A Greek Recipe for Romance (2024) Movie Script
[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 cocktails 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 drifter.
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]
Shoot.
[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
cockatiels 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 bullet 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]
.
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 cocktails 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 drifter.
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]
Shoot.
[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
cockatiels 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 bullet 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]