Summary

On the night of the third star, Hassan helped Chef Suzanne prepare the desserts. Le Comte de Nancy was at his usual table with several guests. When Hassan emerged from the kitchen, one by one the guests stood up to applaud him. The commotion drew out the staff who came into the dining room to join in the celebration. The clapping was the deafening pinnacle of Hassan’s life. He thanked everyone and thought of his father who would be standing proudly next to him.

Calls for reservations by the hundreds were pouring in as were emails of congratulations. The phone was ringing off the hook. They were booked solid for months. Food companies were calling for endorsements and other joint ventures. All the good news made him sad to think about Paul who had died while he was losing everything.

After his night...