Chef Antoine wiped his hands on his apron, a familiar sigh escaping him.
He had a sudden problem to deal with.
His main oven, usually so reliable, was acting strangely.
He couldn’t count on it for the evening’s big catering event.
Antoine knew he had to go over the entire menu, imagining how he could cook everything with only half the equipment.
He’d already had to turn down a last-minute request for extra appetizers, knowing he simply didn't have the capacity.
He couldn't risk running out of space or time.
He wanted to put off telling his assistant, Marie, but he knew he couldn't.
He decided he would get back to the oven repair company after he’d made a new plan.
It was already half past four, and the guests would arrive at quarter to seven.
He needed to be punctual.
The entire duration of the cooking process was now a huge question mark.
He needed a solution immediately.
Antoine had recently been experimenting with an old, rarely used wood-fired oven in the back, though he only used it occasionally for his own bread.
He frequently thought it was too much hassle for daily use.
Meanwhile, Marie walked in, looking concerned.
“Chef, is everything alright?” she asked.
Eventually, a small smile touched Antoine’s lips.
He explained his new, daring plan: use the wood-fired oven for everything.
It was a crazy idea, but it just might work.
Prior to this, he’d only considered it for his personal projects, never a big event.
It felt like a small lecture to himself about being flexible.