Fiction logo

Chef

Culinary Excellency | Microfiction

By Kristen BalyeatPublished 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago 1 min read

Focus intense, beads of sweat drip down his brow as coveted stars hang in the balance of his copper ladle. Steadily, he dispenses a calculated serving of tomato consommé, 48.8°C, into a white porcelain canvas as a rich grassy perfume fills his nostrils.

Perfect.

Fingertips mapped with experience tenderly handle each smoked ricotta gnocchi, delicately releasing one by one until six plump little darlings float in perfect symmetry. Breath held, he methodically places a fresh basil leaf directly center and finishes with a dash of Parmigiano.

Masterpiece complete.

Bon Appetit!

“Pick up! Table two!”

***

And so, the stars aligned.

LoveShort Story

About the Creator

Kristen Balyeat

Words fly to me on the wind, bump into me as I'm strolling the city, splash me in the face while I rest by the river, and shake me awake in the middle of the night—I’m humbly one of the vessels they use to come to life.

Also, i love you:)

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments (12)

Sign in to comment
  • Carol3 years ago

    Once again, amazing visual! I could smell it cooking!

  • ARC3 years ago

    Getting such Ratatouille feels from this (in all the best ways)(this picture is dope btw). A dish like this really is a complete story, isn't it? Very cool the way you put this together (plated it?) and the imagery is mouth-watering. Amazing work 👏

  • R. J. Rani3 years ago

    And now I'm hungry... thanks for that, Kristen 😂 This was beautifully written and evocative for all the senses. Masterpiece complete 🤗

  • Lamar Wiggins3 years ago

    I was totally in that moment. Great Job, Kristen.

  • Dana Stewart3 years ago

    The smoked ricotta gnocchi was it for me. Nice work!

  • "white porcelain canvas" - brilliant metaphor! Succinct and succulent work of art. Subscribed and look forward to reading more of your work!

  • Gina C.3 years ago

    Sooo deliciously descriptive!! 😍 This was literally ✨chef’s kiss✨ Also, I agree with Donna, I loved “plump little darlings” so much!! 😍

  • Donna Renee3 years ago

    Plump little darlings 🤣🤣🤣. Loved this!!

  • Roy Stevens3 years ago

    I'm table 2, I'm table 2! Oh, okay, everybody can join me. Delicious story Kristen!

  • Which table am I? Can we pretend it's 2? Sounds délicieux!

  • Paul Stewart3 years ago

    Bravo! I'm also hungry now! Loved the details!

  • Great job 👀😛I'm hungry now 😉❤️Thanks, Kristen!

Find us on social media

Miscellaneous links

  • Explore
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Support

© 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.