The Bear 2x4

1. How are we doing?

2. Well, as of now, we are seven weeks out.

3. Our DBA just got rejected.

4. Fire suppression hasn't shown up yet.

5. We have to schedule a second deep clean

6. because our building's now considered a biohazard

7. and we only have a couple walls left standing.

8. Why-why did we get rejected?

9. Well, because we filed for a new name.

10. Why is that a problem?

11. Well, because we never

12. filed for a first name.

13. We, they, Mikey weren't operating correctly

14. because they were never doing business as.

15. So now we have to file to do business as The Bear

16. and pay a fine for not doing business as The Beef originally.

17. Because according to the IRS, we're assholes.

18. So it's a money thing?

19. Yeah, it's all another money thing, Carm.

20. Uh, how fast can we do a deep clean then?

21. Not until tomorrow, I don't think.

22. - Fuck. - You can say that again.

23. Ooh, fuck.

24. You okay? Hmm.

25. Yeah, the... the DBA is stressing me out.

26. Hey. Hey.

27. Hmm? - You okay?

28. Yeah.

29. Don't tell anyone, okay?

30. This is my problem, and I don't want this to change anything.

31. Okay? I don't wanna be treated any different, okay?

32. - Okay. - I am... completely terrified.

33. And I'm only telling you because...

34. I don't know.

35. Just-just in case.

36. And don't take this like I'm not excited because I am so excited.

37. Because of how we grew up and everything in our lives.

38. I really want this to be loving and good and happy.

39. I just... I don't want anyone to know.

40. - Sure. - Okay?

41. Like, I really don't want Richie to know.

42. - Okay. - Because somehow, it feels more in my control

43. to decide when and who knows...

44. that I'm... pregnant.

45. Congratulations!

46. I fuckin' knew it!

47. Oh, my God.

48. Nat, the wall fell!

49. I am aware, sweetheart.

50. So I have a challenge.

51. I'm gonna go stage at a really great place.

52. I gotta get on a plane, go overseas.

53. You know, you know how I feel about that.

54. I'm excited.

55. Um, and while I'm there,

56. I gotta come up with three really great desserts.

57. You got any ideas?

58. Yeah, I know.

59. I'm a little nervous about it

60. 'cause I really don't wanna mess it up.

61. But I am excited.

62. And don't worry, while I'm gone,

63. Kristy's here, Chester's here.

64. And I'm always a call away if you need anything.

65. I think it's, what, eight-, nine-hour difference.

66. It doesn't matter.

67. Love you.

68. A little bit salty.

69. And whatever it is, you can call me at any time.

70. - I'll be awake. I'll have my phone right by me. - She'll be okay.

71. You know, if she blinks three times, it means she's thirsty.

72. - I know. - She likes to have the blanket halfway up.

73. - Not all the way to her shoulders. - I know.

74. - Yeah, I'm-I'm... I just, I— - I know.

75. Hey... I got her.

76. Yo, airplane mode is real.

77. Make sure your phone is off,

78. otherwise it can fuck with the cell towers

79. and you'll end up in, like,

80. Jersey or Pittsburgh or some shit.

81. - Let me see your passport. - Dude, I have it.

82. No, well, then show me that shit.

83. Dawg, I have my fuckin' passport.

84. Bro, you're talking to Mr. Intercontinental.

85. You know how many times I forgot that bitch?

86. - Show it. - Alright, fine. Whatever. Fuck.

87. - Oh, shit. - Dude, are you for real?

88. Dude... Uh... Are you kidding me?

89. Yeah, come on. I'm fuckin' with you, it's right here.

90. Don't mess with me, dawg.

91. Let me see this. Woo-hoo!

92. Handsome on the passport.

93. Alright. Gimme that.

94. Um, can you just do me a favor

95. and check on my ma if you get some time?

96. Dude, I'm way ahead of you.

97. Gonna check on her every morning on my way to work.

98. Appreciate it. I want you to take

99. a deep breath and let the good in.

100. And also be aware I learned some Danish words,

101. so we'll still be connected when you get back.

102. What'd you learn?

103. Flyvemaskine.

104. I think that's "airplane."

105. - Alright. - And then, um, klimaanlage.

106. - Uh, "air conditioner." - That's important in the winter.

107. I mean, you never know.

108. Global warming is poppin' off.

109. Alright. - Alright, I love you, dawg.

110. - Alright, love you, too. - Alright.

111. - Alright. - Oh, and do not bring up Ikea out there.

112. That's in Sweden, not Denmark. They don't mess with that.

113. I had to learn the wrong way.

114. Yes, Chef.

115. Chef. Uh, I'm Marcus Brooks. I'm from—

116. I know. I'm Luca, pastry. We start at 5:00 a.m.

117. Your section's at the end of the bench.

118. Yes, Chef.

119. So that's six o'clock That's always facing the guest.

120. Yes, Chef.

121. You try. Hm.

122. Nuzzle that sliver into the pudding just to lock it in.

123. Yes, Chef.

124. No, clockwise, Chef. Start the same way.

125. Oh, yes, Chef.

126. No. Again, Chef.

127. Sorry, I'm-I'm a little nervous.

128. Hm, worse.

129. Don't be afraid to just stick it in there, you know.

130. Just be confident about it.

131. Don't second-guess yourself.

132. Yes, Chef.

133. You know how to make shiso gelee?

134. Yes, Chef.

135. Alright.

136. "How to make gelee"...

137. "Dextrose."

138. What the fuck is dextrose?

139. Recipe.

140. Thank you, Chef.

141. That's a little bit too thick.

142. So just add some more pineapple juice.

143. Yes, Chef.

144. Can I ask why?

145. Uh, the thicker it is, the stronger it is.

146. So too thick and it overpowers the other components.

147. What do you serve this with, Chef?

148. Uh, we do that with a thin slice of marzipan

149. and a caramel cracker.

150. That sounds good.

151. Yeah. It's a nice dish.

152. And then water.

153. Start off low.

154. You can see the color change.

155. You see it starting to get brighter?

156. And then just pour that into

157. that right there.

158. Uh-huh.

159. Then, uh, give me two ladles of that into there

160. and just bloom the gelatin.

161. Yes, Chef.

162. Okay, so we're just looking for somebody

163. those first few days, five days a week.

164. Hm-mm! I just can't do Fridays.

165. Right.

166. Well, your résumé is incredible.

167. Thank you. When can I talk to the chef?

168. You are.

169. Oh.

170. So we're just looking for somebody who can commit

171. to a pretty full schedule.

172. Heard. I'm there.

173. You are hired.

174. You ever made ice cream before, Chef?

175. No, Chef.

176. - Want to? - Yes, Chef.

177. Alright.

178. This is a quenelle.

179. So, warm water.

180. Mm-hmm.

181. And not hot or too cold.

182. Away.

183. Back.

184. Alright?

185. - You try. - Alright.

186. Away... and back.

187. Try again. - Alright, yeah.

188. No. Again, Chef.

189. No, worse. Again, Chef.

190. Hey.

191. Um, I was just calling so you could hear my voice.

192. I really like the city.

193. It's really cool.

194. Um, the place I'm staying at is a boat.

195. Hmm. Uh...

196. Oh, the restaurant is beautiful.

197. It smells really good in there.

198. And I'm-I'm really happy I'm here.

199. I really wish you were here, too.

200. Um... Oh, I-I made this thing today.

201. I'm actually sending Kristy a photo of it

202. so that she can show you.

203. Love you.

204. So just watch me.

205. When you're comfortable, jump in.

206. Don't try to be a hero and then fuck it up.

207. Yes, Chef.

208. It's like Operation.

209. Alright. There you go.

210. Whoa.

211. It kind of tastes like a, um...

212. Minty Snickers bar?

213. A minty Snickers bar.

214. That's crazy. Yeah.

215. I think they're rollin' this.

216. Hmm.

217. Frosting's a good idea.

218. Hey, Marcus. Brookson!

219. - How good is Copenhagen? - What up, Brooks?

220. Dude, it's so sick out here.

221. - I'm living on a boat right now. What up, Brooks?

222. Yo, Fak, ask him.

223. Ask me what? Okay.

224. The fire suppression guy is here right now.

225. When was the last time you guys did this?

226. Um, I think never.

227. No secrets. No alliance shit.

228. Dude, we're best friends! We can tell secrets.

229. We gonna tell secrets. That's what we do. No secrets!

230. FAK If this glove pops, we can't turn the gas on

231. and Carmy is literally gonna go full loose boots on us.

232. It's not gonna pop. It's gonna pop!

233. It's not gonna pop. It's gonna pop!

234. That's gonna pop.

235. - It's not gonna pop. - Look!

236. - It is— - Poppin'!

237. It popped! It popped—

238. That— Well... Oh.

239. Alright. Well, talk to you later.

240. Mm.

241. I don't actually think there is a fucking cat.

242. 225 grams, Chef?

243. Correct.

244. So how long you been a cook?

245. About a year and a half. You?

246. Uh, 14 years now.

247. Oh, so you started when you was three?

248. Uh...

249. Close enough, yeah.

250. Where'd you grow up?

251. Uh, London.

252. You're from Chicago?

253. Yeah. Chicago.

254. Did you go to school for this?

255. I didn't. No.

256. Uh, I didn't do too well in school.

257. Got in quite a bit of trouble.

258. Ditched the check. They caught me.

259. Made me wash dishes, and, uh, I loved it.

260. What about you?

261. Needed a job.

262. Well, there's a lot of other jobs.

263. I worked at the phone company for, like, five years.

264. And then McDonald's. Out of high school?

265. I played division three football in college.

266. Oh, shit. What position were you?

267. Outside linebacker.

268. Okay. What does the outside linebacker do?

269. Cover the end and protect the pass.

270. And you loved it?

271. Yeah. I loved it.

272. And it paid for school,

273. but nowhere really to go after.

274. And four years ago, my mom got sick,

275. so I was trying to find a better job.

276. And I always used to get lunch at this beef spot,

277. and the owner was...

278. He was really tight, but also really out of his fuckin' mind.

279. And he wanted to open a bakery,

280. so I stopped making Big Macs

281. and I learned how to make bread and, yeah.

282. How's your mom doing?

283. Well, they say the expectancy was only a couple of years

284. and that was four years ago, so...

285. I just...

286. I just try to spend as much time with her as I can.

287. You're an only child?

288. No. A younger brother. You?

289. Uh, yeah. I got a younger sister somewhere, yeah.

290. How'd you get good at this?

291. Honestly, I made a lot of mistakes.

292. That's the secret, just fuck up?

293. It might be, you know, fuck up.

294. I think 'cause I started early,

295. I got my skill set up really quick

296. and then started to feel like I was really the best,

297. you know, like at all these really good places.

298. I really was the best cook.

299. And then I started

300. at this really great place as a commis.

301. And this other chef started the same day as me,

302. and...

303. I thought we were competition,

304. um, but really we weren't.

305. He was better than me. Much, much better than me.

306. He worked harder and faster than I ever could.

307. And it was the first time I realized

308. that I wasn't the best

309. and I was never gonna be the best.

310. So I started looking at it like it was a good thing.

311. Like, at least I knew who the best was now,

312. and I could take that pressure off myself.

313. And the only logical thing to do was to try and keep up with him.

314. So I never left this guy's side.

315. And you got better.

316. Oh, mate, I got better than

317. I ever thought I possibly could be

318. just from trying to keep up with him.

319. You're like Pippen.

320. - Who's Pippen? - Scottie Pippen.

321. He was like that with Michael Jordan.

322. Who's Michael Jordan?

323. Fucker. I know, I know you know who Michael Jordan is.

324. Yeah, no, we've heard of him in London, yeah.

325. Yeah, I guess, uh, I was like Scottie.

326. But he was a Hall of Famer, though.

327. Number 33.

328. Honored.

329. No, I think at a certain stage it becomes

330. less about skill and it's more about being open.

331. Open? Yeah.

332. To-to the world, to yourself, to other people.

333. You know, most of the incredible things

334. that I've eaten haven't been

335. because the skill level is exceptionally high

336. or there's loads of mad fancy techniques.

337. It's because it's been really inspired, you know.

338. I like that.

339. You can spend all the time in the world in here,

340. but if you don't spend enough time out there...

341. Right.

342. You know?

343. It helps to have good people around you, too.

344. So was it worth it, the time you put in?

345. Don't know. Ask me tomorrow.

346. Hjaelp.

347. Hjaelp.

348. Hjaelp.

349. Hjaelp.

350. Hjaelp.

351. Oh. Fuck.

352. Shit, um...

353. Shit.

354. Um...

355. Fuck.

356. Fuck. Are you alright, man?

357. Alright. Um...

358. Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry. Fuck.

359. Um, this...

360. fuck is on your fucking... It's on your neck.

361. Um... Alright.

362. Sorry, sorry.

363. Uh, I'm gonna lift, I'm gonna lift up.

364. You roll under, okay?

365. Do you understand? Can you, can you understand what I'm saying?

366. Alright, on the count of three.

367. Go, one, two, three.

368. Shit. Sorry. Fuck. I'm sorry.

369. Alright. Alright. - I'm sorry.

370. Fuck, man.

371. That's fuckin...

372. You alright?

373. You got a lot of... You got blood, man.

374. You alright?

375. You sure you wanna get back on the bike?

376. Um...

377. Hi.

378. Hey.

379. What's up? Uh, s... Hello?

380. Wait, Can you hear me? Hello?

381. Can you hear me?

382. Yeah. Yeah, I'm-I'm... - It's, um...

383. It's like being weird. Oh, sorry.

384. It's like a delay, I think 'cause I'm out here.

385. I feel like every time I try to talk, I'm like...

386. Yeah, yeah, like that.

387. Well, how's it going? What's up?

388. I'm having a great time.

389. Call me European Marcus. That's my name.

390. That's what everyone calls me out here.

391. Fancy now.

392. - What are you reading? - Oh, this old thing?

393. Coach K, the greatest comeback of all time.

394. What? Why does everybody know that?

395. Sydney, it's Coach K.

396. Why are you saying his name like it's Martin Luther King Jr.?

397. He's like a college basketball coach.

398. Okay. So what'd you learn?

399. Um, dude, they had a minute left,

400. and they kept their composure.

401. He made a bunch of decisions. It was very cool. They won.

402. Sports.

403. Kept drillin'.

404. They kept drilling.

405. Ooh, guess what.

406. We failed the fire suppression test.

407. Yeah. Sorry I'm not there to help.

408. No, you do not need to be here at all.

409. I'm really happy that you're over there

410. and you're, like, enjoying yourself.

411. I do feel a little guilty, though, not being home.

412. I...

413. I don't know, I keep having this nightmare

414. that Kristy's calling me,

415. telling me that my mom's dead,

416. and then I wake up and everything is fine,

417. and... I don't know.

418. Yeah, I-I get that.

419. But, also, she's okay, you know, like,

420. she's with people who care about her

421. and are taking care of her.

422. And you deserve to be enjoying yourself.

423. Like, you can't take care of her

424. if you're not taking care of you, you know.

425. I guess so.

426. Ugh, I miss you, man.

427. I miss you, too.

428. Oh, shit. Hello?

429. Hello? Hello? Syd?

430. Sorry, I didn't actually freeze.

431. Oh, you fuckin' play too much.

432. It was a little bit scary.

433. I saw my face during that moment.

434. Eat your cereal.

435. Alright, I'm going to sleep.

436. I'll talk to you later. Okay. Night, dude.