A Greek Recipe for Romance (2024)

[bunniefuu]

[ENERGETIC MUSIC]

OK, great, I'll set it up.

Thank you.

Have a good day.

[HEELS CLICKING ON FLOOR]

Abby, you're early,

thank goodness.

Pluto must be in retrograde

because today is not aligning.

OK, Katie.

Breathe.

[BREATHES DEEPLY]

OK, good.

What's going on?

A pipe burst in the

middle of the night.

And the East Ballroom is

closed until someone can

get the water turned back on.

Maintenance said they can't get

someone here until tomorrow,

and there's a wedding at 6:00.

OK, pipes always burst

in the middle of the night.

That's just the law.

So I will handle that.

What else?

The Japanese ambassador

is unexpectedly

arriving in two

hours, but there's

someone in his usual suite.

I see.

[QUICK RHYTHMIC MUSIC]

[CLEARS THROAT]

Hello, Mr. Stevens?

This is Abby Dolan,

the assistant manager.

We just want to thank you

so much for being such

a loyal customer and

offer you a free upgrade

into the penthouse suite.

OK, great, we will send

somebody up for your luggage.

No, thank you.

[SIGHS] Thanks, Abby.

You're going to be

a great manager.

[LAUGH] Don't jinx it.

They haven't offered

it to me yet.

[PHONE RINGING]

Oh, it's my mom.

I've got to take this.

Oh my gosh, Mom, where are you?

Oh, just in a little

cafe down the street.

Mm.

I'm envious.

- See?

Another reason you

should come visit

your lonely mother in Greece.

It's been two years, and

you still haven't come.

And plus, you'll finally

get to meet Yannis.

I know.

I'm sorry.

Things here have

just been so crazy.

Anyway, I wanted to

wish you luck today.

Thank you.

I wore my lucky

shoes just in case.

What is that you're eating?

It's a breakfast wrap.

It's so sad and flat.

Can't you get real

food in New York?

I don't have time for anything

that I can't eat with one hand.

Speaking of which, I

have to go because I

don't want to be late.

Good luck, honey.

I know how much this

promotion means to you.

You've worked so hard.

You deserve it.

Tell him your mother said so.

OK.

All right, love you lots.

JACKIE (ON PHONE):

Love you more.

Bye.

[DING]

[SAD SLOW MUSIC]

Abby, what happened?

Downsizing.

I think you were

right about Pluto.

KATIE: I'm so sorry.

What are you going to do now?

[UPBEAT GREEK INSTRUMENTAL

MUSIC]

Abby, sweetheart, I

can't believe you're here.

Mom, it's so good to see you.

You must be exhausted.

Are you doing OK?

I'm OK.

You want a coffee

and a koulouri?

I have no idea what

that is, but yes.

[LAUGHTER]

[CHARMING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC]

So you're telling

me I have two weeks.

Yes.

You can't be serious.

Yes, you need to serve

food on the premises,

or the zoning will revert

back to residential.

Can I file for an

extension somehow?

The place has been vacant since

I inherited it 10 years ago.

You can't just turn around and

open up on a moment's notice.

Sorry, but no.

It's not right for you

to do this with no warning.

They have sent multiple

notices to your address.

I've been in Paris.

Sorry.

[SLOW RHYTHMIC CHIMING MUSIC]

[MUSIC SWELLS]

ABBY: Is it always

so quiet here?

Pretty much.

Life here is calm.

It's nice.

I can see why you and

dad wanted to retire here.

Moving to Greece was the

best decision I've ever made.

I just wish we'd

decided to do it sooner

while he was still with us.

Sorry, Mom.

Do what you love.

Don't wait for the

time to be right.

This isn't quite

what I pictured

when you said koulouri.

They're everywhere here.

And you can kind of

eat them with one hand.

[LAUGHS]

Yannis turned me on to them.

I hope you like Yannis.

I look forward to meeting him.

Good, because he's

invited us to his farm

for dinner tomorrow.

And he says he has a

special treat planned.

Sounds like fun, Mom.

[CHEERY RELAXED MUSIC]

Oh, come on.

[CAR UNLOCKS]

[LAUGH] Uh, I think

your car had a baby.

It looks like we

aren't going anywhere.

[SIGH] I thought

I escaped this sort

of thing when I left New York.

I'll go see if

the owner's inside.

Be right back.

[PENSIVE MUSIC]

[PHONE CAMERA CLICKS]

Excuse me.

I'm sorry.

Is this your bike?

Yeah.

[PLAYFULLY SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]

Can I go now?

You're blocking my mom's car.

I'm leaving, but

you're in my way.

[SCOFFS] Well, there's

plenty of other places that

you could have parked instead.

And there are

plenty of other bikes

you can stand in front of, too.

[SCOFFS]

Can I go now?

Fine.

Thank you.

[UPBEAT MUSIC]

[ENGINE SLOWS]

[PHONE RINGING]

NIKOLAS (ON PHONE): Theo.

Dad.

[SIGHS] Hi.

NIKOLAS (ON PHONE): I've

been trying to reach you.

I hear you're back in Greece.

I only just got here.

And where is here?

The villa on Syros.

Sofia's villa?

Yeah.

What happened to school?

I'm going back.

Don't worry.

NIKOLAS (ON PHONE): Theo, you

need to finish what you start.

It's time to stop playing.

I know you want me to

come work for the company.

But I'm not ready

to give up on this.

I think I've indulged

your hobbies long enough.

Goodbye, Dad.

[SIGHS]

[CAR HUMS TO A STOP]

[UPBEAT GREEK MUSIC]

Wow, so this is Seeking Syros.

It's--

This is it.

I wanted to make a splash and

let people know we were here

and open for business.

Come on in.

[HINGES SQUEAK]

[STAIRS CREAK]

Oh, hello.

Abby, this is Cassia.

She's my best employee.

I'm your only employee.

Nice to meet you, Abby.

I've heard a lot about you.

Thank you.

It's an honor.

I think.

Cassia is my certified local.

I know what's going

on in this town.

So you grew up here?

I've lived here all my

life, except when I went

to Athens to study accounting.

Really?

Yes, I have a

degree in accounting.

But she likes the real

estate business more.

That's true.

I'm going to show Abby

to her room, Cassia.

We'll talk later?

I'm sure you must be jet-lagged.

You're going to pass right out.

I made up the loft for you.

The ceiling's a little

low, but you'll love it.

Actually, I'm--

I'm not that tired.

I think I'll work on

my resume before bed.

[SLOW CALM MUSIC]

[INHALES SHARPLY]

[BANG]

Ugh.

[SIGHS]

[CLEARS THROAT]

[ENERGETIC MUSIC]

It's beautiful.

Jackie, you didn't

tell me you were

bringing an angel to lunch.

Yannis, this is

my daughter, Abby.

What a delight it is to

finally meet you, Abby.

It's a pleasure, Yannis.

Welcome to Greece.

Jackie, Panos,

Maria, and Abby.

Hi.

(WHISPERING) You

see this table?

Yannis made it.

Everyone, I would like

to introduce our chef,

Theo Christodoulopoulos.

[PLAYFUL MUSIC]

Theo is the son of a dear

childhood friend, Sofia.

He's just arrived back in Greece

directly from Le Cordon Bleu.

And he's preparing for us a

classic Greek meal in honor

of my lovely Jackie's

daughter, Abby, who

is visiting us from New York.

For starters, I have

prepared dolmadakia, which

is made with fresh grape leaves

and rice infused with dill,

fava with caramelized onions,

and fire roasted red peppers

hummus.

Please, enjoy.

YANNIS: Thank you.

[RELAXED HAPPY MUSIC]

[PENSIVE MUSIC]

So, you're a chef.

[SIGHS] And you are

the guest of honor.

Of course.

It's just my luck today.

Mhm.

Though your parking

may be atrocious,

your cooking is spectacular.

Thank you.

Though your

customer service could

use a little bit of a makeover.

You know what could

use a makeover is

that building your mother owns.

You know, the one you need

sunglasses to look at.

Eh.

I'm surprised nobody

has filed a complaint yet.

I just hope our car's not

blocked in when we leave.

Wait.

Come here.

[CUTTING BOARD SCRAPES COUNTER]

Try this.

[CHUCKLES]

[CRUNCH]

Oh my gosh, that's--

that's amazing.

What is this?

It's dakos, a traditional

Greek bite from Crete.

Look, don't think

that you can just

feed me instead of apologizing.

Mhm.

[PENSIVE MUSIC]

[ATMOSPHERIC GREEK MUSIC]

I thought this

place was a cafe.

I mean, I guess there's a lot

of cafes, so maybe I'm confused.

Thank you.

Oh, no, it is.

But here, most of the cafes

serve c*ck at night.

Clever.

Yia mas.

Yia mas.

OK, so tell me, since you

have a degree in accounting,

is my mom's business in trouble?

I don't know if I'd

say it's in trouble.

But it's--

Not great.

Oh, no, no, it's

definitely not great.

Your mom is very stubborn.

Believe me, I know.

She needs to

make some changes.

Starting with that pink paint.

[LAUGHS] I assume you

know that everyone hates it.

I told her, but she needs

to hear it from you.

[PHONE RINGS]

Oh, sorry, one second.

I need to take this.

Katie.

Abby, I hope

Greece is amazing.

I'm on a mission.

I'm going to get your job back.

I thought they gave

my position to Joan.

Listen.

I just heard that

corporate is looking

for someone in

franchise development,

and they're talking about you.

What does that even mean?

They're going to give you a

call to schedule an interview.

But they're going to ask you

about restaurant experience,

since the job would be

opening restaurants.

Do you have any?

I know nothing

about restaurants,

and I've certainly

never opened one.

But I'd be willing to learn.

They're coming.

I got to go.

ABBY (ON PHONE): OK.

Sorry about that.

I didn't mean to

eavesdrop, but did

you say you need experience

with a restaurant opening?

Yes.

I have a friend who's

opening a restaurant soon

and could use a

hand from someone

with management experience.

Hiring a manager?

More like a partner.

I don't know.

Meet him.

What do you have to lose?

[PENSIVE MUSIC]

Meet her.

What do you have to lose?

Everything, Cassia.

My mother's legacy, I

can't mess around here.

And you think you

can do everything.

Look.

I know someone who has

experience managing hotels

and could help you get

the place open on time.

Hotels?

What does that have to

do with a restaurant?

I don't need any help.

Yes, you do.

Don't try to do it all yourself.

What do you have

experience managing?

That's not the point.

You could just

focus on the food

and let her handle

the business side.

Everyone wins.

[MUSIC BUILDS]

[SIGHS]

[BOLD MUSIC]

Over here!

Oh, great.

Abby.

It's Theo.

You know each other?

I wouldn't go that far.

What are you eating?

A jy-ro.

I microwaved it before I came.

Microwaved gyros?

Yeah.

OK, no, no, that's trash.

That's mine.

If you're going to eat gyros,

you're going to do it right.

OK, Cassia, I don't think

this is the right fit.

Hey!

Probably not, but I

can't let you eat that.

[WRAPPER CRINKLES IN TRASH]

Come on, I'm doing you a favor.

Let's go.

[EXCITING MUSIC]

Try that, and tell me this

isn't a different experience.

Mm, OK, this is amazing.

[LAUGHS]

See?

Theo knows food.

That I don't doubt.

And Abby knows how

to manage a business.

Tell him.

Well, I basically

managed a hotel

in Manhattan for six years.

You have to serve food

by next weekend, right?

And you have to be able to talk

about restaurant experience

for your job interview.

It's meant to be.

[PENSIVE MUSIC]

Hmm.

But do you actually need help?

Like, do you really want

to open a restaurant,

or are you just doing all

this to keep the zoning?

It's been my dream

for years to reopen

my mother's restaurant.

[SIGHS] Well, I'm not

going to pretend to know

anything about Greek food.

[CHUCKLES] And I'm not going

to pretend I know anything

about customer service.

But why do you want to

work on my restaurant?

Well, first of all, it

would be our restaurant.

[SURPRISED CHUCKLE]

And because I want to

create something that

has a lasting effect on people.

So maybe I do that here,

and then I take the job

experience back home with me.

So you'd help me get

started and then leave?

Worst-case scenario, I

annoy you for two weeks.

This is going to

be a lot of work.

I don't do anything halfway.

Trust me.

[MUSIC CRESCENDOS]

OK, Abby Dolan,

let's try this.

OK, Theo

Christo-doodle-monopolous.

Christodoulopoulos.

That's a lot of

syllables, but I'll get it.

All right, I'll

show you the place,

and we can talk about it.

[MUSIC RISES AND CONCLUDES]

Hey.

Theo Christodoulopoulos?

I'm using my mother's

name while I'm here.

Why?

You never used to do that.

The Pappas name comes

with so much baggage.

Here, I'm anonymous.

So you want me to

keep your secret?

[SIGHS]

At least for a while longer.

Before I inevitably have

to turn back into a Pappas.

Yeah, like a

pumpkin at midnight.

[LAUGHTER]

[RATTLING MUSIC]

Nikolas, how can

I be helpful today?

Have a seat.

[SIGHS] Dimitris, you

remember when Theo worked here.

Sure.

He's very smart.

When he applies himself.

[CHUCKLES]

Theo has left school in Paris.

He's living in Sofia's villa.

I told him he should come back

to Athens, but he ignores me.

How can I help?

[MYSTERIOUS MUSIC]

I know you've got

other work to do,

but I need a personal

favor, Dimitris.

You know I would do

anything for you, Nikolas.

I need you to go to Syros

and get Theo to come home.

[MUSIC SOFTENS]

I told him that

if he isn't going

to pull his own weight,

that I wasn't going

to support him any longer.

You really think he's

going to listen to me?

I think he will have to.

He lives in the villa

now, and that villa

belongs to the company.

[PENSIVE MUSIC]

Pay him a visit.

He won't last long on his own.

[UPBEAT GREEK MUSIC]

I like the color.

I think it expresses your

mother's vibrant personality.

The pink has

got to go, Yannis.

Everybody hates it.

Yannis doesn't hate it.

No.

Oh, and has Yannis

bought any houses from you?

It gets attention.

[LAUGH] Yes, but it

gets the wrong attention.

If you're going to

sell the island feel,

you need to show that

you understand it.

No offense, Mom.

OK, I'm convinced.

Well, then so am I.

And I'm ready to work.

JACKIE: Thank you, Yannis.

[MUSIC LIFTS]

The end of an era.

The beginning of an era.

[BIRDS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE]

Why didn't you tell me that your

business was having trouble?

I didn't want you to worry.

And I still don't want you to.

I'll be OK.

OK.

So you're having

trouble finding clients.

It's not like my reputation

back home travels with me.

You know, I can do some

work on your website,

make sure that it shows

up on Greek searches.

How do you do that?

[LAUGHS] I'll handle it.

Just show me how to log on.

[UPBEAT GREEK MUSIC]

[MUSIC SPEEDS UP]

Theo?

[MUSIC CONCLUDES]

Hi.

(LAUGHING) Oh.

This is the place.

Try the light.

[CLICK]

[CLACK]

I was worried about that.

[SIGHS]

That's OK.

We can fix that.

I deal with this sort

of thing all the time.

So this was your mom's place?

It belonged to her family.

My yiayia and papou

practically lived here.

My mother gave it

to me when she died.

I'm sorry.

[TENDER MUSIC]

How long?

Next spring will be 10 years.

Wow.

I know the feeling.

I lost my dad when I

was in grad school.

It doesn't get better,

but it gets easier.

All right, let me show

you my favorite room.

[SLOW UPBEAT MUSIC]

I think this is where

I learned to love food,

watching-- watching

the way they transform

the ingredients into something

personal and special.

It's an art.

I always just pictured a lot

of chopping onions and yelling.

Well, there is

a lot of chopping

onions and peeling potatoes.

But the yelling isn't required.

[CHUCKLES]

OK, well, we

have the location,

the space, a decent chef.

Now all we need is decor,

furnishing, our permits,

ingredients, and a menu.

Oh, is that all?

[CHUCKLE] Baby steps.

Oh, I collected some of these

menus from local taverns.

That way we can

create our own menu.

Tavernas.

What?

Not taverns-- tavernas.

Oh.

Besides, we don't need to

know what they're serving.

[SCOFFS] Well, you

should always know what

your competition's serving.

But I know Greek food.

I'm sure you do.

But I just thought this would

be a good place to start,

you know?

That way we can go

through everything

and see what's popular.

Oh, and spanakopita

has to be on the menu.

It's my favorite.

Everyone has spanakopita.

Exactly.

All of these places

serve Greek salad,

but only two serve dakos.

[UPBEAT MUSIC]

It's the same

ingredients, you know?

Added variety without

the added expense.

I like to work differently.

OK.

How's that?

When I cooked for Yannis, I

went to the market that morning

and picked what looked

best and freshest,

and then created a menu

based on those ingredients.

And that works

great for specials.

But that's not really

how a menu works.

Why not?

Because people

have preferences.

Like they want choices, options.

True.

We need a menu.

All right.

I'll take a look at this.

Thank you, Abby.

[UPBEAT MUSIC]

[CLICK]

Hey.

Ah.

[BAGS RUSTLING]

[BRUSHING]

[CLICK]

Hey.

OK.

[LAUGHTER]

[MUSIC SLOWS AND CONCLUDES]

Dimitris.

Boo.

How'd you get in here?

I have a key.

This belongs to the

company, remember?

It would be nice if you'd let

me know that you were coming.

Why?

So you can avoid me, like

you avoid your father?

Perhaps we could have some

coffee while you and I discuss

about some serious business.

[TAPS]

No sugar.

He won't sell the villa.

Oh, he is selling the villa.

I should have

seen this coming.

[SIGHS] Theo, Theo.

Why do you insist on

making this so difficult?

Can you deny that

since you were born,

you've gotten everything

you ever desired?

But does that mean

I should have no say

in what I do with my life?

When you came to work

with us after college,

anyone could see your potential.

You really connected

with people.

And your father, I could

see the pride in his eyes

whenever you would

speak at our meetings.

If you come back now,

by the time he retires,

you will know enough to

run the business yourself.

I'm sorry.

That's just not what I want.

You've been in

Paris for how long?

Almost three years.

What do you call a person

that moves from one thing

to the next and to the next?

A seeker.

I was thinking more along

the lines of a dr*fter.

Please deliver a

message to my dad.

[SLOW EMOTIONAL MUSIC]

Tell him I'm not

moving back to Athens.

I'm staying here to

open the restaurant.

Opening the restaurant?

How long do I have?

We'll be listing it

as soon as possible.

Great.

So he's kicking me out.

Mm, no, he's not

kicking you out.

He just, um, needs you out

of the way of the sale.

What's the difference?

The way I say it

doesn't sound as harsh.

This is the best thing for you.

And, uh, just for

the record, I look

forward to welcoming you back.

[MELODIC MUSIC]

[SIGHS]

[UPBEAT MUSIC]

This place is a dream.

The booths back at home sell,

like, knockoff sweatshirts

and cell phone cases.

I've never actually

been here before.

Really?

I-- I thought you

were from the island.

I spent a lot of time here

but mostly lived in Athens.

My parents were not

the flea market sort.

My mom is a genius at

sifting through the junk

to get to the gold.

I love it.

Each item has its own

story, its own history.

Well, I don't even know

what most of these things are.

Like, who would need this--

[LAUGHS]

--whatever that is?

But that's-- that's

the beauty of it.

There are things here

that you might not want,

but somebody else does.

Like, look at--

who would buy this?

Probably someone with

a leopard-print bathrobe.

[LAUGHTER]

So what's that thing for you

that nobody else would want?

OK.

Let's play a game.

I'm going to pick out something

that I think you would like,

and you pick out something

that you think I would like.

OK.

In the meantime,

I think we can find

everything that we need here.

It's homey and authentic,

like your food.

Do you think my cooking

is a good match with junk?

I'm kidding.

It's perfect.

Let's shop.

Ha.

[ENERGETIC MUSIC]

[LAUGHTER]

OK, everything is set

and ready for delivery.

Thank you.

[LAUGHS]

You're a great negotiator.

I'm floored.

I think you're becoming Greek.

Well, every table is going

to be completely unique.

All right, so the real question

is, what did you choose?

You go first.

OK.

A spice grinder.

This is perfect.

My yiayia had one

just like this.

Mine is not as good.

Stop.

I'm sure it's great.

Mm.

[PAPER CRINKLES]

For when you want to burn

the midnight oil, literally.

It's a Greek antique

oil lamp, probably

better than our

electricity at the moment.

[LAUGHTER]

It's gorgeous, Theo.

Thank you.

It was hard to choose.

I don't really

know you that well.

Well, we're going to

have to change that.

Yes, I think we will.

[LAUGHS]

[RELAXED MUSIC]

Abby, you did it.

What did I do?

We are selling

the Villa Pappas.

The what?

A mansion belonging

to a billionaire.

Congratulations.

I know.

They found me

through your website.

[CHUCKLES] Why

are they selling it?

I have no idea.

I haven't seen it yet.

You haven't seen it yet?

I haven't had the chance.

Plus, I remember

how much you used

to love making trips together

to look at new listings.

Yes, I used to

love those trips.

I can't wait.

[UPBEAT MUSIC]

[KNIFE CLICKS ONTO PLATE]

Wow.

This is amazing.

I told you.

Come on.

[DOORBELL]

sh**t.

[KNOB CLICKS]

[KEYS JANGLE]

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Theo.

Abby.

Oh my.

What-- what--

what are you doing here?

I could ask you

the same thing.

I'm so sorry.

I'm a real estate agent

representing the owners.

Dimitris should have

told you I was here.

Oh, you know Dimitris.

I'm sort of taking care of

the place while I'm in town.

[LAUGHS]

I was just making

some breakfast.

Would you like me

to show you around?

- No, no.

- Yeah, that'd be great.

We can come back.

Just give me a moment

to put some clothes on.

OK.

[CLEARS THROAT]

Was that the

chef from Yannis's?

Sure was.

[QUICK MUSIC]

All right, come on in.

Welcome to Villa Pappas.

I remember you, by the way.

I'm Jackie.

Sorry I didn't introduce myself.

Your food was delicious.

Theo.

And thank you.

I hope we'll see you at

our restaurant opening.

Um.

So, uh, how-- how do

you know the Pappas?

Eh, it's a long story.

Well, I've never met anyone

who knew a billionaire,

so I'm--

what are they like?

They're just like

normal people, really.

But then they do things like

sell the house you're staying

in without notice, and--

It sounds harsh.

[NERVOUS LAUGH]

Yeah, they can

be kind of harsh.

Shall we?

[SOFT MUSIC]

(WHISPERING)

This is beautiful.

The patio.

Wow.

This could be a hotel.

Or a restaurant.

Mrs. Pappas designed the villa

specifically for entertaining.

They used to have

big gatherings here.

She invited people

she thought that were

interesting, smart, creative,

and encouraged them to talk.

And finally, as Abby might

have guessed, my favorite room.

Oh, the kitchen.

Yes.

[TENSE MUSIC]

The acoustics make it very easy

to hear each other in a party.

That's very interesting.

If the kitchen were

a little bit bigger,

it could really be a hotel.

Or a restaurant.

[LAUGHS]

It was great to see you again,

Jackie, though I apologize

for the unique circumstances.

I'll make sure and

call in the future.

[GREEK], Theo.

Hey, nicely done.

[LAUGHS] Tomorrow, I'd

like to show you how

I would prepare the menu, OK?

OK.

(WHISPERING) OK.

Bye.

[CHUCKLING]

So I sense you

two know each other.

We do.

Is there something

I should know?

What's this business

about a restaurant?

[LAUGH] Cassia hooked me

up with Theo, and I'm helping

him open up a restaurant.

What?

Look, I need the experience

for a job interview.

And, um, yeah, long story.

So you and Theo are

opening a restaurant together

while you're on

vacation in Greece?

I mean, my boss did

clear my schedule, so--

Abby, you never

cease to amaze me.

You're not upset?

Upset?

No.

Just be careful not to get too

invested in something you can't

get out of if you need to.

I won't.

[GENTLE MUSIC]

[GREEK]

[GREEK], Yannis.

What are those?

Pink roses, to remember

your pink building by.

Oh, Yannis, you're so sweet.

So who's ready for

some sightseeing?

[UPBEAT GREEK MUSIC]

Oh gosh.

[GASPS]

[PENSIVE MUSIC]

[LAUGH] Hey, Theo.

I got your message

about the delivery.

My message said we should

meet tomorrow morning.

I know.

I just wanted to see how

all of our new old junk

looked in the space.

Plus, we have inspection

in a couple of days,

and I want everything

to be perfect.

So let's get to it.

[ENERGETIC MUSIC]

Well, would your

mother have liked it?

She would have said, [GREEK]

What does that mean?

I love it.

[CHUCKLE]

So, this is an olive tree.

I want to show you

how to make olive oil.

Oh.

So we have to make it?

We can't just buy it?

[LAUGHS] I'm messing with you.

You like doing

that, don't you?

Yes, I do.

So show me how it's done.

OK.

Let's get picking.

Now, we rinse off.

What?

We rinse off.

Mm.

[WATER SQUIRTS AND RATTLES ON

TRAY]

Hey!

[LAUGHS]

The olives, we

rinse off the olives.

Even though that was nice.

It's hot today.

You liked it.

Uh-huh.

[SCREAMS] (LAUGHING)

No, Theo, don't you dare.

[LAUGHTER]

[WATER SPRAYING]

[PLAYFUL MUSIC]

This is a lot of work, isn't it.

Sweat and tears is your way to

say thank you to the olive oil.

My yiayia used to say that.

Oh.

Your mother's side or

your father's side?

Mother's.

And she was from the island?

Yeah, fourth generation.

And your father

was from Athens.

Yeah.

And does he love food as

much as your mother did?

No.

Not as much as her.

I got to show you something.

OK.

[FOLK MUSIC]

[APPLAUSE]

[CLAPPING TO THE MUSIC]

[GREEK SINGING]

[ENERGETIC MUSIC SLOWS]

(LAUGHING) Hey.

Are you ready to

get some ingredients?

Is that how we're

getting there?

My faithful steed.

Can it even hold two people?

Of course.

[SLOW PLAYFUL MUSIC]

Here, try this.

Olives and oranges are

in season right now,

so we could create a menu

around these ingredients.

How do olives and

oranges go together?

OK.

Imagine light-as-air white fish

cooked with spicy green olive

juice, nectarines

drizzled with honey,

and olive oil cake topped

with sweet candied oranges.

My stomach's growling

just thinking about it.

[LAUGHTER]

So what's that for?

Your favorite-- spanakopita.

I thought you didn't

want to make spanakopita

because everyone serves it.

There is a twist.

I'm going to add amfissa olives

and use kefalotyri cheese

instead of feta.

It's richer, bolder,

and more vibrant.

Mm.

[TENDER MUSIC]

Do you want to help

brush on the butter?

Uh-- [LAUGHS] Sure.

Here.

[LAUGHS] Not so fast.

You want an even coat.

There you go.

[TONGS CLINK ON DISH]

Go ahead, give it a try.

Oh.

Mm.

Theo.

Hold on.

I know we're skipping

around, but I

want you to try my

mother's loukoumades

while they're still warm.

[CHUCKLE] Mm.

Nothing captures the

memory of that time for me

like this flavor.

So, what do you

think of everything?

I think when word gets

out about your food,

people are going to be

lining up and down the street

just to get a table at

the restaurant of Chef

Theo Christodoulopoulos.

You got it.

[LAUGHTER]

We are in business

together, so I

should probably know your name.

So, Abby, this is how

I would prepare a menu.

Some staples, like

the loukoumades.

The rest of the

menu will be based

on what I can find each day.

This is phenomenal.

Maybe have three options,

just so people can

choose based on their taste.

I can do that.

OK, let's figure out

what those staples are.

Let's get to work.

[MUSIC BUILDS]

Cheers.

Cheers.

So, tell me about the hotel.

What do you want to know?

I don't know.

What's it like working there?

If you can imagine

it, it happens.

Really?

And some things

that you can't, too.

There was this one

time a guy snuck three

c*ck into the hotel.

They got loose on

the 12th floor,

and it took us all

night to try and catch

them with a bed sheet.

You got them?

Yeah, eventually.

[LAUGHS]

But do you like it?

The corporate side of things

can be challenging, creatively

speaking.

But yeah, I love it.

I get that.

Have you ever had

a corporate job?

Yes, I have, after college.

I guess that's part of what

made me want to do this.

It's something of

my own, something

I can really put my stamp on.

And I want you to feel like

this is your restaurant too.

It's your mother's restaurant.

It was my mother's restaurant.

But it was her parents'

restaurant before that.

Now it's ours.

[LAUGHS] Well,

that's a bit much.

No, it's not.

[TENDER MUSIC]

By choosing the antique

items, the design,

you're creating a

feeling, an energy.

We are making a real

restaurant, Abby,

not something that gets you an

interview and gets me a permit.

Remember, I do have

to go home after this.

You're creating something

that will outlast your visit.

I like the sound of that.

The sky is so clear.

Every time I come back, I'm

surprised by it all over again.

There's no stars

like this in Paris.

Or New York.

[BELLS CHIME]

What was that?

No way.

What time is it?

You don't want to know.

Oh.

Did we stay up all night?

[SIGHS] We did.

[LAUGHTER]

[CALM HAPPY MUSIC]

[LAUGHS]

How's everything going

with the restaurant?

Pretty smoothly, considering.

And with Abby?

You two seem to be spending

a lot of time together.

Well, that's usually

what business partners do.

[SCOFFS] If

business partners get

romantic home-cooked meals, I'm

definitely in the wrong field.

[LAUGHS] It's all

part of the process.

Abby can't sell my food if

she doesn't know who I am,

as a chef.

Have you told her

you're a Pappas yet?

No.

You know you're going to

have to tell her eventually.

I'm surprised no one else has.

So what do you

think, I try to keep

a more classic feel to highlight

the entertainment value.

Yep, it looks great.

Have you gotten

any interest yet?

Quite a lot, actually.

I think we should

hold an open house

and say that we'll

be taking the highest

and best offer afterwards.

That sounds great.

What about next Saturday?

Uh, let me see.

It will conflict

with Theo's opening.

But I think we can make it work.

Theo's opening?

Of the restaurant.

Uh, Theo Pappas?

Theo Christodoulopoulos.

He said he knew you.

Ah, Theo Christodoulopoulos

Pappas is the son of Nikolas

Pappas, the villa's owner.

Should we pick another day?

No, it should be fine.

I'll check in with Theo soon.

But I appreciate your

forward thinking.

Yannis was right to suggest

you broker the sale.

[CLANGING]

Mm.

Good morning.

Mm, good morning.

Mm, late night.

[LAUGHS] Just

lost track of time.

Abby.

How much do you know about Theo?

[TENSE MUSIC]

What do you mean?

Do you know who his father is?

No.

Should I?

His father is Nikolas Pappas.

Oh.

Should I know who that is?

Nikolas Pappas

of Villa Pappas.

He's like a Greek Kennedy,

minus the politics.

Why-- why wouldn't

he tell me that?

I'm sorry you

found out this way,

but it seemed like

something you should know.

Yeah, it does.

You OK?

I mean, as far as secrets

go, it could be a lot worse.

But knowing that your business

partner is a billionaire

could be quite useful.

Maybe that's why he

doesn't want you to know.

Hm.

Well, I'm-- I'm sure

he has his reasons.

But maybe I can get

him to tell me himself.

Anyway, uh, thank you

for telling me, Mom.

[PENSIVE MUSIC]

Abs, you're dating the

heir to a boating empire.

We're not dating.

You should be.

Theo Pappas studied

at Oxford University

before working for his family's

shipping company, which

he's next in line to take over.

I mean, he said

his dad was intense.

But geez, look at this guy.

Katie, this is crazy.

What am I-- what am I doing?

You know, not for nothing,

but if you wanted restaurant

experience on your

resume, opening

a restaurant with a billionaire

celebrity chef is pretty good.

Mm.

Well, I hadn't really

thought about it that way.

Abby.

Look what just got in.

Dimitris.

[SIGHS] Don't worry.

I'm moving out of the villa.

I heard you were reopening

Sofia's restaurant,

but I didn't want to believe it.

She left it vacant for

a reason, you know.

Yeah, because

mom left it for me.

No.

Because she could not

bear to see anyone

but Sofia in that kitchen.

I also spend a lot of

time in that kitchen.

Pretty much every opportunity

I got, I was running

around this restaurant helping.

[SIGHS] Theo.

You have already broken

your father's heart

by leaving the family business.

Why do you want to

cause any further pain?

This was a family

business too.

[TENDER MUSIC]

My mom would open the

place every summer,

even after she got married

into the Pappas family.

It was her passion.

And what better way to honor

her memory than for her son

to continue that legacy?

He would understand

if he came down here.

Your father wants

you back in Athens.

At this point, I think

I've made myself clear.

And I suggest you reconsider.

[DEEP BREATH]

[SLOW MUSIC]

[DOOR RATTLES SHUT]

[CLICK]

[CLICKING]

[SIGHS]

[PHONE RINGING]

Hi, Dimitris.

I'm checking in on your

progress with Theo.

He has left the villa, and

they're planning an open house

for Saturday evening.

Has he left Syros?

No, not yet.

Can I expect him

home any time soon?

I just need some--

some extra time to convince him.

I'm counting on you, Dimitris.

[KNOCKING]

[LAUGHS]

[GREEK]

Theo.

[GREEK]

OK, so, I have an idea.

Are you sleeping here?

Yes.

I moved out of the

villa last night.

Theo.

It's fine.

Uh, what's your idea?

OK.

Um, well, we-- we

treat the restaurant

as an event, not just a meal.

So initially, it's invite only.

And we prepare a couple

exclusive items each day.

We let people talk

to each other, and--

and we grow by word of mouth.

That's a great idea, Abby.

What's wrong.

[QUICK SOFT MUSIC]

How is this possible?

What?

Show me.

It says I owe 10 years of

city taxes before we can open.

How much is it?

Oh.

[TENDER MUSIC]

We need to open in two days.

I think you're going to have

to bite the b*llet and pay it.

I mean, we can dispute it

later and try and get a refund.

I don't have that

kind of money, Abby.

Well, do you know

anybody that does

who could maybe loan it to us?

No, I don't.

Or at least not

someone who would.

OK.

Well, um, you try and

think of somebody.

And I'll try and think of

somebody that can help us, too.

I've done some-- some

small fundraising,

so we'll figure it out.

Yes, thank you so much

for taking my call.

Yannis tells me that

you have the best

olive oil on the island.

(LAUGHING) Yes.

Well, we are opening up a

restaurant this Saturday

and looking for an investor

for some last-minute expenses.

Oh, I see.

I'm-- I'm sorry to hear that.

Did I mention the

chef is Theo Pappas?

Yes, that Theo Pappas.

[CALM HAPPY MUSIC]

Anos.

Theo.

Nice to see you.

Nice to see you too.

This is Abby.

Hi.

Do you have this

year's Serifiotiko ready?

We just bottled it.

It's in the tasting room.

Set-a-fude-- what?

Serifiotiko-- it's

a Syros specialty.

We make it using

only our own grapes,

and it's one of

our best sellers.

Let's go to the tasting room.

Thank you, Anos.

[ENGINE HUMS]

[WINE TRICKLES INTO GLASS]

So this is made in small

batches from mavrodaphne grapes.

It's different

but in a good way.

You'll see what I mean.

OK.

Reminds me of a

port dessert wine.

Spot on.

It's full-bodied, sweet,

bold, which is why

you need a cheese to match--

something stinky.

Stinky?

The sweeter the wine,

the stinkier the cheese.

Here.

Try kopanisti, the

Greek blue cheese.

[CRUNCH]

OK, that works.

Now you are going

to try [GREEK]..

So I think I found an

investor to cover our costs.

An investor?

Yannis introduced us.

They're going to cover our costs

so that we can open up on time.

What do they want from us?

All they want is

for us to exclusively

serve their olive oil.

Their olive oil?

I-- I know it's not the

olive oil that you make.

But it's good

quality, and they're

willing to pay us to use it.

I can't agree to use an

olive oil I haven't even tried.

Olive oil is nearly

never the same make.

If we don't raise the

money, then we can't open.

At-- at least try it.

Abby, we have

our own olive oil.

We're going to have

to make some compromises

in order to make this work.

Opening up a restaurant

in two weeks is hard.

[SIGHS]

There must be a different way

to come up with the money.

OK.

Well then, you tell me, Theo.

What do you mean?

I know that you're a Pappas.

[TENSE MUSIC]

Here I am trying to raise

money for your restaurant, when

secretly you're a

billionaire pretending

like you can't afford it.

I'm not pretending, Abby.

My family is rich.

I'm not.

There must be a different

way to come up with--

Do you know how hard it

is to get a sponsorship?

The only way that I was able to

do that was by using your name.

You used my name

to sell olive oil?

No, I used your name

to save our restaurant.

I didn't say

you could do that.

No, of course you didn't.

You didn't even

tell me your name.

I had to find out myself.

I was going to tell you.

I just wanted you to get to

know me for who I really am.

[TENDER MUSIC]

You know what?

This whole thing was a mistake.

Yeah.

Maybe it was.

OK.

Well, the olive

oil and the check

are being delivered

tomorrow afternoon.

So you can either

cash it or figure

out something on your own.

Good luck.

[CLEARS THROAT]

How do I do this?

[BEEP]

You've got to be kidding me.

[SIGHS]

Please, please, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi.

Livin' Large, Livin' Large.

That must be you.

OK.

OK, OK.

Please no password, please no

password, please no password.

Yes, OK.

[DEEP BREATH]

[CHIME]

Hello, Abby.

Hi, Thomas.

I'm-- I'm so sorry I'm late.

The Wi-Fi is down

all over the island.

I actually had to borrow

some from a nearby ship.

Resourceful.

Where are you?

I'm in Greece.

Our grand opening

is actually tonight.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Our concept is an elevated

farm-to-table experience.

Our chef is actually somewhat of

a local celebrity, Theo Pappas.

He's not known in the

culinary world yet.

But I've been able to

leverage his name recognition

in order to build a brand.

Well, that does

sound very impressive.

I think you'd fit right in here.

Branding is what

we're all about.

[JAR RATTLES]

NIKOLAS (ON PHONE): This is the

private line of Nikolas Pappas.

Leave a message, and I

will return your call.

[BEEP]

Hi, Dad.

I know our last conversation

didn't end on the best note.

But I want to talk to you

about something important.

It's about Mom.

[TENDER MUSIC]

I know this may be hard to hear.

But this past couple

of weeks, I've

been fixing up mom's restaurant.

It's been my dream since I

went to the culinary school.

So I didn't expect

it to happen so fast.

I know you don't approve

of my career choices.

But our grand

opening is tomorrow,

and it would mean

a lot if you came.

I'll hold your table

for you just in case.

You know the one.

Anyway, got to go.

I love you, Dad.

[UPBEAT MUSIC]

Oh my gosh.

That's fantastic.

And when-- when do

you need to know by?

OK, great, I'll give you a call.

Thank you.

(LAUGHING) OK, bye.

And?

Good news?

- I got the job.

- Oh.

Congratulations.

I thought that was

what was happening.

Tell us all about it.

When does it start?

Next week.

Are you going to take it?

I mean, I should.

The salary is great.

I would have more

responsibility.

You don't sound too excited.

No, I-- I am.

It's-- it's a great opportunity.

I'm just still processing.

But?

No buts.

No buts.

This is-- this is the

job that I wanted.

Actually, it's-- it's better

than the job that I wanted.

Just, in New York, I was just

a faceless assistant manager.

[TENDER MUSIC]

And here, the restaurant

feels so personal, creative.

Well, whatever you choose

to do, I support you.

Thanks, Mom.

[SIGHS]

KATIE (ON PHONE): Oh, Abby,

I'm so excited for you.

It'll be like you never

left, only better.

[DRIPPING]

[PENSIVE MUSIC]

[DRAMATIC MUSIC]

[PLAYFUL MUSIC]

[DEBRIS PATTERING]

[COUGHS]

[MUSIC SWELLS]

[SIGHS]

[PHONE RINGING]

Theo?

[SIGHS] No.

Thank you for coming.

Of course I came.

We have the inspection tomorrow.

I don't think

we'd pass like this.

[LAUGHTER]

Look, I'm sorry for

the olive oil thing.

I-- I should have

checked with you first.

No, I'm sorry I overreacted.

You haven't gone and hired

a new manager yet have you?

Well, I thought about it.

[LAUGHS]

But then, I cashed the check.

OK.

Well, then, are you

ready for some repairs?

There's still no one else

I'd rather have by my side.

Well, there's no place

else I would rather be.

[TENDER MUSIC]

Is that my lamp?

We're burning

the midnight oil.

[LAUGHTER]

OK, try it now.

[CLICK]

I'm afraid to breathe.

[LAUGHS] I think we fixed it.

[LAUGH]

[RELAXED SIGH]

I've never patched

a ceiling before.

You're a quick learner.

We make a good team.

We do.

[BELLS CHIMING]

Church bells.

It's dawn.

We did it again, didn't we?

We did.

Well, today's the big day.

Are you ready?

Yeah.

I need to get to

the market and start

looking for the ingredients.

You?

I'm going to go to the

wood shop, pick up our sign.

And then I'll meet you back

here for the inspector.

No.

You need to take a trip with me.

What do you have in mind?

You'll see.

I'm not sure we have

time for a trip, Theo.

We do.

It's essential.

OK, what is it?

[ENERGETIC MUSIC]

[ENGINE HUMS]

Wow.

Theo, what is this place?

Ancient amphitheater.

It was built in the

sixth century BC.

It gives you a whole

different perspective on time.

It's like our

own private ruin.

This is where I go when I want

to be alone or I need to think.

I mean, it's--

it's incredible.

But why did you bring me here?

Well, it feels

kind of silly now.

[LAUGH] You can tell me.

OK.

I started coming here

at the end of the summer

every year as a kid before

I had to go back to Athens.

I would stand

right in the middle

and imagine the energy that

people had focused on that spot

over the centuries.

And I would make a wish.

I thought it was good luck.

I don't really believe

it, but I still do it.

[LAUGHTER]

It's like my lucky shoes.

Come make a wish with me.

Let's do it.

[HOPEFUL MUSIC]

Can you feel it?

Mm-hmm.

Did you make wish?

I did.

Good.

Now for the fun part.

[ENERGIZING MUSIC]

Sorry I'm late.

Theo, what-- what's wrong.

We didn't pass the inspection.

What?

We fixed everything.

My father must have

paid someone off.

We can cook here,

but we can't serve.

We're finished.

OK.

Um, let me think.

I never should

have called him.

Do you really think

he would have done this

to you, when we're this close?

I suppose not.

It's different than the villa.

He wouldn't do it.

The villa.

[ENERGIZING MUSIC]

That's it.

What?

We can set up tables at

the villa and open there.

Everything we bought is here.

OK, then-- then you

prepare the food here,

and I'll drive it up.

If I don't serve,

I'll lose the zoning.

We-- we can fix that later.

What if we can't?

Then we fail,

and we're no worse

off than we are right now.

We're opening this restaurant.

Hey, Mom?

Are you here?

Abby, is everything OK?

Mom, I have a huge

favor to ask you.

What's that?

I know the open

house is tonight.

But our restaurant didn't

pass the inspection

for some made-up reason, and

we need some place to open.

We were thinking

of opening here.

Open here?

What?

No, listen, it's perfect.

OK, we-- we prepare the food at

the restaurant and drive it up.

We'll cater the open house.

The restaurant guests can either

eat downstairs or on the patio.

I mean, you said

yourself that you wanted

to showcase how

this place could be

shown for entertainment, right?

It's perfect.

Abby.

Well, I love it.

Well, Theo is a Pappas, right?

He is.

And I can't say no

to one of the owners.

[LAUGHTER]

[UPBEAT MUSIC]

You left the table

by the window, right?

It's set for your

dad and your dad only.

Thank you, Abby.

[UPBEAT GREEK MUSIC]

[GREEK] Villa Pappas.

[SPEAKING GREEK]

Here we have beautiful

1920s antique chandeliers,

heated flooring.

[SOUNDS OF DINERS EATING]

Mm.

[SPEAKING GREEK]

[GREEK]

Enjoy.

One la vonvole and

one more dakos table 5.

Coming right up.

[SIZZLING]

[MUTTERING]

Call you back.

Dimitris, welcome.

Everything is going beautifully.

Jackie, what's going on here?

Didn't Theo tell you?

How's it going?

Everybody is raving

about the food.

Has my dad come?

I'm sorry, Theo.

Anyway, take those

before they get cold.

OK.

[UPBEAT GREEK MUSIC]

[MUSIC CONCLUDES]

Yannis, thank you so

much for your help tonight.

I don't think we could have

done any of this without you.

My mom's very lucky she met you.

Thank you.

- Oh.

[LAUGHS]

[TENDER MUSIC]

[UPBEAT MUSIC]

Tonight was a huge

success, more than if we had

just had an open house alone.

I'm sure the villa will sell.

Oh, we've already gotten

several offers, including

one well above asking price.

Well, I guess it's done.

Jackie, thank you very much.

Thank you.

[PEACEFUL MUSIC]

[SIGHS]

Well, we did it.

[LAUGH] I always dreamed

of having a restaurant.

But in the back of my mind, I

doubted that a night like this

would ever come.

[LAUGH]

I know this may not work, and

we might lose the zoning here.

But it doesn't seem

like a failure to me.

This night was truly special.

Thank you.

[TENDER MUSIC]

Well, I'm honored to

have been a part of it.

[LAUGHS]

I don't know

what's next for us.

But I want you to

know that I like

everything about you, Abby.

The time we have spent together

has been some of the best

time of my entire life.

Getting to the opening

night was hard.

But I think I made

it harder so I could

spend some time more with you.

This might sound crazy, but I've

even started to imagine what--

I-- I got a job offer.

You did?

When?

They called yesterday.

I didn't even know

you had the interview.

I think I'm

going to accept it.

It starts in a

week, in New York.

Is that what you want to do?

It's what I have to do.

Otherwise, I'm afraid

I'm never going to leave.

Would that be so bad?

This isn't the life that I

envisioned for myself, Theo.

It's time for me to go home.

I'm afraid, Abby.

[SOFT LAUGH] Of what?

Running the restaurant

alone, my father

shutting it down, failing.

But mostly, afraid

of losing you.

[SIGH]

We both knew that

this moment would come.

[NERVOUS LAUGH] I

don't know what to say.

I leave in the morning.

You don't need

to say anything.

[SNIFFS] I've never been

very good at goodbyes.

[DOOR OPENING]

[DOOR CLOSES]

Am I too late to eat?

You're right on time.

Let me show you to

your table, Mr. Pappas.

[TENDER MUSIC]

Here you go.

Oh, yes.

I know this spot well.

Thank you for coming.

It means the world to Theo.

Your mother's recipe?

[CHAIR DRAGS ON FLOOR]

[SIGHS]

You know, Theo, I

haven't been back here

since your mother passed away.

I know.

[TENDER MUSIC]

I almost didn't come.

I know you want me to--

Not because of that.

I didn't want to risk

the memories I have

of this place, of her in it.

I was afraid that

coming here and seeing

it again might make them fade

away, might replace them.

But I'm trying to do

the opposite of that.

I see that--

now.

And you're right.

You are sharing what

she loved with others.

You made the right

decision, Theo.

This may have been the

finest meal I've ever had.

THEO: Thank you, Dad.

I brought you something.

Mom's recipes.

There's no better place

to serve them than here.

About the restaurant--

Call the inspector tomorrow.

Dimitris seems confident

that everything

will be OK this time.

[GENTLE MUSIC]

[SIGHS]

[BELLS CHIMING]

[SIGH]

Theo?

Theo.

[HOPEFUL MUSIC]

You know, I was, uh--

I was thinking.

What's that?

With the villa sold, we

can't really serve food there.

But we can find someplace else

to serve until the restaurant

opens for real.

We don't have to.

The company sold

the villa to my dad.

He bought it and gave it to me.

[LAUGHTER]

So does this mean you don't have

to sleep on the floor anymore?

Does this mean you

get to stay longer?

I think maybe I

should stay here,

see how the whole

restaurant thing works out.

I think that sounds

like a great idea.

[LAUGHS] I think I could

really learn to love this job.

So could I.

[ROMANTIC MUSIC]

[LAUGHTER]

[UPBEAT GREEK MUSIC]