THROUGH A FRACTURED EXISTENCE, TO THE RHYTHM OF ETERNITY.

[bitemark]

IL MATTINO

Il Mattino is an Italian cafe sidled between a bookstore and a jewelry boutique in small but popular business district, just a downhill walk from the local non-denominational Christian church and residential area. The ocean is less than a ten minute drive away and within view in the distance. The area is cool even when the sun is at its apex at noon with a tinge of sea salt in the breeze.

The cafe itself is medium-sized with plenty of light let in with the large storefront windows. The decor is simple, but accented with key decor with wheat centerpieces and plants. There are some trinkets that are displayed that may look out of place, like atop the charging counter there's a sliding puzzle painted in pink, orange, yellow, blue, purple, and all shades in between.

The cafe specializes in coffee and brunch, though pastries are sourced from local Italian bakeries in downtown Little Italy.

While the establishment has two floors, the cafe takes up the ground floor. There is a yard for some reason, but that's because there are four dogs. They're kept separate from the cafe to make sure patrons are not disturbed, but people are free to go outside to pet them. Reviews have mentioned the owner lives on the second floor and the dogs' names are Harold, Olive, Vera, and Rocco.

DRINKS ✦ FOOD ✦ all sorts of pastries available

Comments

[chrysanths]

[ Meal bars don't feel like anything... but it's fine. They're going to eat! And their stomachs won't eat themselves!! ]

It's...

[ Adolphe sits at the kitchen table in silence. ]

... draining. I'm sure I'll feel better after I eat.

[ Luckily, he's not hangry. ]

[obdure]

Well, you're back and you can relax.

[ He was going to tell Adolphe he can serve himself since he doesn't know how much he wants, but he's already sitting.

He will just scoop a moderate amount of risotto, then add a seafood assortment. A sprinkle of garlic oil, I guess some parsley, too.

Onto the table, then glasses of water. Time to eat. ]

[chrysanths]

[ Oh... he had the food brought to him. Adolphe nods over at Jacopo in thanks. Time to eat! He ends up stuffing his face at a moderate pace, because he didn't realize just how hungry he actually was. It's... really savory. And good. He takes care to chew more when he needs to. ]

It's really good. It matches the amount of savory that I like.

[ Somehow?! Adolphe looks amazed. ]

[obdure]

[ It just seemed like a hassle of wandering around the kitchen, so might as well just bring it to the table. They eat! And Jacopo is eating like usual, though he's thinking about serving himself more when he's done.

It is quite good. Very seafood. Very cheese... ]

Does it? [ Sips water. ] We have similar tastes then.

[ Coincidence, really. ]

[chrysanths]

[ Coincidence, but for some reason, it makes Adolphe feel a little better from.the exhaustion, like how simply seeing someone can brighten your mood.

He doesn't think on that. ]

It feels really luxurious to eat like this...

[obdure]

[ An incredulous though amused look as he fiddles with the spoon in his hand a bit. LUXURIOUS... ADOLPHE... He's getting an idea of his life, even though he does think this risotto is good? ]

All right. We have to knock that off before I spew chunks. [ He'll just assume flattery, even though Adolphe does not seem like the type. It's why this is just a joke. ] It's something you can make, too. It's not that hard.

[chrysanths]

[ Adolphe huffs. ]

If I have the recipe and ingredients, I can make it. It's just a matter of getting all those ingredients for the sake of this one meal.

[ He could probably do leftovers, but. ]

Then I would have to think of how to use all of it up before they go bad...

[ He's feeling a little stressed just thinking about it so he eats some more. someone help this neurotic man ]

[obdure]

[ Jacopo is too stressed about work where stuff like food isn't allowed to stress him... Easy sustenance quick to make is ideal.

This is out there for him still even if Sunday is his rest day. That's time he could use being productive, but he's found that he enjoyed cooking. Maybe it's because there's someone else... And they brighten up after a spoonful when they had a draining day. They say it's "luxurious."

Going out of his way to cook a good meal is not that bad. Time lost, but he finds it worth it. ]

Do it for occasions, then. Honestly, you don't need to make it seafood. You can make a risotto easily, then choose whatever protein suits your fancy. Cut small pieces of ham and mix it in. You can cube canned meat and throw it in.

[ Tries to cut things out easily for him. He's used to it when proofing food for the cafe. ]

Rice freezes well, so risotto should, too. [ ... ] If anything, I'm also here to eat through it if you wanted.

[chrysanths]

[ Happy for Jacopo for him to find the joy of cooking for other people that he cares about.

Jacopo's advice is appreciated and now Adolphe is just thinking about making these in bulk for leftovers in the future. He could probably go on for days with risotto...

... ]

If you're fine with leftovers, then... if you'd like, you can.

[ Jacopo and his meal bars. ]

[obdure]

[ you really could just freeze rice into meal portions very convenient for solo living

Raises an eyebrow as he finishes his plate, then gets up to serve himself more. ]

Why wouldn't I be fine with leftovers?

[ He eats them when he does have them... When he does cook, which he does. Just nothing over the top, usually. ]

[chrysanths]

[ my college living strats ]

... I can't help but to think that when the food I keep seeing from you has good quality to it.

[ Yeah. Yeah....................... Sorry. Adolphe's food standards are on the floor. He just needs sustenance. ]

[obdure]

[ HE'S ALSO A SUSTENANCE GUY... CAN THEY BOTH GET IT TOGETHER ]

I thought I mentioned I don't normally cook anything extravagant.

[ He's back with his second serving of risotto and seafood, eating at a regular pace. Just hunger. ]

[chrysanths]

Mentioning it and seeing it in action are completely different things.

[ When he sees Jacopo get another serving, he suddenly wants some more too, so he gets up to serve himself some more. He goes back to the table. ]

[obdure]

You'll see it eventually, so don't get too used to this.

[ They won't always have time to have good meals!! Or will they because you know what... ]

It is nice to have a warm meal after a long day, though.

[ To eat with someone, too. He doesn't want to admit that it would be nice to do this more often. ]

[chrysanths]

... It is.

[ He smiles a little. The only thing that's satisfied after eating for sustenance is his stomach, and there's really no joy in it. It's been a while since he felt that eating was an enjoyable activity, also with someone. ]

But is that a suggestion?

[ He's only a little teasing. ]

[obdure]

[ Sips his water, then pointedly: ]

Is it a suggestion?

[ Rounds back that teasing to Adolphe, but then he catches his smile. It's nice. ]

[chrysanths]

I don't know. That's why I'm asking you.

[ :)

He eats some more risotto. Mmmmmm. ]

[obdure]

[ ARE THESE... PUPPY EYES... ]

[chrysanths]

[ No................................................... I think his pride would die if he even tried to use them.

It's just a casual redirection of "I know what you're trying to do" sort of thing. He continues to eat his food. ]

[obdure]

It depends if there's interest.

[ you want to go in circles as they keep eating risotto and seafood ]

[chrysanths]

That's why I'm asking you if you're interested.

[ binch........... ]

[obdure]

I suppose I wouldn't be against it.

[ no u. eats a spoonful to quell the tiny embarrassment. ]

[chrysanths]

Alright. How about we do that at least once a week?

[ Start off small, no expectations. ]

We can take turns in cooking something that's more than just sustenance, like this risotto. Maybe every Sunday? The cafe is closed on Sundays. Or just whenever we feel like it, but Sundays should be the designated day.

[obdure]

[ A snort... He's trying to remember the last time he ate a meal with someone that isn't just business or networking... Was it college? Even if he doesn't talk to his college friends as much anymore, they're fond memories. ]

Look at you, a man who blatantly claims to hate talking to people... Making little dinner plans.

[ A small smile. Even if his words feel patronizing, it rings... Empathy because when had he invited people himself? He never reached out, either.

Maria is more recent, though barely counts when they went out for dinner once. ]

Every Sunday. [ Like a promise. ] And then some, if it ends up being that way.

[chrysanths]

... I'm not taking back my words regarding comfort. You...

[ Hm. ]

You don't feel like most people. For example, not many would choose to give shelter to some random homeless guy on the spot. Inviting someone to your home... there's a certain level of trust that's needed to invite someone, let alone having them stay.