[woman narrator] previously on cherish the day...
So, tonight is like every night except... We have cameras.
[woman] is mr. Moor house gonna be there?
What about mr. New orleans?
-Too much baggage. -I told her that... We should just be friends.
Oh!
[ellis] I'm headed toward now to talk to her.
[Sunday] why are you here?
Since the separation, I haven't had to figure out
how to fit anyone into my life.
I don't wanna start something with someone who's not available.
I'm available.
[around you by caleb taylor playing]
[traffic officer] no stopping!
Keep moving. Keep it moving!
Keep it moving. No stopping. [blows whistle]
-[honking] -keep it moving!
But here she is.
[both chuckle]
[Sunday] mm...
-Hi. -Hi.
Mm...
My chefs jackets for tonight.
Don't wrinkle them.
-Hey. -Hey.
-For me? -Mm-hmm.
Beautiful.
Oh. Melt into shea butter massage oil.
Oh. Okay.
Well, you have great taste. Thank you.
No, to be fair. I got the idea out of the essence magazine in a barber shop. So...
-There's...One more thing. -Okay.
[Sunday gasps]
oh, my god.
Now I know you said tonight isn't about you.
It's about supporting the non-profit, but they chose to honor you.
And that's a big deal.
It's gorgeous.
Now, that-- that is my idea.
I didn't get that out of essence.
I love it.
I'll wear it tonight.
I said, keep it moving!
Okay, okay, okay. But, look, it's not my fault.
She can't keep her hands off me. So...
Okay.
-[Sunday] let's get out of here. -Yeah. Let's go.
-Have a good day. -She's not buying.
She's not.
[cherish the day by sade playing]
[Sunday] leah chase is absolutely an inspiration.
So, it's an honor.
-Yes. -Yeah.
That they chose you.
Yeah, they did.
Right, it's a big deal.
-It is a big deal. -It is.
-Mm-hmm. -You keep saying, ah... No!
It's a big deal!
-I'm not saying it's a big deal for me to be all like-- -it's a big deal!
[yours by gwen bum playing]
[inaudible]
what do you think?
Handsome.
I'd get with you.
Is that right?
-Like what the tailor did for you? -It's perfect.
Thank you.
[yours continues playing]
[sweet time by raveena playing over stereo]
[inaudible]
check this out.
Cherokee chocolate tomato.
That don't need salvaging.
Yeah, that sounds like dessert.
Hey.
So which jacket should I wear tonight?
Okay. Pink one, honors leah chase.
So the dinner is to benefit her foundation.
But I usually wear the black one in the kitchen.
And the pink embroidery is still a tribute.
So, which one?
I would go with the pink one.
Do a great lady honor.
Hey, daddy.
If I wear the pink one,
will you change your mind about coming to the dinner tonight?
Uh... Uh... No, no. I've got too much to do here.
Oh, but I thought you were excited to see me get my award.
Have you seen my wallet?
No. No.
Did you take it?
Did you take my wallet?
No, sir.
It's okay, daddy. It's around here somewhere.
If it's somewhere, where the hell is it!
I don't get it. I don't get it.
He's changing before my eyes.
He'd always show up for me.
I mean this is the guy who came to my track meets
and almost cost us championships
running onto the field, screaming his head off.
[chuckles]
sometimes I...
...Just wonder what's going on inside his head.
Does he worry that other people have noticed he's not himself?
I mean... I just--
days like this I wish mama was here.
[ellis clears throat]
and what would you say to her?
God... So much.
But right now, I'd say...
Mama, look at your husband.
He is watering your garden wearing tres shoes and shorts.
[exhales] gotta laugh to keep from crying.
Hey.
Did I think you... For doing all this?
-Actually, no. You didn't. -No?
No.
No?
Thank you.
Thank you. [softly]
-ooh, smells good. -[chuckles]
chicken pot pie. Wanted to make something...
...Nice for linette and daddy tonight.
Mm. You sure I can't pick you up?
No, I'm good. I'll meet you there.
I'm gonna leave early so I can go cook.
People paid a lot of money for these tickets.
So, they're expecting their grub to be on point.
-Ah. -[cell phone ringing]
[ellis clears throat]
-hello. -[anastasia over phone] hey, ellis.
[sighing] the car broke down.
Yeah, well, I've been telling you to bring it to the shop. Where are you?
Somewhere outside of edmore.
I pulled off the side of the road
when everything starting flickering in the car.
Um, there's a mechanic here, he says it's the alternator,
and the part is on back order.
But mama had a good time at the casino.
-She loved it, by the way. -Mm. Mm.
Can you come get us?
I tried to get an uber, but there's no cars available out here.
What? In alabama?
Yeah, that's where the casino is.
Where's bree? Are you parked somewhere safe?
Yeah, she's fine. She's...
...Just smiling, even though it's getting hot out here.
And evertlet, she decided to stay at home so she's with aunty audrey.
Where's danny?
He's out on tour.
Look, mama is getting on my last nerves.
She's acting like this is the end of the world.
[woman] seriously...
Let me just pull up my gps so I can text you
and you can know exactly where we are.
Are you leaving right now?
Yeah. I'll be there.
-Everything okay? -No. No.
Anastasia's car broke down. She's with her mother, and bree
stranded in alabama.
Oh, no.
So, so I gotta get them.
-Right now? -[exhales] I know.
But that's two hours there and two hours back.
There's no way you're gonna make it back in time for tonight.
Well, maybe I can. I mean the sooner I leave the sooner I get back.
-And there's no one else to pick them up? -No.
-Where's danny? -Danny? I-- I don't know. He's in new york.
I think he's supposed to be back later on today.
Look, I just-- I can't leave them stranded on the side of the road.
Especially with bree.
I'm sorry.
Okay, I-- I'll try to make it back as soon as possible.
Okay.
[softly] sorry.
[door opens, closes]
daddy.
-Call Sunday. -[dialing tone]
[voicemail] hey, you've reached Sunday.
Leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
-[beeps] -hey. It's me.
Look, I'm just calling to say I'm...
I'm sorry that this happened today of all days.
But I promise I'll make it up to you.
I mean at least I'll try.
-All right. -[phone beeps]
[phone ringing]
-[beeps] -hey.
[anastasia over phone] hey, el.
So, they're towing us now. And, um, mama want to know how long?
Look, I'm driving as fast as I can.
It was just a question.
I mean... Like, you know how she is.
Yeah, I know how she gets, I'm on my way.
Okay. I don't know why you're so moody.
Look, it's just bad timing. I-- I have plans for tonight.
-With your high school friend? -Yes. With my friend, Sunday.
Well, I'm sorry, okay? I just... I didn't know who else to call.
I know. I know you didn't. Okay, but let-- let me just focus on the road.
Okay? I will be there soon.
Hey, um, if you see something good to eat on your way,
can you just please pick up some food?
Mum's acting like she's about to starve to death.
Thanks.
-Everything all right? -Yeah, mama. It's fine. He's on the way.
[clicks tongue] don't get snappy.
[Sunday] I'm getting ready to go, daddy. Linette will be here soon.
[ellis over voicemail] hey. It's me.
Look, I'm just calling to say I'm...
I'm sorry that this happened today of all days.
But I promise I'll make it up to you.
I mean at least I'll try.
[spice by nakeyo & lawrence mace playing]
-[Sunday] chef tanya. -Oh, the woman of the hour est arrivee.
-C'est moi. -Hello.
I was just telling the ladies about watching your footage.
The camera loves on some chef Sunday.
Thank you. Thank you. It was a dream come true.
Um, so what are you making? I haven't seen the menu yet.
Well, my signature dish.
Buttermilk fried chicken and cornmeal waffles.
Who doesn't love breakfast for dinner?
I can't wait to see your father.
He's not gonna make it.
-Mm... -Yeah, he's been slowing down a little bit.
-But I'll let him know you asked about him. -Okay. Okay.
Excuse me, chef Sunday. Would you autograph a copy of tonight's program?
-Oh. -Oh, so there's another famous chef here tonight?
C'est moi. C'est moi.
Hmm.
Oh, she already got my autograph.
I'm serious about the footage from atlanta.
You were incredible.
-Look at you. -Thank you.
Yeah, you know, I was just doing my thing. We had so much fun.
Oh, good.
Sorry to hear about your father, though.
Last time I saw him he was the life of the party.
Thank you.
So, if your favorite date won't be on your arm,
who're you gonna bring with you tonight?
Me, myself and I.
I... I invited a new friend...
But he had a family emergency, so...
Oh, well.
You know we're gonna have a good time anyways.
Mm...
I'm honored to be here with you.
Thank you.
I'll see you later.
[cell phone ringing]
-[anastasia over phone] hey. -Hey.
Good news and good news.
-What's up? -Well, the mechanic was able to get his hands on the part.
-So we are good to go. -Oh! Oh, that's great news.
-So, where are you now? -Driving home.
Probably gonna catch up with you.
Okay, uh... Uh, so you don't need me?
Nope. Now, you owe me one 'cause I saved the day.
Now you can go on your little date.
-Tell him 'thank you' anyway. -And mama says, thanks anyway.
-Yeah, I heard her. I heard her. Drive safe. - [call ends]
[dialing tone]
[voicemail] hey, you've reached Sunday.
Leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
-[beeps] -hey, I got great news!
I'm headed back. Unless the police put me in jail for speeding.
But, look. Looks like I'm gonna make the dinner. Okay?
So I'll see you there.
[engine starts]
[Sunday] and when you plate your gumbo,
you wanna...Ladle gently, avoiding the rice in the center.
And wipe your plate as needed.
And finally we're going to garnish with a beautiful sweet pepper.
-Mm. Got it? -Yes, chef.
Chef, there's a gentleman in the lobby looking for you.
Oh. Okay. I'll be right out.
Josiah?
Hi, Sunday.
-Hey. -Hey.
What are you doing here?
You're getting an award tonight, right?
You think I'd miss coming out to support?
I heard it was you and grabbed a ticket.
Nice little donation, too.
-Well, you've gotta do the most. -You know I do.
Brought you something.
First of the season georgian peaches.
I couldn't decide which one was better, the yellow or the white.
You decide.
I appreciate this...
Um... I-- I just have to get back into the kitchen and finish for tonight.
Of course.
So...
You know...
Why don't you sit at my table?
I won't be able to sit much, but it's the best seat in the house.
-Yeah? -Yeah.
Well, I'll see you there.
Okay, see you there.
[exhales]
what?
It's not nice to keep secrets from the kitchen.
Well... Dig in, ladies.
A friend brought me some georgia peaches.
Are you his georgia peach?
Knew it, we knew it.
[jazz music playing]
-hello, hello. -Hey.
If this were me,
I'd have taken an ad out in the times pretty young.
I know you would.
-It's nice. -Thanks.
I, uh, just came out to make sure you found your seat okay.
I'm good.
-Break a leg. -Oh, thanks.
Okay. I'll see you in a bit.
[woman] have a good night.
Excuse me, how can I help you?
Hi, uh, tickets for ellis moran.
Yes, sir. Just a minute.
Uh, nothing for ellis moran.
Could it be under another name?
No, it should be there. Mind checking again?
Nothing here, mr. Moran. I'm sorry.
Well, do you have any tickets available?
-We have a few seats left... In the back. -In the back?
Sorry. That's all that we have left.
Okay. Um... Yeah. I'll take one.
[here I am by wallette playing]
each year the leah chase legacy award
is bestowed upon a chef who's culinary skills
and community service exemplify the ideals
of the late great chef, leah chase.
Sunday's dish. A vegetarian interpretation
-of chef leah chases' gumbo z'herbes. -Thank you.
This year's award goes to an orleans native who planted her roots in atlanta
with her restaurant, vegetarian food collective.
Chef Sunday st. James.
[all applauding]
thank you so much. What an honor.
My, uh, dish tonight...
...Is a tribute to chef leah.
But also to my grandmother.
My momo terez.
Visiting her recently in cane river, I was reminded...
Of the great legacy of black women in the kitchen.
These women fed those men who went on to be celebrated chefs.
If we are to truly advance the cooking arts,
and move this country forward in the ranks of the great culinary nations,
we need to look back to the achievements of these women.
Women who made ways out of no ways.
Women who got dinner on the table,
even when the cupboards were bare.
Women who worked delicious miracles in times abundance.
The contributions of these women are both unacknowledged...
And unmistakable.
I try to incorporate their legacies in every dish I can
and in every young cook I train.
It is on the shoulders of these women that I stand.
And it is my profound hope
that the young women cooks responsible for the food you're eating here tonight,
will be able to extend the legacy created by these great chefs...
...Who stand with me today.
Thank you so much for this honor.
[all cheering]
[what makes me glow by nick jordan playing]
[woman cheering]
-thank you. -You're welcome.
No problem. Can I get you guys anything else?
That's it, thank you.
To you... And your much deserved award.
Thank you.
Owe one to my man, ellis moran.
I saw his place card before it disappeared.
He your plus one now.
I thought we didn't play the questions game.
That's how we used to do it.
And now I'm sensing things have changed.
How you been?
I don't think I've heard from you since I dropped you off at the airport.
What's it been? Uh, a month?
[sighs] I've just been so busy.
That's when you used to call the most.
Listen...
I've always been cool with what we had.
Both out there, building empires...
...Living dreams.
No strings attached.
But if you're looking for something more,
I'm willing to make some time.
-Do we have to do this right now? -Yes.
How long you've been seeing him?
Not long.
It's new.
I don't even know what it is.
But...
...We have a history, and...
This is something I want to explore, so...
Here we are.
Where are we?
What does that mean?
It means...
We're still everything
we always have been to each other,
-except... -Won't be meeting on the spur in savannah
for shrimp and grits and sex any time soon.
Well...
We can still meet for shrimp and grits if you're still down.
What's he got that I ain't got?
I'm gonna try and hop on the last flight out.
-Headed to detroit tomorrow night. -Oh.
I have two spots to send you to.
-Black female chefs? -Do you have to ask?
You're unpredictable these days.
Always have been.
Yeah.
Mm.
[friendzone roll with me by romero mosley ft. Lorine chia & cire the maestro playing]
[cell phone ringing]
-hello. - [Sunday over phone] nice hat.
The woman in the photo.
I didn't know you made it.
Well, you should check your download speed.
-I sent you that hours ago. -Sorry, I turned my phone off.
How come I didn't see you there?
You were pretty busy.
What are you doing? Sounds like you are outside.
Yeah, I'm shooting hoops.
You're up for a little one-on-one?
-Hey. -Hey.
Nice shot.
-Nice speech. -Thanks.
Can't believe you made it.
I told you I was gonna make it.
At least I was gonna try.
You did.
Who was that with you tonight?
I'm not with him...Anymore.
Oh.
Sure looked like you were.
There was a time...
It wasn't anything serious.
He's an investor, he's a friend, and that's all he is to me.
Tonight...
You know,
I had a lot of time to think while I was driving.
-Mm-hmm. -And...
One thing I thought about was...
I owe you an apology.
I should have been there with you tonight and I wasn't.
You know, I could...
...Never be mad at you for being a great dad, or...
Being there for your kids.
It's just...
You can't jump every time your wife, I mean ex-wife calls.
We had plans.
So...
You're right.
I'm just trying to figure all this out.
I just need you to be patient.
Can you just... Just give me a little time?
Yeah. Of course.
Ah!
Look at that. That was cruel.
-Gotta get me that ball. -That was cruel.
Oh!
[Sunday] ooh.
I love your place.
Thank you.
Pocket doors.
Aw, beautiful family.
-This is... -My-- yeah.
Soon to be ex-wife.
How soon?
We have to wait a year after legal separation.
But, you know I'm sweaty, it's a little late to be talking about
louisiana divorce law, don't you think?
Hmm.
Not if a sister got a question.
[shower running]
[fingers crossed by leonie barbot playing]
it's a little intimidating cooking for a real chef.
It is.
But...
I can offer you the choice of...
-...Waffles or pancakes, which would you like? -Mm-hmm.
-From the same box? -Mm-hmm.
-I'm impressed. -Are you?
-Mm-hmm. -Mm. Well...
I also heat up the syrup. Drives the kids crazy.
Oh, yeah.
I love warm syrup.
-Oh, yeah? -I do.
Have I told you how beautiful you are?
You might have mentioned it.
-Yeah? -Mm-hmm.
[gasps] oh.
[Sunday] what the... [anastasia] I'm sorry.
-God! -Sorry, guys.
Sunday.
Well, now I see why you didn't answer your phone.
What the hell are you doing?
What? Danny brought over a new client
without any announcement, I didn't know. And...
...Our house is dry as cotton.
We don't have any bourbon, we don't have no whiskey.
We don't have nothing.
And then I remembered that your client gave you
that bottle of uncle nearest whiskey for christmas.
And you ain't gonna drink it.
[stutters] you can't walk in here whenever you feel like.
I said I was sorry.
And I did call. Check your phone.
I left you a message. I sent a text.
That's not the point.
All right, my bad.
All right. Sorry.
I'm just gonna get the whiskey and get outta here.
-I'm-- -look, Sunday... This is anastasia,
anastasia, this is Sunday.
-Hi. -Hi.
I'm gonna go.
No! No, no, no, no. You don't have to go on my behalf.
-No, he's gonna be mad! -It's late. And I'll let myself out.
Sunday, hold on.
[lose you by kenny lattimore playing]