Roberto: Marina, I cannot work like this! I’m going to quit! This is crazy! I think of all the things that could go wrong, they have all happened.
Marina: What is it Roberto? What’s up? The electricity is back on, it was just due to a faulty drill blowing the fuse, so what’s the problem now?
Roberto: What’s the problem? This is the problem - the butcher called, he cannot deliver the chicken for tonight’s dinner - their delivery van was in a traffic accident, nothing serious they say, ha! Nothing serious for them but for me, this is serious! I have 150 people to feed, how can I feed them when the main ingredient is not here? Why me? Why the chicken? Non e’ possibile! Mamma mia! Che pizza! (The three Italian expressions in English: It's not possible! My goodness! What a mess! )
Marina: Okay Roberto, we’re going to have to think on our feet here. We’ve still got the fish option right?
Roberto: Yes, but we need something else!
Marina: Well, what can we use as a substitute? I’m sure we can think of something…
Roberto: There is nothing, Marina, I think we cannot call it Thai chicken curry if we don’t have any chicken in it!
Naomi: Eh, sorry, I couldn’t help hearing what you were saying, ehm, I may be able to help you…
Roberto: How? How can you help? Are you going to pretend to be a chicken now? Are you going to volunteer to be the chicken substitute?
Naomi: Eh no but I am a vegetarian, have been for years, and I think I can help adapt the dish so it’s just as tasty even without the...ehm, main ingredient…I do it all the time with recipes.
Roberto: My Thai chicken curry with no chicken, eh? Okay Naomi, let’s try it. I will listen to the vegetarian waitress tell me how to cook my food.
Marina: Great, that’s great. Thanks both of you! I’m sure it’ll be delicious. Now I’ve got to check the refrigerators but I will be back later…
(In the restaurant)
Male diner: What?! What do you mean you don’t have the Thai chicken curry?
Naomi: I’m afraid sir that, although it’s on the menu, it’s not available tonight. The fish dishes are still on of course and instead of the chicken curry, we can offer you a selection of…
Male diner: Well that is ridiculous, why do you print a menu with dishes you don’t serve! I find it absurd. I think I need to speak to your chef… call him here at once…
Naomi: (to herself) Oh dear, this could end in tears...