pull it off.
01:14:52 Do you need anything?
01:14:54 Nothing.
01:14:56 I have everything I need right here.
01:14:58 Come on, let's get decorating.
01:15:00 Madam, here we go.
01:15:02 [♪♪♪]
01:15:07 This is gonna be great.
01:15:09 [♪♪♪]
01:15:12 [♪♪♪]
01:15:16 [♪♪♪]
01:15:42 [sighs]
01:15:43 What'd you do?
01:15:45 [♪♪♪]
01:15:48 Thank you for coming.
01:15:54 Can I shake a hand?
01:15:55 All right, then.
01:15:57 [♪♪♪]
01:16:00 Thank you.
01:16:02 Thank you for coming to our party.
01:16:05 [♪♪♪]
01:16:07 Hi.
01:16:08 I'm so glad to see you too.
01:16:10 Hey, beautiful.
01:16:12 [♪♪♪]
01:16:15 Merry Christmas, you guys.
01:16:18 Oh, you made it, yay!
01:16:20 [♪♪♪]
01:16:23 [♪♪♪]
01:16:26 [♪♪♪]
01:16:29 Eggnog.
01:16:46 [screams]
01:16:51 [dog barking]
01:16:53 [♪♪♪]
01:16:56 Hi.
01:17:06 You're back.
01:17:08 [sighs]
01:17:10 Why, what happened?
01:17:12 I was on my layover in London and suddenly realized that you might need a sous chef.
01:17:20 It's perfect timing.
01:17:23 But what about your next assignment?
01:17:25 It's complicated and I like simple.
01:17:28 You do?
01:17:30 Hey, you're back.
01:17:33 Hey, Neil.
01:17:34 We're about ready.
01:17:36 Okay.
01:17:38 Are you nervous?
01:17:42 I should be, but I'm not.
01:17:47 Are you?
01:17:48 Terrified.
01:17:50 I've never worked in a commercial kitchen.
01:17:52 [laughs]
01:17:55 Do you remember when we first met?
01:17:58 The public humiliation part?
01:18:00 [laughs]
01:18:02 Oh, about the Italians and how they open a bottle of the new batch on Christmas Eve to check its fermentation?
01:18:09 Yeah.
01:18:10 Stay right here.
01:18:13 [♪♪♪]
01:18:16 Grace's Special Blend.
01:18:26 May I?
01:18:27 Yes.
01:18:28 Thank you.
01:18:30 Oh no.
01:18:31 It smells like poison.
01:18:33 It's so bad.
01:18:34 We can't drink that.
01:18:36 Showtime?
01:18:38 Yes.
01:18:41 Let's do this.
01:18:43 Moment of truth.
01:18:45 Please.
01:18:58 Thank you all for joining us for the reopening of our little cafe, which would not have been possible but for our grace.
01:19:06 I am so thankful for the opportunity to get to cook for you all.
01:19:11 And I am so excited to debut our new sweet and zesty wine, Felicity Raspberry.
01:19:20 It's what we used to cook with at home, so we named it after the sweet and zesty member of our family.
01:19:28 Now, for dessert, we have the Christmas Pecan Tart, an old family recipe, paired with our Southern Blackberry 36.
01:19:39 This is what you can expect when you come to our winery for a tasting or a tour.
01:19:44 These recipes and wines have been in our family for five generations.
01:19:48 Cheers to many more.
01:19:50 Cheers!
01:19:52 [cheers]
01:19:54 [glasses clinking]
01:19:57 Let's light the tree.
01:19:59 Yes, almost time for Christmas.
01:20:02 Welcome to the family.
01:20:04 All right, let's do a countdown.
01:20:06 Three, two, one.
01:20:09 Merry Christmas!
01:20:12 [cheers]
01:20:14 [glasses clinking]
01:20:17 [phone ringing]
01:20:23 Silas, hi.
01:20:25 I have some news, and it's not a big deal to me, but I know it is to you.
01:20:29 She's coming back?
01:20:31 The day after Christmas.
01:20:33 [phone ringing]
01:20:46 Well, news editor Roger speaking.
01:20:48 Raj, it's Asher. Did you get the, uh...
01:20:51 I tried to reach you at your hotel in Agra, but you hadn't checked in.
01:20:55 This story is legit.
01:20:58 I had my fact-checkers take a shot at it, and...
01:21:01 Congrats. It's a Christmas miracle.
01:21:05 What are you saying?
01:21:06 I'm saying, front page.
01:21:08 Full reach of all the outlets.
01:21:11 We're blowing the roof off this one.
01:21:13 Nobody messes with a mom and pop. Nobody.
01:21:16 I don't know what you were doing, wherever you were, but it worked.
01:21:20 I love it.
01:21:22 I respect you for sticking your neck out on this.
01:21:25 You know, and I need to stick it out a bit further.
01:21:28 I've got a pitch for you. It's a bit bigger than a story.
01:21:31 Grace!
01:21:36 Hi.
01:21:38 Snacks for the road?
01:21:40 Uh, something like that.
01:21:42 You forgot your lucky apron.
01:21:44 Thank you.
01:21:48 I have to do this.
01:21:50 I know.
01:21:52 Behind.
01:21:59 It's kitchen code for "I've got your back."
01:22:02 Merry Christmas.
01:22:15 Merry Christmas.
01:22:17 Merry Christmas.
01:22:20 [engine starts]
01:22:23 [engine starts]
01:22:26 [engine stops]
01:22:29 [engine starts]
01:22:31 [engine stops]
01:22:33 Silas.
01:23:00 Hey, chef.
01:23:02 You look like you had a merry Christmas.
01:23:04 I did.
01:23:06 Remember what I told you.
01:23:08 You don't speak sports.
01:23:11 And...
01:23:13 time away can do you good.
01:23:16 It has.
01:23:18 Welcome back.
01:23:20 [sniffing]
01:23:23 [music]
01:23:25 [music]
01:23:27 [music]
01:23:29 (dramatic music)
01:23:31 (dramatic music)
01:23:34 (dramatic music)
01:23:37 (dramatic music)
01:23:40 (dramatic music)
01:23:42 - Okay guys, time to try it.
01:24:09 (dramatic music)
01:24:13 Let's see if it held up.
01:24:15 Looks delicious.
01:24:17 Be honest, give me the real thoughts.
01:24:20 (dramatic music)
01:24:22 - Mmm.
01:24:23 (dramatic music)
01:24:26 - What do you think?
01:24:27 - Good, you like it?
01:24:28 - Michelin star good?
01:24:31 - A plus.
01:24:33 (laughing)
01:24:33 - Okay.
01:24:34 Hopefully she likes it.
01:24:36 (dramatic music)
01:24:39 (footsteps)
01:24:41 - Behind.
01:24:47 (dramatic music)
01:24:49 - Back in the apron?
01:24:52 - Only time I didn't wear it was last time she was here.
01:24:55 (dramatic music)
01:24:57 - Okay.
01:25:00 - Silas?
01:25:01 - Yes, chef?
01:25:02 - What is this, where's it going?
01:25:04 - Oh.
01:25:08 - Okay.
01:25:09 (dramatic music)
01:25:12 - Oh.
01:25:14 Oh.
01:25:18 - We have one, a contart for you.
01:25:22 Careful, it's a little hot.
01:25:23 (dramatic music)
01:25:26 (crowd chattering)
01:25:29 - Hey chef, she wants to talk to you.
01:25:44 Maybe something about the tart.
01:25:46 - I have to go.
01:25:48 - Have you checked the news?
01:25:56 Big expose and a take down of big wine.
01:25:59 Courtesy of your biggest fan.
01:26:01 (dramatic music)
01:26:04 - Grace.
01:26:16 - Hi.
01:26:18 - You're back.
01:26:21 (dramatic music)
01:26:24 - I told you not to write about me.
01:26:30 You said this was a little bit off.
01:26:39 But it led me exactly where I wanted to be.
01:26:45 At home, with the people I love,
01:26:50 running this cafe, making recipes I love.
01:26:53 That's my story.
01:26:56 What's yours?
01:27:00 - I told my editor I'm stepping back from all the travel.
01:27:04 I have other things to explore.
01:27:07 - I do need a sous chef.
01:27:13 Even though you don't really have any experience.
01:27:19 - Well, I may have an in with the chef.
01:27:22 (dramatic music)
01:27:27 I got something for you.
01:27:36 - You did?
01:27:37 - A little Christmas present.
01:27:41 - Airline tickets.
01:27:47 (dramatic music)
01:27:50 - Someone told me fall was the best time to visit Italy.
01:27:55 Stomp grapes in the original stand up.
01:27:57 - It is the perfect time to go.
01:28:06 - It is perfect.
01:28:10 (laughing)
01:28:12 (Christmas music)
01:28:22 ♪ Ooh ♪
01:28:34 ♪ Jingle, jingle, jingle, Jingle, jingle, jingle ♪
01:28:37 ♪ Some things just go together ♪
01:28:40 ♪ Like snowflakes and December weather ♪
01:28:43 ♪ But the perfect Christmas pairing is me and you ♪
01:28:48 ♪ Marshmallows and cocoa cups ♪
01:28:55 ♪ Mistletoe and somebody to love ♪
01:28:57 ♪ Yeah, the perfect Christmas pairing is me and you ♪
01:29:04 ♪ It's a ho, ho, ho, everywhere we go, go, go ♪
01:29:09 ♪ Feels like a nonstop holiday ♪
01:29:16 ♪ Hey ♪
01:29:18 Hey!
01:29:20 [BLANK_AUDIO]