Ep 2. Ring

In Ristorante Paradiso season 1 episode 2, titled "Ring," the story picks up where the first episode left off. Nicoletta arrives in Rome to reunite with her estranged mother, Olga, and unexpectedly discovers that she works at a restaurant named Casetta dell'Orso, which is staffed exclusively by older men wearing glasses, including her mother's husband, Lorenzo. Nicoletta is fascinated by this unique restaurant concept but decides not to reveal her true identity to her mother or her coworkers.

The episode begins with Olga introducing Nicoletta to her new family, including Lorenzo and his co-workers, Luciano, Vito, Gigi, Teo, and Claudio. Nicoletta is amazed by the charm and warmth of the restaurant, but she is also surprised to find that her mother's marriage is based more on convenience than love. Lorenzo, a widower with grown children, married Olga to help her raise Nicoletta after her husband left her. However, they have become close over the years, and Lorenzo genuinely cares for Olga and her daughter.

As Nicoletta adjusts to her new surroundings, she becomes more interested in the restaurant and its staff. She discovers that they all wear glasses because Olga believes that it enhances their sense of taste and smell. Each of them has a unique role in the kitchen, and they all take their jobs very seriously. Nicoletta is impressed by their commitment to excellence and begins to appreciate the artistry of cooking. She also develops a friendship with Claudio, the sommelier, who shares his knowledge of wine with her.

The main plot of "Ring" centers around the arrival of a famous critic, who is known to be very picky and difficult to please. Olga is determined to impress him and assigns each member of the staff a specific task to ensure that everything goes smoothly. However, things do not go as planned, and they are forced to improvise when the critic asks for a dish that is not on the menu. Nicoletta volunteers to help, and her quick thinking saves the day.

Throughout the episode, we see the characters interacting with each other and their customers, revealing their quirks, talents, and flaws. The older men are not just skilled chefs but also have interesting backstories and personalities. Luciano, the head chef, is gruff and no-nonsense but has a soft spot for Nicoletta. Vito, the dessert chef, is a flirt and a ladies' man but also has a sad past. Gigi, the pasta chef, is quiet and reserved but has a talent for creating beautiful dishes.

The episode concludes with the critic being impressed with the restaurant and its staff, much to Olga's delight. Nicoletta also receives some good news when she discovers that she has gotten a job at the university in Rome. Olga and Lorenzo are proud of her and invite her to stay with them as long as she likes.

"Ring" is a charming and heartwarming episode that showcases the unique ambiance and character of Casetta dell'Orso. The focus on food and cooking is a delight for foodies, while the relationships between the characters provide emotional depth and nuance. Nicoletta's journey of self-discovery and the restaurant's quest for perfection make for a compelling and enjoyable viewing experience.