Date: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 22:41:55 -0700 (PDT) From: Franco Alonzo <franco.alonzo@yahoo.com> Subject: Welcome To Sin City - Part 1 This story is pure fiction and doesn't imply on the true sexuality of the contestants on Top Chef, Las Vegas. This story will contain homosexual activities between two chefs, which will only be true in my mind. If you are underage or offended by homosexual activity, please do not continue. Top Chef is owned by Bravo. This is my first attempt writing a story. Please feel free to comment and make suggestions. Email me at franco.alonzo@yahoo.com Happy Reading!!! Welcome To Sin City Part 1 The sun slowly rose over Las Vegas bringing a clear, crisp and humid day. Seventeen individuals dressed in black and white filed out of the airplane from various locations. Knowing what to expect, these seventeen are eagerly waiting with anticipation the many challenges and obstacles that awaits them. Mattin's POV WOW!!! I can't believe I'm finally here! As I was walking out of the terminal from my flight from San Francisco, I couldn't help but keep a smile on my face. Out of millions of auditions, I can't believe that I was one of the lucky seventeen chosen to be on Top Chef. I grew up in a town called Biarritz in the Basque region of Southwestern France. I miss home so much. I remember as a child, almost every weekend all of us my parents, my siblings and myself would go to the beach and spend the afternoon in the sun.Swimming, laughing and making sand castles always got me in the mood to go to the beach. So how did I get into the food business you ask? Well when I was a toddler, I remember being in the kitchen with my faher. The aroma, flavors and colors had my senses tingleing, inspiring me to wanting to create my own concauctions of flavors. I began to think about my dream job, a chef. Everything started to become a reality when I turned 14. I was fortunate enough to enter and recieve a three year culinary program which turned into an apprencticeship by a four michelin star protégé chef Dominique Jolie under the supervision of chef Joel Robuchon. After accomplishing my apprencticeship, I began a new adventure by landing a job in some of the finest restaurants France and Switzerland had to offer. I'm finally living my dream. A couple years later, I made the decision to move to the USA. I have always wanted to see the other side of the world. Figuring out where to go, I have settled in San Francisco where I was destined to be the greatest chef I can possibly be. One year later, I opened my first restaurant in North Beach called ILuna Basque. So many of my dreams are starting to come true. My game plan was to show off my unique exotice flair combining basque culture with spanish cusine. The environment is very warm, cozy and welcoming. I hope I do well in the competition. End Of POV A woman in her mid 30s, tall, slim, exotic caramel skin, long, silky dark hair and wearing an expensive couture outfit, slowly approached them. Next to her was a medium sized cub of a bald man in his late 30s wearing a casual suit. Padma: Welcome chefs to Sin City, Las Vegas. I'm Padma Lakshmi and welcome to Top Chef. Next to me is the very charming and gullible Tom Colicchio. Expect the unexpected and the surprises. Get ready to battle it out for the title of Top Chef. Mike's POV Talk, Talk, Talk let's get started already. Hey everyone Michael Voltaggio here born and raised in Frederick Maryland, moved to Pasadena California. So how did I become a chef? Hmmm let's see, where do I begin? I started working in the industry at age 15. I loved it soo much I haven't left the industry since. Through the years, I have studied with some of the well known chefs in the business. Some chefs I studied with are Jose Andres, Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert. Most of my training have been in European Fine Dining Kitchens such as Le Cirque, Jean Georges and Le Bernardin. Which led me to The Greenbrier Hotel in West Virginia where I took an apprenticeship program where I got my Chef De Cuisine Diploma. I have learned modern techniques, flavors and presentation. While working Chef De Cuisine in various kitchens such as The Dining Room ( The Ritz Carlton, Naples Florida ) and Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen ( Healdsburg, California ), I have earned several awards including AAA 5 Diamond and the Mobil Award. I became a finalist in 2009 for the James Beard "Best New Restaurant" award. Currently I work as Chef De Cuisine at The Dining Room at The Langham, Huntington Hotel and Spa in Pasadena, California. My style of cooking is Sophisticated American Cuisine utilizing modern technology and classic disciplines of cooking. End Of POV Padma: Before we all go home, you will be paired in groups of three to determine your roommates. Mattin and Mike's POV CRAP!!! End Of POV Padma: When I call your names please pair up: Roommate 1: Ashley, Preeti and Ash Roommate 2: Ron, Kevin and Hector Roommate 3: Eve, Jen C and Michael Roommate 4: Jen Z, Jesse and Robin Roommate 5: Laurine, Bryan and Eli Roommate 6: Mike and Mattin Here are your keys to your cars. Your GPS have been programmed to take you home. See you in a bit. All the newly paired roommates evacuated to their assigned vehicles. Since Mike and Mattin were the only two, they were lucky enough to get a 2010 Blu Mirabeau F430 Spider Ferrari with Blu Scuro Trim and all the horsepower and features a true roadster dreams of. Mattin's POV This day just keeps getting better and better. Mike: Hey do you wanna drive? "You can drive, I'm actually pretty beat from the plane ride. Mike: Ok cool. This seat is so comfortable that it makes me wanna take a nap. Garmin: Drive to the highlighted route. Mike: Are you ready for this bud? "Yea I'm pretty confident, I'm just hoping I can do the best that I can. Mike: Yea same here. Mike: So where did you come from? "San Francisco. Mike: Nice, Nice. I'm from Pasadena. "Awsome. Mike: I'm Michael. "Mattin. Garmin: In .3 miles, turn left. Michael seems like a great guy and we're both in Cali! Looking over my shoulder, I couldn't stop keeping my eyes off my new roommate. His smooth and silky goldenrod hair, entices me to run my fingers gently and playfully all over, massaging his head. Getting lost staring into those piercing, deep ocean blue eyes, getting lost into my own little world while making my heart melt. Running my fingers up and down his smooth, tanned surfer body, caressing every inch of his abs. Slowly and gently wrapping my arms around him. Genltly resting my head in his shoulder, feeling his warm intriguing breath and soft kisses as I drift off to sleepy land. End Of POV Mike's POV Walking outside of the the airport, we were greeted by six cars in a single line. Five cars were Fords and one car which caught my eye was a deep shade of blue sportscar. Knowing which I car I was about to get, a bolt of electricity shot through my body with excitement. I really wanna drive, I should ask my roommate if he wants to drive, just to be nice :) " Hey do you wanna drive? Mattin: You can drive, I'm actually pretty beat from the plane ride. " Ok cool. AWSOME!!! As soon as my ass hit the seat, the keys in the ignition I could feel the rush of power entering my body. Slowly I turned the key while my foot was on the breaks, I could hear it roar as I feel myself slowly vibrating. As I was putting my hand around the lever, I turned on the AC and pressed home on the GPS. Moments later, Mattin and I were the kings of the road feeling the vibration and speed as life gradually rushed by. Garmin: Drive to the highlighted route. Quickly looking over, I couldn't help myself but admire the french adonis next to me. Running my hands through those shaggy dark blonde hair while staring into those deep ocean blue eyes. I could stare at those eyes til time itself froze. "Are you ready for this bud? Mattin: Yea I'm pretty confident, I'm just hoping I can do the best that I can. "Yea same here. "So where did you come from? Mattin: San Francisco. "Nice, Nice. I'm from Pasadena. Mattin: Awsome. "I'm Michael. Mattin: Mattin. What a hot accent. Garmin: In .3 miles, turn left. End of POV One by one chefs are starting to arrive home. A spacious house which is about 20mins away from the strip and the competition site. Entering the house, the chefs are greeted by an entrance hall with an alcove, bay windows and a chandelier of crystals hanging in the center point of the room. The room is painted with earth tones bringing warmth and comfort inside. Further down the room, lies an open wall that leads into the living room. Walking in the spacious room, sets a 45 inch samsung LCD with surround sound bringing media entertainment to life. Underneath the tv lies a platform which every gamer dreams of. Inside was a PS3, nintendo wii and an xbox 360 live. On the same wall lies several shelves full of various games and blue ray DVDs. Next to the tv, stood a high definition radio. A couple feets away stood a coffee table with a long circular couch with recliners and a foot rest. Also in the room, was an end table with a clock and a house phone. Next to the living room, in front of a long dining room table, lies an open and spacious kitchen equipped with marble granite countertops filled with every cooking electric and utensils ever imagines. Stainless steel refrigerators, wall ovens and stoves are also accompanied in the room as well as large sink with a garbage disposal and dishwasher. Walking across the living room, lies a corridor with three bedrooms and a bathroom ( there's also a bathroom inside the living room on this floor ). These three rooms are identical in size with a bunk bed, a twin size bed, an end table with an alarm clock, drawers and a couple of armoires. Going back into the living room leads another short corridor leading to the study room with a computer. In the same area a small sitting room can also be found. Once again in the living room, a large glass door place on the further wall leading to an open pattio. Inside the pattio, several tables and chairs can be found as well as a girl. Going further, a spacious and serene pool stood with waterfall. Next to the pool, is a jacuzzi with jets. A basketball court can also be found in the area. Inside the kitchen,the first set of stairs can be found leading down to the basement. On this floor, the laundry room can be found. Walking more, you can find a bar with a corridor wich has two rooms identical to the main level of the house. A bathroom can also be found as well as a fully equipped excercise room. Once again in the main floor, another set of stairs can be found leading to the top floor. On the top floor, a spacious sitting room can be found almost identical to the living room. Another chandelier hanged in the center of the rooms. Bay windows can be found as well as another alcove. In the room lies a double door with a plaque that reads Mattin Noblia and Michael Voltaggio. About 25mins later, Mattin and Mike have reached home greeted by three cars already parked. Both exited the car and retrieved their luggage from the back compartment. Mike helped Mattin along the way. Entering the door, both were greeted happily by the other chefs. Inside were the first three groups. Group 1: Ashley, Preeti and Ash Group 2: Eve, Jen C and Michael Group 3: Laurine, Bryan and Eli All shook hands and started up conversations of where everyone is from, what restaurants they trained and worked in and the competition in general. Mike was surprised and taken back when he saw his brother Bryan who he didn't see in six years. Overwhelmed and surprised, Mike went over to his brother giving him a big hug and started catching up on old times. Mattin's POV Reaching the house, I was in awe on how spacious and serene the environment. I really which I could take a nap, but I know I couldnt. Entering the house, I was greeted by nine other enthusiastic chefs from different areas. I heard my roommate's brother is also in the competition I wonder who he is. OOOO that's him. Seeing michael apprach a figure who has the same golden rod hair and the same blue eyes who appears to be a tad older. I dunno about you but out of these two, I would say Mike is deffinately the cuter one. Looking to my other side, I saw three people approach me. Ash: Hi nice to meet you I'm Ash. Ash grabbed my hand and shook it. Ashley: I'm Ashley Eli: Wassup I'm Eli. "Hello everyone, I'm Mattin from San Francisco. I shook everyone's hand. After a while of non stop chatting, I began walking all over the house finding a room. To my surprise, each door had the names of the roommates. As I walking around, I felt someone's hand on my shoulder. Mike: Hey Mattin. I found our room, we're on the top floor. I already took your luggage for you. "Thanks Mike, you didn't have to do that. I can take care of it. Mike: Don't worry about it. We're roomies anyway. I guess i'll go up and check it out. Reaching the top floor, I was greeted by a spacious seating area with a double door with my name in plaque. Opening the door, I saw Michael unpacking. WOW this doesn't look like the other rooms I saw. The room was painted in light earth tones bringing warmth and comfort. The sun shined on the bay window which was illuminated by the crystal chandelier that hung on the cieling. ( The Chandelier is from Swarovski ) An alcove is found further inside. In the center wall of the room, stood a spacious king sized bed with bedsheets from what appears to be Burberry blue plaid. A roll away bed can also be found in the room. Next to the bed are end tables with one of them lies a small silver clock from Tiffany's. A few feet away from the bed to the right, a small sitting area can be found. In this area lies a persian rug with italian leather couches from Versace Couture. In the center was a chic table from Fendi. In front of the area stood a 55 inch LED LCD flat plasma screen from Samsung. A Blue Ray DVD player can also be found in the area with various movies. Next to the bed on the left side, is a double door which leads to a balcony. Walking further down the room, lies another set of double doors which inside is a walk in closet. Inside the closet, is a spacious space with shelves for accessories, drawers, racks with hangers, a full sized mirror and a seperate room for shoes. Back into the bedroom another set of double doors can be found. Inside the room, a bathroom can be found. Upon entering you are first greeted by a large hot tub with jets in the center. On one side of the wall, a large and long counterstop stood with drawers fully equipped with two sinks and a long mirror. Two towel racks are found on the opposite wall. In the room a small linen closet can be found. A large spacious shower is also found in the room. Inside the bedroom, a large desk is also present with an imac along with a private jacuzzi. Mike: Hey you can take the bed. I'll take the roll away. "You sure? Mike: yea it's fine. "Thanks. He's really nice! End Of POV Mike's POV Garmin: Arriving at your destination. Home Sweet Home! Looks like someone beat us here. Stepping out of the car, I streched for a quick second. Then I walked to back, opened the back compartment and got out both of our luggage. Entering the house, I quickly took a glance around. WOW this house is big! I dropped the luggage in one corner and started walking around. To my surprise, everyone had assigned rooms. I wonder, where's my room. Eventually I found my room, well me and frenchie on the top floor. As I reached the main floor, I saw a figure that looks like an older version of me. Knowing who it was, I went over to the figure and gave him a big hug. It was my brother who I haven't seen in six years. "Hi, how are you? Bryan: I'm fine. "I'm Michael, nice to meet you. Bryan: Michael what. Bryan: So where did you fly from? "I flew in from Vegas after I spent the night and had dinner with mom. Without you of course. LOL I'm a tool aren't I. I talked the most trash when we were growing up and I loved it LOL "Nice seeing you again bro! I went to the corner where I dropped the luggage and slowly brought them up one by one. I figured I bring Mattin's as well so he wouldn't have to worry about it. Going back down, I saw Mattin going all over the house trying to find the room. I went next to him and place my hand on his shoulder. "Hey Mattin. I found our room, we're on the top floor. I already took your luggage for you. Mattin: Thanks Mike, you didn't have to do that. I can take care of it. "Don't worry about it. We're roomies anyway. Don't worry about it Mattin I don't want that cute ass stressing over bringing your luggage upstairs. I went back upstairs to unpack. Once I got upstairs I decided to settle in the roll away bed and let Mattin have the bed. A few moments later I heard my roommate come in. "Hey you can take the bed. I'll take the roll away. Mattin: You sure? "yea it's fine. Mattin: Thanks. End Of POV Moments later the other chefs arrive. The living room was filled with laughter and conversation until something out of the ordinary happened. The plasma suddenly turned on and moments later Padma can be seen. Padma: Hello chefs. I hope all of you are settled in but don't get too comfortable. By the end of the day, one of you will be eliminated and will be going home. To find out your competition site, meet me at the designated location found on your GPS. Good luck. With that said the plasma turned off putting everyone back into reality. Everyone started running to their vehicles and headed towards the competition site. Moments later, the chefs found themselves at the M resort. Entering the glitzy resort, they were greeted by the concierge. Concierge: Welcome chefs to the M resort. This is where it all goes down. Please follow me into the kitchen. Mattin's POV I wonder if I can hit the slots for a couple on mins. LOL ya that's not gonna happen. Well for now LOL As we entered in the kitchen, Padma can be seen standing with Tom. The kitchen was simply beautiful. Wall ovens line the walls. Refrigerators lined on the opposite side. In the center, rows of countertops line followed by the stoves. In the back was the pantry followed by a door that leads into what we call the stew room ( the waiting room ) Tom: Ok chefs let's get started. Welcome to your first quick fire.Not everything is about cooking. Cut and techniques are also key factors to being a great chef. For this challenge we're going to test your skills and have a relay race. The first leg of the race, chuck 15 clams, the next leg peel 30 spot prawns, after that clean up 5 lobsters and the final leg buther 2 chops from the prime rib. When you think you completed a leg, put your hands up and yell check. I'll come over, check your mis en place and then i'll blow the whistle and you can continue. The first team to finish all 4 tasks wins. Padma: So chefs, you will have 2 mins to determine who of you to take each leg of the race. Team 1: Laurine, Jen Z, Ron and Ash Team 2: Ashley, Hector, Eli and Michael Team 3: Jen C, Jesse, Mattin and Bryan Team 4: Eve, Preeti, Kevin and Mike Padma: Ok chefs, put on your aprons and take your positions. Padma: Your Race starts now. With that said, the whistle is blown. I decided to clean the lobster. I been doing this alot of I had no problem going super fast without hurting myself. After the last leg, my team won. I feel bad for Mike's team for picking Preeti to chuck the clams. I mean come on now, how hard is it chuck clams. Padma: hold on blue team we're not done yet. To determine the winner of this challenge we're going to have a cook off. This challenge is the first quick fire of hight stakes. The winner of this challenge will recieve this gold chip worth $15,000 from the M resort. WOW this is new. The stakes are really high now. Padma: The blue team will have a cook off to compete for $15,000 Padma: Blue team, to win the $15,000 you must complete a dish in 30 mins. Which features all the ingredients you worked with in your relay race. Padma: your quick fire starts now good luck. I have lobster which taste good on its own. I can really use my skills from what I learned in french school. I just wanna stay true to my style. Padma: Ok times up, utensils down, put your hands up. I dropped my utensil down and placed my hands up. That was intense! I cooked the lobster in bay leaves and a star anise. Tom: This was tough and all very good dishes but if I had to pick 2 that could've been better Bryan, I actually loved the caramelized celery what I really didn't care for was the puree which was really bland and a little gritty. Mattin, I thought the lobster was perfectly cooked, you mentioned star anise and bay leaves, I didn't get alot of that flavor. Tom: If I had to choose a favorite Jen C, I like the flavors are really nice and clean, nice and tender. Jesse, I thought in half an hour you were tremendously enough to develop outstanding flavors and a big mouthful of the ocean. Tom: I wish I could choose both but, I have to choose one. Jen C, yours was my favorite. WOW I'm heartbroken. O well I tried my best. Here it comes the elimination challenge. Padma: In the spirit of Sin City, we wanna find out about your dark side, you'll each be cooking a dish based on an advice your each guilty of. Tom: For this challenge, your teammates are now your competitors and you are cooking against eachother. One chef from each group will be up for the win, and one will be up for elimination. Tom: Joining us as guest judge, is a pioneer in the Las Vegas dining scene. Tommorrow we'll be cooking at cut restaurant and the guest judge is wolfgang puck. Padma: You'll each have $150 and 30 mins to shop at whole foods. Then tommorrow, you'll have 2 hrs to cook. Good luck, we will see you tommorrow night at Cut. Hmmmm what's my advice for a guilty pleasue? End Of POV All the chefs made thier way back into the vehicles and made thier way back home, tired fom a long day of work. Mike's POV I'm really happy that Mattin's team won and my brother. But me and my brother are compteing with eachother and I'm not his biggest fan right now. Hmmmmm what advice would I give? Well people come to Vegas to get stuff done especially the girls LOL I know what your thinking and I can freely say I'm not a pig. I'm just a bi pig LOL In a short while, Mattin and I made it back home and relaxed. End Of POV Early next morning, all the chefs rushed to Whole Foods. Once at Whole Foods, everyone rushed inside with carts and starting shopping with time. The sun slowly set on Las Vegas bringing the night hour. Everyone found themselves at Wolfgang Puck's restaurant Cut. Mattin's POV WOW this kitchen is spacious and beautiful. As I got in the kitchen I immediately rushed into a work station and started. I settled myself next to Michael's station. Trying really hard not glance over, I couldn't help myself thinking about Michael working and how cute he looks being serious. Figuring out what to do, I began to think back when I first came into the states. I'm a tourist from France and a tourist is known for being born abroad. Moments later I found myself in front of the judges and Wolfgang Puck presenting my dish of Buffalo Rib Eye with Madeira sauce, zucchini and mashed potatoes. Leaving the judges table I began to chills inside. As I was walking back into the kitchen, I felt someone tap my shoulder lightly. It was Michael. Overall, I'm kinda happy. I said to myself. Lets just hope for the best. End Of POV Moments later, the chefs enter the stew room for the first time. Mike's POV That was the longest day I ever had. And to top the cake, I cooked for one of the greatest chefs of our time. The one and only Wolfgang Puck at his Las Vegas restaurant. Walking into the stew room, I saw Mattin sitting in one corner so I decided to go and sit with him. "Thank god that's over with. Mattin: Yea I hear you. " How do you think you did? Mattin: Overall I'm kinda happy. I really dunno the nerves are kicking in. He looks cute when he's nervously laughing. " Don't knock yourself out of the bridge, just hope for the best. Mattin: Yea you're right and thanks. Moments later, Padma shows up. I had goosebumps all over. Padma: Good evening we would like to see Ron, Michael, Kevin and Jen C. Thank you Crap I didn't win. I'm tired let's go home already. End Of POV Finally after a long stressful day, the chef reached home where everyone showered and went to sleep. Mattin's POV Finally Home Sweet Home. I walked in the door, went upstairs and went into the bathroom and took a shower. When I finished and walked out of the bathrrom fully dressed, I saw Mike come in and went inside the bathroom. I made myself to the couch and took a seat and relaxed a bit. Moments later, I saw Mike come out of the shower and he took a seat on the couch. Mike: Thank god that's over with. "LOL yea man it was a blood bath LOL Mike: So how's living in San Francisco? "Quite well, I'm always on the move and running my restaurant. Mike: very cool. So what kind of restaurant do you own? "A french restaurant in North Beach. I opened it in 2003. Mike: WOW and you were only 23 at that time right, that's incredible congrads. " Thanks. I wanted to stay true to my culture. Mike: Sorry to cut this short but after the long day we had, I'm beat. " Yea I'm gonna go to bed also, are you sure you want to sleep on the roll away? I can always take it and you can have the bed. Mike: so it's cool like I said before you're my roommate and you can have it. "LOL thanks. With that said the conversation ended and I got off the couch, walked to the bed, crawled in and slowly drifted off to sleep thinking what tommorrow will bring and dreaming about Michael Voltaggio. End Of POV Padma: Jen Z, Please pack your knives and go. To Be Continued... Well everyone, there you go the first chapter of Top Chef Las Vegas. Hope everyone had fun reading while I enjoyed writing it. Feel free to leave me comments and suggestions.