truitt-story

[truitt-story]

Tiana could tell that Su was a little confused by this meeting. Tiana didn't blame her, considering things probably seemed more or less normal to Su without the context of the spell happening in the background. And that was a good thing, because it meant that the magic wasn't as obvious as Tiana sometimes worried it might be.

But it also made Tiana feel badly that her staff was so in the dark that she couldn't even really have a conversation with them about changes at the restaurant. No more secrets from here on out, Tiana promised herself. She couldn't let this spiral.

"I will. Thanks, Su," Tiana said, standing up again. "I'll let you get going. I know it's late. Just wanted to reiterate that I'm here, if you need anything at all."

@princess-su

Temperature Check | Suana

[truitt-story]

Tiana was an opinionated person, and she also thought it was her duty as a friend to look out for Al and Vixey, and to be honest with them. But maybe the timing wasn't right. She'd said her piece, anyway. If Al and Vixey wanted her to stay out of it and trust that they'd handle this themselves, she'd do it.

"I think what Jun is saying," Tiana cut in, glancing at Jun. "Is that we're here for you no matter what happens. Even if things don't work out! Which I'm sure they will, because you guys are great together, I honestly don't know how I never noticed, but it actually makes perfect sense- anyway, the point is that we are really happy for you both. Really."

Well, okay, maybe that wasn't exactly what Jun was saying. But Tiana knew he was coming from a place of trying to be helpful and showed he cared. So... close enough?

@alzcomicbarn @vixey-chakraborty @moon-yeongjun

The One Where Al and Vixey Did a Thing || F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

[truitt-story]

Tiana smiled. She didn't want to laugh at anyone for not knowing, but that was pretty far off base. Even if Tiana could see where Judy would get that idea.

"Not exactly," she said, amused. "It's a type of sandwich— similar to your classic Italian sub, but with a special kind of bread and some really unique flavors and toppings you won't find anywhere else. You have to really like olives, I'll say."

@officer-judy-moon

And They Said Speak Now | Tidy

[truitt-story]

Dinner club with Moon was such a normal thing now that Tiana often forgot she was technically royalty. Granted, they didn't really talk about that stuff much— mostly they talked about food.

What did Countess training even entail? It seemed to Tiana like the kind of thing that required a uni degree, so had Stella abdicated? (was that the right word?)

None of it was really any of Tiana's business, but she coudn't help her curiosity. Maybe she'd find out eventually.

"Oh, yeah, totally," Tiana said quickly. "I like to think we're a pretty good place to learn, even if you don't have any experience. As long as you're willing to put in the work and bring a good attitude. How are you under pressure?"

@stellabfly

Front Of House | Stellana

[truitt-story]

Tiana wished she had an answer for Su, honestly. Because Tiana had been in her shoes before. And she knew how useless "Keep it up, you're doing great!" could feel. But, honestly... Tiana hadn't been paying close enough attention to Su's work to really give her much feedback.

That was probably a good thing, because it meant Su was being quick and efficient, keeping things on track and not causing any problems. But it wasn't very helpful to her.

"Uh- I'll let you know if I see anything," Tiana said vaguely. "Angie might have better feedback right now, I've been really swamped, honestly. But I'll try to keep an eye out. I know I've been kind of hands-off with how busy things were this summer, but I'm trying to change that."

@princess-su

Temperature Check | Suana

[truitt-story]

Monday, November 18 — The Character Tour: Create a travel itinerary featuring 10 significant locations from your character’s life (can be in the same town/city, country, or even around the world!). You can do this in a saved Google Map too.

From: tiana@tianasplace.com To: ktruitt@tulane.edu

Hey Keke!

Heard you're all moved in to Tulane— can't believe you're already in uni!!! Seriously, you're making me feel so old.

I'm christening your new university email address with some local recs that I remember from my time in NOLA. Have fun, be safe, call me if you need anything, etc.

Cafe Du Monde for beignets

Yes, it's basic, but it's sort of a rite of passage. And they're good beignets. Not the best in town, but I can recommend them in good conscience. The thing about beignets is that sadly nothing will compare to my recipe (sorry!) but you'll find your own favorite spot in time. For now, go with your first-semester-freshman-year friends that you may or may not stay in touch with later on and just enjoy being adults for the first time.

2. Mojo Coffee for studying and snacks

I know this is across town for you, but when I tell you how many long, long nights studying I spent here... and yeah, there is absolutely studying that you have to do in culinary school. It's not all chopping and sauteeing. I'll spare you the explanation of the history of the sous vide method, but just know that I did a lot of readings here. Get an iced mocha and a banana chocolate chip muffin and thank me later.

3. Tia Maria's for a great first date spot

Or just bring a friend here! But I always thought this place was a little romantic. Or maybe it's just that their pupusas are an experience akin to falling in love. I won't bore you with the whole story but I did have some really lovely moments here, I'll say that much.

4. City Park for people-watching and dog-watching

I went here a lot when I was feeling homesick or overwhelmed. I think something you'll find (not to scare you) is that when you're all on your own in a new place, it's easy to feel alone, even in a room full of people. For me, being completely surrounded by strangers going about their random lives made me feel better for some reason. And dogs. Lots of dogs. Just grab a bench here, watch the world go by. It'll help. I promise.

5. Red Eye Grill for FOOD and NON ALCOHOLIC DRINKS until you are 21

I am officially NOT recommending you a bar. I'm just letting you know that this place is a lot of fun and open late, and once you are of legal drinking age (why is it so late in the US??) you would maybe enjoy a drink here. Many fun nights here in culinary school. And open late.

6. The Superdome for a concert

I DID get very lucky to get gifted Saints tickets once, but I wouldn't count on that. But next time Beyonce goes on tour (she better in the next four years) I'm coming to visit and we're going. Anyway, keep an eye out for cheap nosebleed tickets for other stuff, the stadium's not hard to get to and you'll have fun.

7. St Charles Ave for Mardi Gras

There are actually a ton of parades in different locations all season (Mardi Gras is a season, not a day!) but this was always where my friends and I went. Bring coffees and beignets and get ready to catch some beads! This is when I started really feeling like this was my city. Maybe that'll be another moment for you, but I hope you feel that it's special too.

8. Jamila's Cafe for amazing Tunisian food

You're in uni now! Try new things! My roommate, Nina, and I, we used to literally spin a wheel to try a new restaurant every weekend. Once we tried Jamila's, we sort of started rigging it so we could keep going back there. It's that good. Make sure you save room for dessert, their pastries are heavenly.

9. Fives for a special occasion

Go here with your parents toward the end of the year. Brag a little about how hard you worked. Thank them for everything. And then cover the bill. I know, I know! But trust me, it will be a special memory they never forget. I did it, and I know I won't.

(Get the oysters)

10. Bonnabel Hill for a perfect sunset

Bring a few of your friends and some NON-ALCOHOLIC beverages, also toward the end of the school year. Or maybe save it for graduation. Sunsets are kind of perfect for stuff like this, and this is the best one you'll see in NOLA. I'm not gonna say much more than that, because I know you'll make it your own. And that's what I really want for you. These are just my memories, but I know you're going to make your own.

Love you. Call me. Call your parents. Have fun and be safe.

XOXOXOXO

Tia

[truitt-story]

Tiana didn't like the word "secret." But that was what it was, right? She'd put herself in this position, and the fact that she felt so wrong about all the secrecy and hidden truths, that was probably a sign that she'd made the right decision in ending this.

"No, that's all," Tiana said. "Uh, you can stop by anytime for a bite. Just... no more spells."

Of course, Tiana wasn't going to ban her or tell her not to do any magic. She'd seen the backlash against Gaston, and she wouldn't feel right about that anyway. But she thought that was fair enough to say.

@majkemaniiia

Make Up Your Mind | Magiana

[truitt-story]

"I mean, look-" Tiana glanced at Jun. "Obviously this is really unexpected, and, uh, one could argue that you might not have thought about the long-term of it all, and there might have been some heightened emotions involved, and, uh, it was always an option to just date for a little bit while you figured things out..."

It was really not the time to point any of those things out, though. Vixey and Al were married. And they seemed really happy. If they were contemplating it, maybe Tiana would tell them to pump the brakes. But the decision was done. Now, all she could do was be there for... whatever happened next.

Hopefully this wouldn't end in disaster. Tiana loved this friend group, and she didn't want to see it split apart.

"But! I can tell y'all are really happy, and that's what counts. Anyway, I think I'm a little weddinged-out lately. Maybe we could just have a dinner to celebrate or something."

@moon-yeongjun @vixey-chakraborty @alzcomicbarn

The One Where Al and Vixey Did a Thing || F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

[truitt-story]

For what it was worth, Tiana hadn't noticed any issues with Su's timing. Or with any of her work, but she knew part of that might have been just how busy she was trying to juggle everything during the restaurant's most chaotic summer.

If Su needed help, though, Tiana wanted to make sure she had it. She seemed like the kind of person who might be afraid to ask for it.

"Yeah, that's always a tricky balance," Tiana said. "I feel like it comes with time and experience, you know? But I could ask Angie to keep on eye on that when she has time."

@princess-su

Temperature Check | Suana

[truitt-story]

It wasn't an uncommon problem. Plenty of people came to Tiana's Place and found a menu full of items they'd never heard of before, so it was hard to know where to start. Others were so excited to see things they did recognize that the decision was even harder. And some people were just indecisive.

Whatever the case, Tiana had a lot of experience with making recommendations. And she liked doing it— part of why she was in the restaurant business was because she loved talking about food.

"Aw, thanks," Tiana said. "If you're looking to try the classics, James's Gumbo and the Red Beans and Rice are pretty solid bets. If you're not all about stew for lunch, though, I always recommend the po'boy or the muffaletta. Any of that sound good?"

@officer-judy-moon

And They Said Speak Now | Tidy

[truitt-story]

Tiana didn't think the comment was awkward or anything like that. She employed a number of experienced professionals who had worked in restaurants for years, but she also hired a lot of people for whom this was their first job— like it seemed to be for Stella. This definitely wasn't the weirdest interview Tiana had ever had.

"Yeah, no problem. Have a seat," Tiana said, gesturing to the chair facing her desk. "So tell me a little about yourself. This is your first job, right?"

@stellabfly

Front Of House | Stellana

[truitt-story]

Tiana noticed the change right away. A shiver went down her spine. Was this how her restaurant really was without magic?

For a moment, Tiana almost begged Magica to turn it back. What if she'd just made a horrible mistake? Maybe Tiana wasn't cut out for this after all, not without magic...

But that was an even more humiliating thought than having to ask Magica to end the spell in the first place. So Tiana shook off the impulse.

"Thanks," she said, though she didn't seem so certain in it. "Could you- could you maybe not mention this whole thing to people?"

@majkemaniiia

Make Up Your Mind | Magiana

[truitt-story]

That was all usual stuff. Or, at least, it used to be. Before the spell. Nowadays, it was less common for people to complain about school or the food. But this was going to be the new normal. Or, rather, the old normal.

Mary didn't seem concerned at all, though, which was a relief. And wasn't completely surprising. Tiana remembered her own days as a server. You spent the whole shift with tunnel vision, just focusing on keeping all of the balls in the air.

"You're a pro, Mary," Tiana said, picking up a chair and setting it upside-down on the table so that the floor could be swept and mopped. "I just want you to know, though, if you get overwhelmed, or if something seems off, you can always come to me, alright?"

@boointhenight

Cool Down | Gibbitt

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It definitely wasn't. The restaurant was still pretty busy at peak hours, but right now wasn't one of those times. Tiana had only seen a noticeable difference outside of the typical rushes, because people weren't lingering quite as long.

Which was nice, but also still a little concerning. You made your choice, Tiana reminded herself.

Anyway, on the bright side, she had more time to talk to Judy.

"Nah, you're good!" Tiana said. "Has anyone been by to help you yet?"

@officer-judy-moon

And They Said Speak Now | Tidy

[truitt-story]

AYO EDEBIRI

Before the academy gala by Morgan Maher (October 2024)

[truitt-story]

After ending the spell, Tiana wasn't really trying to actively recruit. But one of their hostesses had recently moved away, and Tiana did at least want to fill the vacancy. Luckily, she quickly received an application.

Stella had little experience, according to her resumé, but that was probably for the best, anyway. Front of house was an easy enough position to train people on, and if Stella had more experience, she'd probably try to move up to server sooner than Tiana was ready for. It didn't hurt that Stella was Moon's daughter— Tiana was pretty sure, at least.

"Hi, Stella?" Tiana said when she saw the applicant waiting in the front. "Follow me, we can talk in my office."

@stellabfly

Front Of House | Stellana

[truitt-story]

Tiana had only met MuHou once, when she'd dropped off a tray of macaroni and cheese after Matilda's birth. She wasn't all that close with Ting-Ting or any of the Qins, but it was the neighborly thing to do.

And it was a little weird to Tiana that a monkey would have an opinion on knife skills, but she supposed familiars were everywhere. Even on Board.

"Yeah. That's great, Su. I'll have to see them in action soon," Tiana said. She meant that. Tiana did feel bad that she hadn't been paying closer attention. But she knew Su wasn't one to brag, so if she was saying that her knife skills had improved, she was probably correct. "Any issues you're running into? Anything you're struggling with?"

@princess-su

Temperature Check | Suana