L'amour est le désir de mon cœur

Bonjour, I am Astin Riviere, owner of Rivera Restaurant in the city. Originally from Bordeaux, France, cooking is my biggest passion next to love. When I am not busy with cooking, or attending parties, or arguing with my father over my marital status, I am seen writing in my journal or actually tending to financial matters regarding to my family's oil rig.

[hettiejamison]

What does a lady have to do to get a good glass of ale around here? Snapping my fingers seems a little extreme, but I’m close to it.

[astin-riviere]

Ma beauté, do not be so tense. It is not good for you, nor is it suiting for you. May I suggest a strong calming tea that would soothe your frayed nerves?

[astin-riviere]

[andreasanterini-deactivated2021]

Gaspard Ulliel / Photographed by Bettina Rheims / For Madame Figaro 2007

[hettiejamison]

No apologetic slurs necessary, Mister, I appreciate the honest truths that are rather scarce around here than sugar coated nursery rhymes. Believe me. But this food, have I already mentioned that it is brilliant? I would like to nominate myself as the official food taster whenever you have something you are unsure on.

[astin-riviere]

You are welcome to come at anytime to taste food, ma beauté. I will call upon you whenever I do make new food though, so you shall be the first to taste it. Ah, would you like some more, or something else?

[lucienmitchell]

How wonderful - to be surrounded by such beauty. Architecture has always been of interest to me. As my Johann Wolffang von Goethe said about the topic; “it is just frozen music”. Alas, you’ve painted quite the picture in my mind. 

[astin-riviere]

I would have to agree, that it is frozen music. It never does seem finish, yet beautiful all the same. Paris boasts the most arts, music, architecture, painting and such, so if you wish to view the arts do think to visit Paris.

But if you ever want the best wine, stop in Bordeaux and mention my family. They would be most receiving of a friend of mine who wishes to sample wine.

[hettiejamison]

As free as I can be, yet now I’m permanently wary of being so. The thought of that is almost ideal, our minds are close to mutual ideas but I do not wish to rely on anyone for any immediate support, that’s when it becomes…dangerous, don’t you think?

[astin-riviere]

Ah oui, being self-sufficient is very important given our times. Betrayal is at every turn, and those who wish to see you burn down are standing there, holding the matches. Oh, forgive my dark talk, ma beauté, I have been told I need to never go into philosophy, I'd be horrible.

[astin-riviere]

[astin-riviere]

What is your favourite memory from France?

Oh, anonymous. It is very hard to choose exactly one memory as all my memories of France are fond. But I would have to say my favorite memory is when I went to the capital of my homeland. I had never been there before, and the books and tourists did not exaggerate. It was breathtakingly beautiful, with all of the attractions, food, and people.

It was also the time I realized I was not strictly into women. I had taken a fancy to my lodger, a man of age 20 while I was 17, who would drag me out of my room to go see the Tower and the Champs-Elysées restaurants and stores. Willing to impress him, I wished to tutor under a famous chef and learn to cook better. While he did not accept me as a student, his assistant did.

After learning in Bordeaux and Paris, I was skilled. But when I went to cook him dinner to impress him, I burnt the food because I was so nervous. He laughed, and I thought it was over but he took me to that restaurant that I studied at and bought me dinner. When it was all said and over, and there was no mention of my feelings or his, he kissed me as I left for the train back to Bordeaux. Paris will always have a fond place in my heart no matter what, may it be the sites or my first amour. I never did find out more about him, but it was charmant.

[lucy-west]

I shall be waiting.

Why thank you. This looks rather appetising, I must admit. [She delicately bit into a tart making sure not to leave crumbs.] Where did you learn to cook? 

[astin-riviere]

[Setting down the tea cup he was sipping, Astin smiled.] I learned in France, my homeland. There it is encouraged for men and women to both know how to cook, and most cooks in restaurants are males, where I spent my time away from learning how to run an oil rig, financially.

[astin-riviere]

I'm an idiot and got acid burns on my hands, so my hands are wrapped in gauze with burn healing lotion. This is because for our final grade in Chemistry, our teacher is making us make lotion. Turns out when the PH strip says it's a PH of 2, which is super acidic, any contact burns. But I have a question for you guys to see if I could win my class's lotion contest, like this post if you would buy a lotion which is Lavender & Lilac scented and contains shea butter, almond oil and vitamin E. The label is this:

[aliciavikandering]

Gaspard Ulliel

[astin-riviere]

All Wine & Talk || Astin & Nate

After some noise in the kitchen, Astin emerged, holding glasses and a wine bottle. "Mon ami, I have no idea why you deny it. But nevertheless, we can at least share wine, non?" Astin asked, setting them down at the table Nate was sitting in. Running a hand through his hair, Astin then popped the cork on the bottle and poured the glasses. Handing a glass to Nate, Astin sat across from the blonde male. "So, mon ami, I am sorry if you do turn out to be completely into women. I was taking shots in the dark, because you seemed so uncomfortable on the subject of love.” He said, after drinking half the glass. Astin actually was taking shots in the dark originally, but when Nate started to squirm, Astin figured. Astin realized he shouldn’t try to force Nate to admit it. That was if he was what Astin thought. Making the boy squirm was not a reason to do such mental torture, but Astin only had that to justify it. Sighing, he crossed his long legs and looked at Nate. “So, you are a lawyer, non? How is the legal field? I myself could never fair in it, as I am too emotional.” Also described as a fool, Astin thought to himself. It was true; his father had called him a half-witted man who he would disown in a second if he had not been his heir and also, if he was not around to control his sister because his father could not. She was hot-headed but that made her different, and he loved her with all his heart. Alas she was not the only one in his heart, but he had no idea where that other person laid, nor what their name was. Refilling his glass, Astin shook his head lightly to stop his thought. He had no need to worry of such things right now. Staring out the wide window that was in the front of the restaurant, he noticed light flakes fall slowly. Smiling a little, he turned back to Nate, his head clear.

[astin-riviere]

Ah I am off to bed as I have bed time on school nights and Sunday, also I took my pain killers which make me sleepy.

[lucy-west]

Surprise me with anything that is in your kitchen. If it is good, you may see me here again another day.

[astin-riviere]

Very well, ma bichette. I shall return with fresh pastries and tea, in the hopes to captivate your taste buds.

Ah here we go, ma bichette. Fresh pastries and tea, made beautifully. For a beautiful woman to eat.

[lucy-west]

Actually, that would be much appreciated. How about you make me some of those French patisseries that’s all the rage these days.

[astin-riviere]

Of course, ma bichette. Any specific flavors before I start? Or shall I surprise you?

[thenatesullivan]

Je suis désolé, mon ami. There are surely no men who have caught my attention.

[astin-riviere]

Men? Oh non. I mean a certain man, not men. It is only this man that causes those feeling inside you.

Once you stop denying it, you will feel better mon ami. You love this man, and I am willing to bet he feels the same.

[lucy-west]

I’m in the mood for tea and crumpets.

[astin-riviere]

I can always make you some, ma bichette. Would you like me to? I can make them to your wishes.