ANNABELLE ANNOUNCER BARBARA CHLOE EMMA FINN FREDERIC FREDERICK LIAM LUC MARIE MAX PETRA SECRETARY TINA TODD TOUR_MEMBER TUTORIAL VAN_DENDER_STAFF_1 TUTORIAL Welcome to part four of our traveler's guide to Belgium! Do you speak English? . . SECRETARY Good morning, Emma! TUTORIAL EMMA TUTORIAL I am a tourist. TUTORIAL Where is the ATM? EMMA EMMA Tina, you know...actually, would you hand me those flowers please? Dank u wel. I...sorry, I mean thank you. TINA There you go. EMMA Alright... EMMA Just there. Okay...Thank you. TINA Is this raspberry frosting? EMMA Yeah, with lavender. And a skosh of mint. TINA What’s a skosh? EMMA It's more than a pinch, but less than a smidge. I was feeling bold. TINA You’re a wild one, Emma Colvin. This might be your best creation yet. EMMA Thank you. I mean, I know it’s a little early for Valentine’s cupcakes, but I just had to try out that recipe... TINA Are you excited for your trip? EMMA I am so excited. I mean this time next week I will be in Bruges. TINA When do you leave? EMMA Todd and I Thursday and get there Friday morning. TINA Wow. EMMA Oh, you know what? This is Todd now. Oh, I was supposed to meet him for lunch ten minutes ago. I'll be back. TINA Bye. EMMA It's looking great! EMMA Hi. I'm so sorry I’m late. TODD It’s fine, Emma. EMMA Thanks for waiting. You're not gonna believe this. My mother sent this when she heard about our trip. It belonged to my grandmother. She met my grandfather in Bruges - he was studying abroad. She was a diplomat’s daughter, but I've already told you all that, right? TODD Yes, you did - EMMA Look at this. These are the letters they wrote to each other while they were there. And there’s even a picture. This was taken at the royal palace. Their first date - first date was the night of the St. Valentine’s Gala. Wait, and that's not even the best part. I mean, I know we won’t actually be there for Valentine’s day but our chocolate tasting tour includes a trip to the royal ballroom! Right there. Where that picture was taken. Isn’t that exciting? It's so exciting. Okay...you don’t seem excited. TODD I can’t go. EMMA What do you mean you can’t go? We’ve...we've been planning this for weeks... TODD The timing is really lousy...but I have been offered a promotion. My firm is opening up new offices in Albany. EMMA Wait, that...that's three hours away. TODD I’m sorry. I just wanted--I want you to know that these last six months have really been special - EMMA I'm sorry...are you breaking up with me? TODD Yeah... EMMA Wow...You're not even gonna ask me if I want to go with you? TODD I already know the answer. Emma, you’re not the type of person who... EMMA Who...who what? TODD Takes risks. You like things to be comfortable. Predictable. EMMA I'm spontaneous...I'm totally spontaneous. TODD You planned out every single meal on this trip. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. EMMA I made reservations. TODD Yeah...You made reservations. EMMA Yeah, because some of these restaurants...I mean they're very popular! You can not just walk in off the street for brunch. TODD So you’re saying I’ve got this whole thing wrong? Okay, Emma. Would you want to move with me to Albany? EMMA Maybe it wasn’t meant to be. I mean, my grandmother moved across an entire ocean to be with my grandfather. I couldn’t even move across the state to be with Todd. I was really looking forward to the trip. TINA Who says you can’t still go? EMMA It’s a romantic getaway for two. TINA So? EMMA So...One. TINA Yeah, but it’s all paid for, right? So pack your bags, and get on that plane, and just have yourself an honest to goodness unscripted adventure. Come on! MARIE . EMMA Hi. MARIE Hello! I am Marie. You must be Emma. EMMA Yes, hello. MARIE Welcome to Chateau Astrid. Can I take your bag? EMMA Oh no-no, I'll take it. MARIE Are you sure? EMMA Absolutely. MARIE It's just this way. EMMA Oh this is just...I mean wow. MARIE I would love to take credit, but I inherited it from my family, so... EMMA Yeah, but the décor, it's stunning. Now that has to be you. MARIE Thank you. Some of it is me. Well, actually it's all me. Shh. Now for you I have the Valentines day couples package. It is very romantic. EMMA It's just me, actually. MARIE Oh! Perfect, okay...Well, you’ve picked a wonderful time to visit Bruges. We are preparing for a wedding! EMMA A wedding? MARIE Mhm, that's Prince Frederic and his bride-to-be Annabelle. EMMA Oh lovely. MARIE You can keep that. There’s a list of events going on, and some of them are open to the public! EMMA Great, thank you. Um, bedankt. MARIE You’re welcome! Now let me take you to your room. Someone will bring your luggage for you, okay? Just this way. EMMA Wow, this is absolutely beautiful. MARIE Thank you. There is going to be a small cocktail reception this evening in the lobby. If you'd like to come you can meet all the other people on the chocolate tour. EMMA Is it a fancy thing? I mean do I need to dress up? MARIE Oh no-no. it's just a small cocktail party. You can dress up if you like, or just come casual. MARIE As you can see there is always plenty of chocolate. And I serve breakfast every morning on the terrace. EMMA Okay. MARIE This is for you. EMMA Thank you. MARIE And I will see you around seven. EMMA Okay, great. EMMA Wow...Alright, Bruges. Show me what you got. EMMA It's beautiful. EMMA Sorry, excuse me? Hi, could you just move a couple of inches to the left, please? Um...hi. Sorry, I'm a tourist. I was trying to take a picture...I’m - um - . No? I thought I was farther along in that tutorial... Figures, you’re the first cute guy I meet in Belgium and you have no idea what I’m saying...Nevermind. De ballen. LUC De ballen. MARIE Welcome everyone, and thank you so much for coming this evening. Now we are in for a very special treat. The chocolatiers of Bruges are vying for the title of Royal Chocolatier. Prince Frederic and Annabelle are hosting a competition to crown the most romantic Belgian chocolate. One that symbolizes their love. So enjoy, get your rest. Tomorrow Chocolate. LIAM I just hid a bottle of champagne in the castle for you to find. MARIE Oh...Thank you, Liam. LIAM Champagne? MARIE Emma! I’m so glad that you made it! Cheers! EMMA Um...Is this a couples thing? MARIE Oh! No-no-no-no. Yes it is. But everyone is very nice, trust me. Trust me. Barbara and this is her husband Jake. MARIE This is Emma. BARBARA Hello! It's nice to meet you, Emma. EMMA Pleasure to meet you. BARBARA Oh...excuse me. I just...sorry, I just have to... EMMA It's okay. BARBARA Sorry, we'll talk to you later. EMMA I can't stop saying it. This place is just so beautiful. MARIE Thank you. This house has been in my family for generations. I just do what I can to keep their traditions alive. That's why I do the chocolate tour. EMMA Which I am so excited about. MARIE Me too. EMMA You know what? Who needs love when you have chocolate? MARIE I agree. Cheers to that. EMMA Cheers. MARIE So...we're just going to head down this way if you want to follow me, okay? EMMA It's absolutely magical. MARIE Do I have everyone? Perfect. Okay, keep coming. Now, we've all been sampling plenty of chocolate. Would anyone like to make some? Perfect. This is CHOCOLATIER SIMON. It is one of the oldest chocolate shoppes in Bruges, and my personal favourite. Step right this way. MARIE Okay...Come on in everyone. Please gather around. So, in just a moment we are going to be joined by the owner Luc Simon, and he's going to walk us through one of his praline recipes. And here he is now. LUC Hello everyone! And welcome to Chocolatier Simon. We're thrilled to have you here today. If you would like to make your way through to the back, there are stations set up for each and every one of you. My assistant Petra here has aprons for you. The chocolate, when hot, can get a little temperamental. PETRA Alright guys, you can follow me to the back. EMMA You speak English. LUC I do. EMMA So you understood everything...That's...that's great. Why wouldn't you say anything? LUC Where’s the fun in that? . EMMA Hm? LUC What you were trying to say yesterday. "I am a tourist." . EMMA Oh. Wait, what did I say? MARIE Are you coming? EMMA Marie? Sorry, what does mean? MARIE It means I love you. EMMA Oh... MARIE Come on. EMMA Yeah, that's slightly different. Great. LUC Okay, so next we are going to fill the chocolate molds with the orange blossom ganache, which is in the piping bags in front of you. We're going to be making the classic orange blossom praline. LUC Good, good, good. Yes. Not too much. LUC Oh! Hang on. That's the vanilla caramel. EMMA Oh I know. LUC Well...see we're trying to make the orange blossom praline... EMMA Right. But I actually put both. LUC ... why? EMMA Because I thought it sounded delicious. BARBARA It does sound good! I think I'd like to try that myself! LUC I highly recommend that you just stick exactly to the recipe - EMMA You know, I find some of the best combinations are born out of experimentation... BARBARA Of course. LUC These chocolates and this recipe has been in my family for generations...there's no need for experimentation... EMMA Right...okay. MARIE They certainly look like they're having fun, hm? LUC Yes... MARIE It's okay. Just breathe. She's not ruining your chocolate. LUC Well, you say that, but... PETRA Bye-bye. Thank you! LUC Bye-bye. Thank you! LUC Hi...so what are these? EMMA I made extras. Enjoy. PETRA Mmm...It’s not bad. MARIE I hope you all enjoyed making chocolate this afternoon. If anyone has any questions let me know and I hope you enjoy exploring Bruges this afternoon. And if anyone needs anything you all have my number so please call. Otherwise I will see all of you back at the inn later. Enjoy! Bye. EMMA Marie? MARIE Yes? EMMA I thought the tour included the royal palace? MARIE Oh, I’m so sorry, Emma. Unfortunately because of the preparations for the royal wedding, the palace is closed to the general public, and all of the tours have been cancelled. EMMA Oh...really? All of them? MARIE I’m afraid so. EMMA Oh...well thank you. MARIE Of course. See you. PETRA Luc? LUC Just one second. Sorry. I want to get this just right. Yes? PETRA I just settled the cash drawer. It was a slow day again. I mean, you know, the tour groups are keeping the lights on, but if things stay this way...the shop won’t last much longer. LUC Petra, I've told you. I don’t want you worrying. I’ll handle it. PETRA How, Luc? LUC Business will be booming when we are crowned Royal Chocolatier. PETRA Luc, half the chocolate shoppes in the country are competing for that. How could you possibly win? LUC Because we’re going to show them something rather special. Go on. Try it. Hm? Mhm... PETRA It’s good. LUC Good's not good enough. Okay... LUC I’ll be right with you. EMMA Okay. EMMA What's that? LUC Hi. EMMA I'm sure that means good morning. LUC It does. EMMA Great. LUC Sorry, I’m a short-staffed. That was Finn, Petra's husband just telling me she was gonna be a bit late, so... EMMA Oh. So Petra's...I kinda thought you guys were... LUC Oh. No. She's my assistant. EMMA Of course...right. LUC So um...you interested in more pralines? EMMA Honestly more of everything. Yesterday’s were some of the best chocolates I have ever had. Truly. You know I wondered, what kind are these? With the pink stripes? LUC Ah...that's my grandfather's recipe. Framboise. EMMA Thank you. LUC Raspberry. EMMA Raspberry. LUC Yes. EMMA Of course. LUC Good? EMMA Incredible. LUC Thank you. EMMA You ever tried adding a little lavender to it? LUC Lavender? No. EMMA Don’t knock it 'til you try it. This is incredible. I guess I'll just take um...I'll take an assortment box. LUC A box...okay, any particular flavors? EMMA You know, I'm gonna leave it...I’ll defer to the expert. LUC Huh...okay...umm...uh... EMMA You know I can't think of anything better for Valentines than a box of chocolates. LUC Huh, well your Valentine is a very lucky man. EMMA They’re for my mom. LUC Oh. EMMA Thanks. PETRA Sorry. I’m here. LUC Is everything alright? PETRA Fine. Fine. FINN She’s been having contractions. PETRA Oh, light contractions. Nothing to worry about. LUC But you’re not due for another month. PETRA The doctor said it was completely normal. I should just you know, take it easy for a while... LUC Yeah, sounds to me like you should be at home. FINN I tried to tell her... PETRA Luc, it’s almost Valentine’s day. You can’t work on the Royal Chocolatier submission and run the shop at the same time. LUC I’ll get Chloe to do the register. PETRA She’s part time, Luc. LUC I'll think of something. FINN I could take some of her shifts. PETRA Sweetheart, the bakery keeps you busy as it is. EMMA I could help. I mean if you need an extra set of hands...I could help. LUC You? EMMA Yeah, I’m a food stylist. I work with desserts every single day. FINN I think she could do it. LUC Finn, you don’t even know her name. EMMA Emma. FINN It’s Emma. PETRA Her technique on the praline wasn't half bad... EMMA Thank you. LUC Oh please, she mixed a vanilla caramel and an orange ganache! EMMA To rave reviews I might add. I mean, I know my way around a flavor profile. PETRA Luc, you need the help. Either she stays or I do. LUC Look, let's be honest, Emma, you're here on vacation. Do you really want to spend it here? EMMA The participants are invited to the events hosted at the Royal Palace, right? LUC Yes...That’s right. EMMA Okay...so, I’ll help you here, if you'll take me to the palace. LUC When can you start? EMMA Great. MARIE Oh...well, if it isn’t Belgium’s newest chocolatier. EMMA You heard about that? MARIE Well Luc and I are very good friends. EMMA Has he always been so uncompromising? MARIE That's a very polite way of putting it. But yes. EMMA Okay. Good to know. I wanted to ask if I could extend my stay by a week? I know it’s short notice... MARIE Of course. I'm sure we can arrange that. EMMA So how does the actual competition work? LUC Oh, Prince Frederic and Annabelle will visit each shop in the city. And then the chocolatiers will bring their entry to the palace...And the winner will be announced the next night at the St. Valentine’s ball. EMMA And what do you get winning? LUC Prestige. Well, it's an honor to be named the royal Chocolatier. And you get a plaque. EMMA Okay...now we’re talking. LUC So that gives us just over a week to come up with a new chocolate that embodies all of the qualities of Valentine’s Day... and of true love itself. EMMA Oh...So it’s not just a chocolate. It's a metaphor? LUC I suppose. EMMA What have you got so far? LUC Not much. I’ve been keeping a notebook of ideas... EMMA It’s empty. LUC I've been tearing the pages with the bad ones. EMMA Okay... LUC Right, okay, well...Let's start at the beginning, shall we? Um...Right, this is our base chocolate. EMMA What is that? LUC These are the pellets that they get after they roast and grind the beans and add some ingredients. EMMA So you don’t grind the cocoa beans yourself? LUC No...There are strict standard for what qualifies as a Belgian chocolate, so most chocolatiers takes their base from a central source, however everyone’s is different. Ours is a special blend created by my grandfather and tweaked by my father over the years. LUC Still not right. EMMA Okay, we’re in Bruges, it’s almost Valentine’s day! There's love all around us. We should head outside and find some inspiration... LUC We need to be in here to make chocolate. EMMA It’s either out there with the happy couples, or in here with your empty notebook? What’ll it be? LUC Let's start in the park. LUC Chloe? CHLOE Yes? LUC Can you watch the register? CHLOE Okay. EMMA Well, I think we have a really good assortment of chocolates. LUC Absolutely. Just you wait. EMMA I do kinda feel like a “kid in a candy store." Where should we try them? LUC Well, it’s such a beautiful day...How about a picnic? EMMA Okay. Over there? LUC Yeah. LUC Every shop has their own way of doing things that makes them unique. Therefore no two chocolates taste the same. Let it sit on your tongue for a moment. Let it melt in your mouth. Let it sit on your tongue just for a moment. Taste the texture. EMMA Mhm...It’s...It's actually softer than dark chocolate usually is. LUC That's right. That’s because it's dark milk chocolate, which usually uses more cocoa butter. Now the trick is to savour it. Let the flavour come through. So what do you taste? EMMA Vanilla. LUC Yes. And... EMMA And it’s...you know, it's almost fruity, maybe? Like...blueberries? Or, no-no-no-no...Blackberry? LUC Very good. EMMA Really? LUC Yes. See each chocolatier uses essences of different flavors to create their signature taste. EMMA Mm, that's amazing. LUC You okay? EMMA Yeah. I'm just feeling a little envious. They make it look so easy. Nevermind. I'm sorry. I'm nursing a bit of a broken heart. LUC Oh I’m sorry. EMMA Oh it’s okay. It led me here. To this new adventure. I don’t normally take risks like this. LUC Really? EMMA Yeah, I like to play things safe. I always have. Just kind of thought it was time for a change. You know, time to take a bigger leap and see where I land. And, well, I landed here in Bruges. LUC So that's why you came to the city? To find love? EMMA Oh no. I came to find chocolate. But if love finds me, who am I to say no? I should probably start saying no to chocolate though. LUC That's a good one. EMMA Okay, so I guess the big question is what would get Frederic's and Annabelle's attention? What says love and romance to them? LUC How about a fruit infusion? EMMA Well sure, I mean fruit can totally be romantic. Strawberries? Raspberries? Sure. I mean watermelon, not so much. What about something more...more unexpected? LUC Such as? EMMA I don't know, but think about it...a passionate love can be hot and spicy. You know, thinkgs like wasabi or curry or chili? I mean, they put stuff like that in chocolate, right? LUC I don’t. Besides, have you ever tried to kiss someone after eating wasabi? EMMA Okay fine, fair enough. LUC Why do you need to put anything extra in it? I mean...The beauty of chocolate is its simplicity. EMMA Yeah, but sometimes an unexpected combination can lead to something even better. I once styled a magazine cover on unique combos. LUC Unfortunately this isn't one of your magazine covers. MARIE So, you and Luc couldn’t come up with anything for the competition? EMMA No, I feel like he kinda came up with a reason to not like every single thing I suggested. MARIE Well, did he have any ideas? EMMA No, he did. But they were all just kind of, you know, things he already does. I threw a few things out there that were a little, you know, unexpected, outside of the box, and well, he kinda shot them down. MARIE Well, I mean, maybe if you can’t convince him that your combinations would work, you could show him. EMMA Marie, could I borrow your kitchen? MARIE Yes you can. LUC What’s all this? MARIE Well, Emma thought it would be a good idea if you tried some of her cupcakes. EMMA You didn't have to do all this... MARIE No? You’re trying to make the most romantic chocolate ever. I figured that required a mood. EMMA Okay, here we go. MARIE Sit. EMMA Okay. MARIE No. No...My grandmother always said it was very bad luck to choose your own Valentine. You have to choose one for each other. LUC No. No...My grandmother always said it was very bad luck to choose your own Valentine. You have to choose one for each other. EMMA Thank you. MARIE Perfect. Enjoy. EMMA Perfect. Enjoy. EMMA Alright, here we go. LUC This is incredible. EMMA Thank you. See, I told you I knew what I was doing in the kitchen. LUC I can't quite identify exactly what the flavour is. EMMA That's 'cause it's a secret. LUC Oh a secret? EMMA Yeah, no-no, a top, top secret ingredient. I will never divulge. LUC I can taste cherries. EMMA Okay, so it's not so top secret...It's cherry cola. I know, I know. Go ahead, lay it on me. LUC What? EMMA You're about to say you can't mix cherry cola with a chocolate cupcake. LUC No, I like the taste of cherries, and you know what? The cola gives it an unexpected zing. EMMA Oh. LUC So let me guess...this is your nice way of telling me that I need to be a little more adventurous when it comes to the competition? EMMA I just think we need to consider all ideas. You know? And see where inspiration takes us. LUC Okay. EMMA Okay? LUC You’ve convinced me. EMMA Really? LUC Yes. EMMA Okay. LUC Now can I have another cupcake? EMMA Yes. You can have them all. LUC Thank you. LUC Sorry. We’re closed. MAX Slow night? LUC Can I help you with something, Max? MAX Well, I was hoping you had reconsidered my offer. LUC My shop's not for sale. MAX You're very stubborn. Has anyone ever told you that? LUC Once or twice. MAX Is it you won't sell? Or you won't sell it to me? LUC It's my shop and I'm not selling to anyone. MAX I respect what you tried to do here, Luc. Carry on the family legacy. Nice...But come on. This shoppe is a relic from the past. So...Why don’t you come and work for me? LUC I don’t think so. MAX Luc, nothing can save this shop. It's a lost cause. LUC Yeah? Really? Well there will be a line around the corner when I’m the Royal Chocolatier. MAX You cannot be serious. LUC No, I am. Very serious. MAX So you think you’ve come up with a winner? LUC The best thing I’ve ever made. MAX Well, we’ll see then. LUC I guess we will. Goodnight, Max. EMMA I think I have an idea of how we can find true love. EMMA So my grandparents met in Bruges. They fell in love right here. In this city. Maybe their story is the inspiration we need. Look. This is it... LUC “My Love, The sound of the water gently lapping beneath us, the scent of lavender carried on the soft breeze, the feeling of your lips as we shared our first kiss, light as a feather but filled with the weight of promise for a future yet to come...Kisses, H.” EMMA My Grandfather always said in that moment...that's when he knew he'd spend the rest of his life with her. LUC Just like that? EMMA You sound surprised. You don’t think you can fall in love in an instant? LUC I guess I’m just a little bit more...reserved when it comes to matters of the heart. I prefer to take things slowly, deliberately. EMMA Kinda like following a recipe? LUC Yes...Something like that. I suppose you like things a little bit more unscripted. EMMA I do like to think that for the right person I'd be brave enough to take that leap. LUC So, we have to manually temper the chocolate because there are four fatty acids in the cocoa and they all melt at different temperatures. So this process helps them to cooperate. EMMA Is there a tool for, I don't know, people like this in your life? LUC I wish. You wanna take the scraper and the palette and have a go? EMMA Sure. Yeah. LUC That's it. That's it. Okay, there's no need for choreography. EMMA What do you mean? I’m a good dancer. LUC Yes, I see that. Here, here...This arm has to keep...and this keep still. And it's all right here. This one is important to get...This hand, motion. This hand...fine, good. That's right. Keep going. That's it. Keep going. And go back the other way. That's it. That's it. Trick of the trade. Feel the temperature change? Consistency? Good. Carry on. EMMA So how old were you when your father taught you to do all this? LUC Well...pretty much as soon as I could reach the tabletop. EMMA Really? And It's what you just always wanted to do? LUC Yes, it was pretty much settled from a very early age that I would be here. My father used to joke that we have chocolate in our veins. EMMA So nice to do what you love. LUC You don’t love what you do? EMMA I like it. I mean it was the sensible career path. I was offered the job right of out college, and it's good. It’s given me a lot of stability. LUC Huh...We spend so much time on our careers. We should at least do something that moves us. So what did you dream of? EMMA What did I dream of? LUC Yeah, when you were growing up. EMMA I wanted to own a cupcake shop. LUC You should! You're very talented. EMMA Well thank you, but it's just a hobby. It's not a career. LUC But you love it? EMMA I do. No, I do...But starting a business and Pouring all of my time and money into something that might fail is just...it's a risk. LUC Well, maybe your time in Bruges is the beginning of many new adventures. EMMA It's amazing. LUC I was a little distracted, but... LUC You ready? EMMA Here we go... LUC No. EMMA It’s not bad. LUC But it's not sublime. EMMA It’s just chocolate...You know what I mean. LUC No...I won't accept anything short of perfection. EMMA Okay...then we try again. LUC Again... EMMA Hello...I was hoping to get some restaurant recommendations... MARIE Of course. Modern? Traditional? Romantic... EMMA Uh...It’s just me. So maybe something with take out? MARIE Emma. You are here. On an adventure. In the city of Love. EMMA Yeah, pretty sure that’s Paris. MARIE Says who? Hm? Either way, you shouldn't be eating alone. I think uh...Luc's closing up soon. Perhaps he could meet you somewhere... EMMA No, we were together all day together. I’m sure he’s happy to have the break. MARIE Hm, but he is handsome. EMMA Yeah...Yes. Yes, he's handsome, but I’m not interested in dating anyone right now. MARIE Not even a little? EMMA Besides, I’m holding out for a prince. MARIE Oh, me too. Unfortunately, we only have the one. EMMA There are other countries! MARIE I might have to move. If I take the place with me. Maybe I'll go to Paris. So lovely. Anyways...um, food. What are you thinking? MAX Do you need some help? You look a little lost. EMMA Oh, no-no-no, I’m not lost. I know exactly where I am. I’m right here. MAX Well, in that case I hope you can swim, 'cause you’re in the middle of the canal. EMMA That's...oh, I thought that was a road... MAX Where are you trying to go? EMMA Um...I really don't have any place in mind. I'm just kind of searching for adventure. MAX Um, well, if I can’t help with your destination, maybe I can give you a hand with your starting point. Okay, so you are exactly...here. EMMA Oh, okay. I'm there...I was really far off. Alright, well, thank you so much for the help. MAX My pleasure. MARIE Letters from home? EMMA These belonged to my grandmother. My grandfather wrote her a letter every day they were apart. MARIE Wow...And I can’t even get a guy to text me back... EMMA Hey, what about Liam? MARIE Oh. No, he’s not...we’re not....No he just um...he supplies the champagne for me and for the palace. His family owns the domain. EMMA Oh, yeah...He seemed pretty excited to see you the other night. MARIE No, he’s, um...he's just friendly. Enjoy. MAX Did you find what you were looking for? EMMA Sorry, Hi. MAX Hi. Max. EMMA Emma. Hello. MAX Well? EMMA Well...yeah, it seems like I'm getting closer. MAX Have you been waiting long? EMMA About twenty minutes. This place sure is popular. MAX Come on. EMMA What? Oh no-no-no. We can’t cut in the line. I’m pretty sure that’s poor etiquette in any country... MAX Just follow me. EMMA Wait, what are you-- EMMA Sorry...so sorry. EMMA What’s happening? EMMA It’s going to take us forever to even get noticed. MAX I wouldn’t be too sure of that. You know the owner. EMMA I uh...no, I actually don't. MAX Yeah... EMMA Oh...you? MAX Guilty as charged. EMMA Wait, does this say...cactus with chocolate. The attention to detail's incredible. You know we showcased a chocolate shop in our magazine last month. It used a similar technique. MAX Ah, so you work for a magazine? EMMA Well, I'm a food stylist. MAX So you definitely know your chocolates. Here, you should try this one. EMMA Alright. Mmm...You know, it’s sweeter than most chocolate... MAX Sweet potato, believe it or not. EMMA Really? MAX Yeah. Well, I’ve always thought that the best combinations were born out of experimentation... EMMA Me too...Yeah, me too. MAX Let me show you one more thing. MAX What do you think? EMMA I mean, this is incredible. MAX Come, I'll give you a tour. MAX So, are you just visiting Bruges? EMMA Uh...I was. But now I’m actually working..? Do you know Chocolatier Simon? MAX Yeah. It's funny, 'cause I know Luc quite well. Actually we grew up together. EMMA Oh wow. And now you’re both chocolatiers. MAX Uhh...yeah, we were always quite competitive. When we were young, I was made captain of the football team, or as you Americans say, soccer. So Luc wasn't pleased at all about it. And um...he started to show up early at the practice before I got there. I started to put my alarm earlier. And then the next day, he was waiting when I arrived. EMMA Really? MAX Yeah, so it went on like that for weeks. And soon we were both hours early. Waiting all by ourselves. EMMA That's so funny. Now you’re both vying for Royal Chocolatier. MAX Yeah, I’m not worried. EMMA Oh really? Well, you should be. 'Cause we have something...I don't know, it's pretty special. MAX Is that so? EMMA Yeah, it’s so. MAX Well, if you are helping Luc with the competition, then you’ll be staying a while? EMMA Um...I'm actually heading back to New York just after Valentine's Day. MAX Great, perhaps we can do this again? EMMA Sure...thank you. MAX Have a good day. EMMA You as well. EMMA This is a disaster. What did I do wrong? LUC That's because you didn't temper the chocolate properly. That's why you're not getting a clean separation from the mold. Whoa-whoa-whoa. EMMA I know, but this is my fifth try. I'm normally very good in the kitchen. LUC Well this is a little harder than baking cupcakes, so... EMMA Cupcakes aren't easy. When was the last time you baked? LUC A long time ago. EMMA And I bet you would have just as much trouble as I am doing this. LUC Oh, I very much doubt it. EMMA Really? Okay... challenge accepted. LUC Oh... EMMA That looks... LUC It's-it's getting there. It's getting there... EMMA I think it needs to be stirred a little. Just a touch. LUC Yeah, okay, okay. Um...How much salt exactly do I need to put in? EMMA Just a smidge. LUC What’s a “smidge?” EMMA It's a very small amount. LUC How small? EMMA It's slightly more than a skosh but less than a tad. LUC Okay, now you’re just having a little fun at my expense to prove your point. EMMA No...I'm pretty sure this proves my point. LUC How did you learn to bake like this? EMMA I owe it all to my mother. LUC Did she know what a smidge is? EMMA No, my mother is a recipe follower. Yes, everything is carefully measured, and everything's planned down to the smallest detail. There was no room for experimenting in my mother’s kitchen. LUC So all this is... EMMA Baking sort of just became my way of letting loose. LUC Funny... I always wanted to do exactly as my father did. EMMA Oh, well, I’ve tasted your chocolate, so you were smart to do so. LUC Still don’t know what a smidge is, though. EMMA Come here. That is a smidge. EMMA That's tasty. Oh, wow, that is very very beautiful. EMMA Alright...So pretty...you definitely get points for style. LUC Well? EMMA It’s... good. LUC You're just saying that to spare my feelings. EMMA Yes. I'm sorry. You know what? I do think we found some really good flavour combinations. I feel like the...the cherry and espresso have a lot of potential. We should try that with the chocolates tomorrow. LUC Emma, thank you for all your help. I don't think I could do this without you. EMMA You’re welcome. Is everything okay? LUC Prince Frederic and Annabelle are coming to the shop the day after tomorrow. EMMA What’s all this? MARIE Oh, I thought you two deserved a break. Come, sit. LUC Thank you. EMMA Thank you so much for this. MARIE If either of you need anything you know where to find me? Okay? Enjoy. EMMA So nice of her. LUC Almost as nice as baking cupcakes with you. Cheers. EMMA Cheers. LUC You know, being out here, with all this and you reminds me of one of your grandfather’s letters. It was incredibly inspiring. He wrote “To my dearest Alinda, my travels always leave me missing you in the most surprising places and at the most surprising times. Today, it was at dinner, where all I could think about was how I would have preferred to be sitting across from you as we dined. All my love, Harry.” EMMA I can't believe you memorized that. LUC Well your grandfather did have a way with words. EMMA Yeah, he did. LUC So...we're only days away from Valentine’s Day and we still are no closer to figuring out what we’re going to submit for the competition. EMMA We’ll get there. LUC How can you be so sure? EMMA Because...We...we make a great team. LUC I'll drink to that. Hm...I think I've had an idea. EMMA What? LUC Come with me. I wanna show you something really beautiful. Come, come, come. Come on! EMMA Okay... EMMA Boats? LUC I thought we were seeing where the inspiration led us. It led us here. EMMA Um...you led us here. LUC Come on. Trust me. EMMA You were right. This is definitely the most beautiful way to see the city. LUC It is. EMMA I think I get it now. LUC What? EMMA Just why people fall in love here. It’s kinda hard not to get wrapped up. MAX Oh hi, Emma. EMMA Max, right? MAX Yeah. LUC You two know each other? MAX We’re old friends. I saved her once. When she was lost in the city. EMMA That’s a bit of an exaggeration... MAX When you get the chance, stop by Van Dender again. I got something new I’d like to show you. EMMA Okay. LUC Again? EMMA Hm? LUC You visited Van Dender? EMMA Yeah, I told you I’ve been to almost every chocolate shop in the city. LUC So what did you think? EMMA Um...Of the chocolate? LUC Yes, the chocolates. Max has some...unique flavors. You must have enjoyed them quite a bit. EMMA Yeah...it was good. LUC Good enough to win? I see. Okay, well um...I should be getting back to the shop, so... EMMA Wait, um...I’ll go with you. LUC Emma. These are your last few nights in Bruges. You should really go and enjoy them. EMMA Okay. LUC I can walk you back to Marie’s if you like. EMMA No, it's-it’s around the corner. LUC I’ll see you tomorrow. EMMA See you there. EMMA Are we going to talk about last night? LUC What about last night? EMMA How you couldn't seem to get away from me fast enough... LUC It wasn’t like that. EMMA Then what was it like? MARIE Are they here yet? EMMA Hey. MARIE Hi. EMMA I invited her. MARIE Like I was going to miss a chance to meet the Prince. LUC Those are my Grandfather's pralines. ANNABELLE It is a beautiful shop, Mr. Simon. LUC Thank you. I’m very proud of it. FREDERIC Ms. Colvin, are you enjoying your time Belgium? EMMA Oh, I...I love it. I only wish I had visited sooner. FREDERIC Well, we’re very happy you did. EMMA Thank you. EMMA I just have to tell you, that is a beautiful necklace. ANNABELLE Oh, thank you. EMMA Are those lilies? ANNABELLE Um, Cherry blossoms. It was a gift from Frederic on our second date. FREDERICK The first day we met she wore a sweet perfume. It smelled like cherries, and when I saw that necklace in the shop window, my mind drifted to her. EMMA Aw...Do you mind if I ask how you met? FREDERIC Interestingly, it’s related to why we are holding this event. ANNABELLE Yes, we actually met because of chocolate. EMMA Really? ANNABELLE So, you see, I was in this charming chocolaterie in Brussels... FREDERIC I was in town for a conference. ANNABELLE Yes, and the short version is that Frederic and I reached for the same truffle at the same time. EMMA Wow, so chocolate literally brought the two of you together. FREDERIC You could say that, yeah. LUC Do you mind if I ask exactly what kind of chocolate that was? EMMA And more importantly, who got it? ANNABELLE Umm...it was dark chocolate and we shared it. EMMA Umm...it was dark chocolate and we shared it. EMMA And it’s just been a fairytale ever since? ANNABELLE And it’s just been a fairytale ever since? ANNABELLE Not fairytale...better. Something very real. FREDERIC True love. ANNABELLE Yes. EMMA Aww...true love. ANNABELLE Aww...true love. MARIE Okay, hold on. Just one more...Just one more. Okay. EMMA It’s really nice of him to do that. ANNABELLE He is a very kind man. It is one of the many things I love about him. FREDERIC Thank you, so much for your hospitality. LUC Truly, the honour was ours. ANNABELLE Good luck to you both. EMMA Good luck to you both. EMMA Thank you. LUC Thank you both very, very much. EMMA That went well. LUC About earlier... This competition means everything for my business, and...well, seeing Max last night just reminded me of how far behind we truly are. EMMA Right...I wish you'd just told me that. LUC Also... You've helped me so much, and you're only in the city for a limited amount of time. I would hate for you to look back and regret it. EMMA Why would I regret it? LUC Well...Surely there are other places you would rather be. Other people you’d rather be with? EMMA Luc, I’m here because I want to be here. Okay? LUC Okay. EMMA Good. Right, let’s get to work. VAN DENDER STAFF 1 Good evening, sir. MAX Good evening. Which is this one? VAN DENDER STAFF 1 The cinnamon/pear, sir. MAX It’s no good. VAN DENDER STAFF 1 You didn’t even taste it. MAX I can tell by looking at it. VAN DENDER STAFF 1 This is the honeycomb/chile. MAX It has an aftertaste. And not a good one. So this must be mint and cactus? VAN DENDER STAFF 1 Yes, sir. MAX No, none of this works. VAN DENDER STAFF 1 We did them exactly as you directed, Mr. Van Dender. MAX Are you telling me it’s my fault? VAN DENDER STAFF 1 No, sir. MAX You know, I have less than a week to get this right. So what do you suggest I do? EMMA Are these your parents? LUC Yes. They worked here together for thirty-five years. They passed. A few years ago. EMMA I’m sorry. LUC You know, my father proposed to my mother in the shop. EMMA Really? LUC He hid her ring in the display case. EMMA Wow, that’s so sweet. LUC It took her two full days before she realized. My father used to joke that a handful of customers try to buy the ring before he got to put it on her finger. EMMA He sounds like he was a romantic at heart. LUC Yes, he certainly was. Puts the rest of us Simon clan to shame. EMMA I think there’s probably more of him in you than you’d like to admit. LUC Maybe. I always envied what they had together. My parents were true partners. EMMA They look like they were really happy. LUC They were. EMMA Yes...They’re like little works of art. LUC This is my favorite chocolate. It's the first recipe my father ever taught me. EMMA You’re lucky. You know that? You're lucky to get to come in here everyday. LUC Well, you can do that too. EMMA The commute’s kinda far... LUC No, I mean you can open your cupcake shop. EMMA Oh, I don't know. I think that was just a dream. LUC Well, maybe you should take your own advice about not following the recipe. MARIE So...You and Luc seem to be getting quite close. EMMA We just...We work really well together. MARIE And that’s it? Just work? EMMA I mean it kind of has to be, doesn’t it? We don’t even live on the same continent. MARIE That is a challenge, yes. But love is worth it, no? EMMA Wait, love? I’m not in love...I’m not. I'm not in love. MARIE Okay. Yep. EMMA I mean, I would know, wouldn't I? I would know. MARIE I’m sure you would...The market is just that way... EMMA Oh yeah, no, I know, but we were just gonna make a quick pit stop. MARIE Emma... EMMA What? You said you were running low on Champagne...go. Go-go. MARIE Okay. MARIE How are you? Nice to see you. We were just on our way to the market, but then...sure. MARIE Thank you. EMMA Oh...Who are those from? MARIE They're from Liam. He's inviting me to the ball. His shop is supplying the champagne and he got an invitation! EMMA Really?? Okay, that is so great. MARIE I’ve been to the palace before, but only ever with the tour group. Nothing this grand...Do you a dress? We should go shopping! EMMA Oh, no-no I was just gonna wear what I wore to the welcome reception... MARIE To the palace? EMMA Well yeah, I was gonna, you know, dress it up with some jewelry, and...No? MARIE Peter? Would you put these in water and just watch the desk? Okay. MARIE We are going to go shopping. Come with me. EMMA Okay... MARIE Let's go. EMMA Wow. MARIE Hi! EMMA Oh wow...Oh this...These are all beautiful... But aren’t they a little too much? MARIE Emma. It’s a royal ball. There is no such thing as too much. I know the owner. She's going to give us a good deal. EMMA You know everyone. MARIE Yes. I do. Here. Try this one. Do it. Come on. EMMA Okay... MARIE It’s perfect. EMMA Hi. LUC Hey. EMMA What are you working on? LUC Oh, What? This? This is our royal chocolate. LUC Right. I’m going to need your help. EMMA You’ve got it. LUC Grab the flour. EMMA Flour? LUC For your cake mix. EMMA Okay, now you have my attention. LUC Annabelle said that cherries played an important role in their love story, so...Your cherry cola chocolate cake will be the perfect tribute to that. EMMA And the engagement ring Frederic gave her was in the shape of a heart. LUC Two lives coming together as one. The perfect compliment. EMMA It’s beautiful. LUC Now for the taste test... EMMA Yes... LUC Wait...we need an impartial one. MARIE They're on day three. They really know their chocolate. MARIE Right this way! LUC Thank you all for coming. Now, we intend to enter this into the royal chocolatier competition and we would really appreciate your honest feedback. EMMA Yes, don’t hold back. I mean...Unless you hate it. Then you can hold back. MARIE Okay... TOUR MEMBER It's amazing. MARIE I think you have yourselves a winner. This is the best thing I've ever tasted. EMMA They loved it. They loved it! LUC I think we're in with a real chance. MARIE Emma! Look! I’m sorry...Was I interrupting something? EMMA No-no-no-no-no. We're just happy. LUC No-no-no-no-no. We're just happy. MARIE Okay...I was wondering if I could take a photo with the tour group. I think it would be perfect for the brochure. You know, a picture with the future royal chocolatier. LUC Yeah. Sure. Yeah, let's go. Yeah... EMMA Yeah, of course. MARIE Okay, come on. MARIE Okay everyone! Smile. Perfect! MARIE Now, do you mind if I get a picture of just the two of you? EMMA Wait...You want us in the brochure? MARIE Well, no. Not for the brochure. I just think that we should commemorate this moment. Okay? EMMA Okay...yeah. LUC Yeah, sure, okay. MARIE Yeah. Get closer. Closer. Closer. LUC Is this okay? EMMA Yeah. MARIE Aww, look at you two. It's perfect. LUC Right, okay, well...this is it. EMMA Let's go win this thing. EMMA It’s like out of a fairytale. LUC Complete with a prince and princess. LUC Chocolatier Simon. LUC Emma? Emma? EMMA My grandparents. LUC This is why you wanted to come to the palace. EMMA Yeah. Their love story began right here. MAX Majesty, Ma'am. I offer, for your consideration, the Heart Box Praline. FREDERIC Thank you. ANNABELLE Wow. Thank you. ANNABELLE Very pretty. LUC They look impressed. EMMA They haven’t seen ours yet. LUC You seem so sure. EMMA I am. I believe in us. I think we're up. ANNABELLE It is Luc Simon. ANNABELLE We have one final chocolate. FREDERIC Please introduce your entry. LUC Your Royal highness, we present to you... EMMA True Love Valentine’s Day Chocolate Petit Four... ANNABELLE It’s beautiful. FREDERIC Truly exceptional. Now for the taste. ANNABELLE It's delicious. FREDERIC It is divine. FREDERIC We would like to thank you all for a truly remarkable showing. You have given us much to consider. We will make our announcement tomorrow night at the St. Valentine’s gala. Thank you. ANNABELLE Thank you. EMMA They loved it. LUC You really think so? EMMA Yes, it's written all over their faces. We got this. LUC I got to call Petra. I promised her that I'd tell her if we had some good news. EMMA Oh yeah. Of course. Of course. LUC Do you know what? I should probably just go around there. She's been dying to taste the Petit Four...well you should come! EMMA No...no-no-no. Go ahead. I'm actually gonna stay here for a little while. You should go. You know, look around a little longer. LUC You sure? EMMA Yeah, it's not everyday I get to explore a palace. LUC Of course. Thank you. Again...for everything. I really couldn't have done this without you. EMMA My pleasure. LUC Okay, bye. MAX Emma, wait up! EMMA Oh, Max, hi. MAX Hi. Well, I have to admit, you two may be more competition than I expected. EMMA Are you nervous? MAX Terribly. Where is Luc? EMMA He’s not here. MAX He left you? EMMA No...no-no-no, it’s not like that. MAX Well, I was just about to grab a coffee. Would you like to join me? EMMA You know, I think I'm gonna go back to the Inn. MAX Come on...we should celebrate. Just one chocolatier to another. Just a coffee. EMMA Sure. PETRA Luc, this might be the best thing you’ve ever made. What is this flavor? LUC Cherry cola. PETRA Well, it works. It looks like you two make a great team. LUC I must admit I was a bit skeptical going into it all, but she’s incredibly talented. She actually has a very refined palette. When she’s not mixing coffee with coconut...What? PETRA Nothing. It seems like I’ve missed a lot while I was gone. LUC What do you mean? PETRA You and Emma. LUC A business arrangement. You were there. I needed help with the shop. She wanted to see the palace. PETRA Yeah, that was a week ago, and many romantic interludes since. LUC That was research for the chocolate. PETRA Are you sure that was all? LUC She leaves in a few days, anyway. PETRA Well then, you better hurry up and tell her how you feel. EMMA I have to say I really enjoyed the box of chocolates you gave me. I mean, the sweet potato was delicious, but the cactus...incredible. MAX Emma, would you like to go with me to the Valentine’s ball? EMMA Uh...I’m really sorry, but I’m actually...I'm going with Luc. MAX Luc? Well, I guess I didn’t realize... I thought it was simply a business arrangement. EMMA It was. MAX But it's not anymore? EMMA Um...I don’t know. MAX But he asked you to the ball. EMMA He didn’t exactly ask... MAX So, he didn’t? EMMA No. But he brought me to the palace, and that was his part of the deal. I mean, we're partners. I guess I...I guess I just assumed. MAX Okay Emma, listen. I’ve known Luc a very long time. His world is his shop. He doesn't make time for much else. I mean, I can't imagine him putting anything above it. Especially now. EMMA Why now? MAX It’s in financial trouble. Very close to closing its doors. I can tell he didn’t tell you? EMMA No...No. MAX I see. So um...You told me you two were partners. So now that Luc has his recipe, you think that's really the case? EMMA I guess not... MAX I mean, I don’t want to see you get hurt. You know, putting your heart on the line for some man whose heart is not with you. I just don't want to see you get hurt anymore. MARIE Emma! Just the person I've been looking for. I thought you might like to have this. EMMA Thank you. LUC Hey, Melissa, can I just get my usual bag? MAX It was a bold move. LUC Excuse me? MAX Can I have two bags of the almonds, please? Thank you. MAX The petit four. Unconventional. Not like you at all. LUC Well, maybe you don’t know me as well as you think you do. MAX Yeah, or maybe I just know Emma. She likes culinary risks. Her eye for beauty, my inventive chocolates will make quite a magazine spread. LUC She wants to feature your shop in her magazine? MAX Maybe I’m getting a little ahead of myself. But right now I’m just hoping our collaboration will be more personal than professional. MAX Thank you. Good day. EMMA Luc? Petra. PETRA Emma! Goedemorgen! EMMA You’re back. PETRA Yeah, I couldn’t take another minute of bed rest. I was going stir crazy. EMMA I bet... PETRA You two came up with something really special for the competition! EMMA Thank you. PETRA Now we just need to make enough for tonight. Frederic and Annabelle want all the guests to be able to sample the entries before they announce the winner. EMMA So you’re...you're helping Luc? PETRA Yeah, you know, when he lets me. You know how finicky he can be. I hope I got your sponge cake right. Oh, excuse me. EMMA You must be relieved. LUC Relieved? EMMA Yeah, of course, to have things back to normal, and have Petra here again, helping you. LUC Oh, Emma, um - EMMA No-no-no, there's no need to explain. I understand. LUC You do? EMMA Yeah, of course. We always knew this was...this was temporary. Yeah...you got your recipe. I saw the palace. We both got what we wanted, right? LUC I guess we did. EMMA It was nice working with you. LUC You, too. EMMA Luc? LUC Yes? EMMA Good luck. EMMA Hey. MARIE Hi. EMMA Do you think you could help me find an earlier flight back to New York? MARIE You’re leaving? EMMA Yeah, I mean, it's been such a great adventure...But I think it’s time to get back to reality. MARIE What about the ball? What about you and Luc? EMMA There...There is no me and Luc. Yeah, maybe I misread that... MARIE I’m sorry, Emma. I really thought that... EMMA Yeah, me too. MARIE Why don't you come to the ball with me and Liam? EMMA No, There's now way I’m going to be a third wheel on your Valentine’s date. MARIE You wouldn't be! Emma, you came here for an adventure. See it through. Hm? LUC These things are impossible. PETRA You should have bought the clip on. My husband can never tie his either. Emma is sure to swoon. LUC This isn’t for Emma. PETRA Isn’t it? LUC She’s with Max. PETRA Luc, did you actually let Emma know how you feel? LUC Well... PETRA Then it wasn’t much of a choice, was it? MAX So, they’ll be making their announcement any moment now. LUC Nervous? MAX Not in the slightest. LUC We’ll see. MAX Yeah, I suppose we'll see. May the best man win. LUC So, where's your date? MAX My date? LUC Emma? MAX I thought she was here with you here. LUC No. EMMA Hello. LUC Hello. You look beautiful. EMMA Thank you. LUC May I have this dance? EMMA You may. LUC I’m sorry. EMMA For what? LUC For not bringing you to the ball. I thought you were coming with Max. EMMA I...He asked, but I...I said no...my heart was set on someone else... LUC These past two weeks have been the best of my life... EMMA They've been pretty magical. LUC I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like you. EMMA No? LUC No. You've made me see things differently. You've opened my eyes to all sorts of new things. You've inspired me to follow my heart. Emma...What would you say if I asked you to stay? Here. In Bruges. With me. EMMA You want me to stay? LUC Yes...Yes I do. We can run the shop together. We can be true partners. Emma. . That means - EMMA I know what it means. I love you too. LUC More than a smidge? EMMA More than a smidge. ANNOUNCER Ladies and gentlemen, his Royal Heiness, Prince Frederic. FREDERIC It is my great pleasure to announce the winner of the competition... A chocolate that is worthy of the love that Annabelle and I share... a chocolate that shall forever represent Valentine’s Day here in Bruges...The winner of the competition is...the True Love Petit Four by Chocolatier Simon! EMMA You won. LUC We won. ANNABELLE Congratulations. FREDERIC Well done. LUC Thank you. FREDERIC Thank you very much. EMMA Thank you. EMMA Happy Valentine’s Day, Luc. LUC Happy Valentine’s Day, Emma. EMMA Perfect. LUC Hey guys. EMMA Hi. How are you? EMMA Hello. Here you are. Enjoy.