Places!
Hope you're hungry, New York!
- How'd they know? - Shh, here he comes.
I sure am, Mary Sue!
Today is our scrumptious honor to welcome Central Park
favorite, Dumpling Dan, to the studio.
Thanks for having me.
Yeah!
- Go, Dan! - In celebration
of the Grand Opening of his brand new food truck,
this weekend, Dan is gonna show us
everything we need to make one of his famous dumplings.
Almost everything,
gotta keep my special ingredient to myself.
A perfect dumpling and a wining personality?
How does Dan do it?
Okay, let's get started. First, we need our dough.
Hmm. A-ha!
Dough, check.
- Close enough. - Then, flatten the dough.
Next, give it a little flip.
I bet I could have my own cooking show.
The key to cooking is substitutions, don't have salt?
Sub in pizzas!
Hey, wait, you don't wanna eat that!
-It's not... - Mmm, delicious!
...real food.
Looks real enough to me.
At least it's organic?
Look at you.
Ah! What's going on?
Alex woke up early? I've seen it all now.
Hey, who's making all that racket?
Despite popular belief, not all birds are early birds.
Do I hear hungry morning bellies?
Who is ready to break their fast?
Break our what nows?
I think he means breakfast.
Then why couldn't he just say it?
Because everything is better with a touch of flair.
Welcome to Alex the Lion's first ever cooking show!
- You cook now? - Yup. I found my calling!
I'm going to become a master chef like Dumpling Dan.
I didn't know you knew how to cook.
Of course I know how to cook.
I watched most of that cooking show.
Now, please, take a seat and enjoy pizza for breakfast.
You may be wondering, how do I create a dish
that will warm your bellies and your hearts.
Actually, I'm wondering how you've learned
- to make pizza from scratch. - I didn't.
The art of cooking, like acting, is all about improvising.
Um, Alex, are you putting donuts
in that pizza?
Shh, "do nut" want to give away
the secret ingredient to the viewers at home!
I call this my Chef's Surprise"
and luckily for my in-studio audience.
I think that's us.
I've got a piping hot slice of Chef's Surprise ready for a taste test!
Hmm, creative presentation.
Thank you, thank you. Will you do the honors, Marty?
Wow! That sure is flavorful.
- What's wrong? - To start,
this violates several health codes,
I don't know which ones, but I definitely feel violated.
This was just the first try, Alex, you'll get better.
It couldn't have been that bad.
Hey, Pickles and Dave! come over here!
- Huh? - You liked the test run of my dish yesterday,
surely you'll love this new dish by an up-and-coming celeb chef.
Yeah! Love your new hobby, Alex.
It was awful,
I think I preferred the mud pie.
- Was it really that bad? - No!
Psst, if you hurry, you can order some dumplings
- from Dan's before the morning rush. - I'm on it.
It was just a little palate cleanser, you know?
Gloria, make it a double order.
Ah! Sweet, savory relief!
I've never been so grateful
to taste a dumpling in my life!
Like a comforting hug for your mouth.
Dan's dumplings are delicious.
Must be that secret ingredient he wouldn't reveal on the show.
I wonder what it is?
What's up, Melman, you usually love Dumpling Dan's.
I do, but I'm usually not seeing double.
- Or sweating. Or seeing double. - You already said that.
Oh, no, now I'm saying double.
I think my tum should take a break.
Hmm, more for me.
What's that?
The first weekend of the summer,
dip into the ocean, then dip into Dan's dumplings.
Right, Dan's food truck.
His Grand Opening is today!
You know, Alex,
if you wanna become a great chef,
maybe you should spend some time studying Dan.
That's a great idea.
I just got to find out Dan's secret ingredient and voilà,
your favorite lion will be your favorite chef too!
Just imagine it!
I know just where I'll learn Dan's secret, at his Grand Opening!
We're going to the food truck.
I'd like to celebrate,
but my throat is getting a little scratchy.
Which part?
You got a whole lot of throat.
Aaah.
Hmm, I don't see anything,
but you better stay back just in case.
There's a chapter in my Park Ranger handbook on mysterious ailments,
I'll get to the bottom of it.
Looks like it's you and me, Gloria.
Melman, are you sure you're okay if I go?
Yes, go on.
I don't want you to see me like this!
Don't worry, I'll keep him in good spirits.
As long as you're staying back, can you also prep some cameras?
Sure thing! Wait, are we doing a fashion show?
- Is that what this is? - No silly,
we're gonna film my cooking show!
'Cause once I return with that secret ingredient,
everybody's gonna wanna know what this cat is cooking.
Where are you off to?
We're gonna find out Dumpling Dan's secret ingredient to use in my recipes!
Show them the toll payment Alex!
Fresh, left over Chef's Surprise!
Yeah, no toll today.
- This one's on us. - Wait, really?
What's the catch?
Dave says your cooking needs work.
Is that all he said?
Yup! Enjoy the ride!
Look at this place!
Smells like being inside a dumpling! Yum.
Now to figure out what exactly is
inside those dumplings.
What would a secret ingredient come in?
A bottle? A box?
Hey, Dan! Whoa!
Since when do you have a food truck?!
Since today, actually.
I'm headed to Jones Beach for my Grand Opening right now!
Lucky beach bums! Wait 'till they get a load of the city's best dumplings.
Hm, all these smells are making me hungry.
- Listen to my stomach! - Ow!
That's not your stomach, it's the truck!
- We're moving! - Where are we going?
Maybe Dan's taking us to an underground hideout
where he stores his secret ingredient!
Beginning directions to Jones Beach, Long Island.
Long Island?
That's like an outer, outer borough.
We can't get stuck in Long Island,
we won't know the way home. We gotta get off this truck!
That's too dangerous, the truck is already moving!
Besides, Dan lives in the city,
I'm sure he'll bring us back after his Grand Opening!
I hope you're right...
How are these so good?
Must be Dan's secret ingredient,
and I'm gonna find out what it is!
Okay, in order to diagnose you,
we first need to clarify your symptoms.
Do you have hives?
Those look like polka dots. Umm, Melman appears to be more "spotted."
Are spots a bad sign? I've always had them.
Does that mean I've been sick all my life?
Calm down, Melman.
Just close your eyes and try to relax.
I'll tell him a joke
to help him forget his woes.
Hey, Melman, knock knock!
- Who's there? - Banana.
Banana I thought you were Bill!
Oh no, now my mind is going. I must be sicker than I thought!
I hope Gloria and Alex are having better luck than we are.
Sun's out, weather's fine, perfect time to dumpling dine!
Hey, that was pretty good.
Oh! Hey honey! Yup, beautiful day at the beach
but it'll be a long one.
Not coming home 'til I sell every last dumpling!
That could take all day!
Don't worry, Dan's dumplings always sell out.
See, here comes a customer now!
I'll take, uh, three dumplings please!
Coming right up! Enjoy your dumplings.
- Gail? - Diving Dan!
Is that you?
It is! But I go by Dumpling Dan these days!
Wow, things have sure changed since swim team.
Mmm, your dumplings are as legendary as your freestyle!
Well let me know if you ever need an extra lifeguard.
I've still got some of my old moves!
Help! Lifeguard! We've got a situation!
Oh, oh, looks like someone mistook Superstick glue for sunscreen...
- again! - I'm stuck!
Hey, Dan, the other lifeguard's still stuck in beach traffic.
Think you can cover my stand?
Uh, I need to finish prepping.
Someone, come quick!
But I guess I can catch the post-lunch rush.
It'll just have to be a late night.
Now my other foot's stuck!
If Dan's busy on the beach, how will he sell out
in time for us to get home before tuck-in?
Hmm... maybe selling Dan's dumplings
will help me figure out what makes 'em so tasty!
If he can't work his truck, we will!
Open that window.
Four dumplings please!
That is the best dumpling I've ever tasted! Thanks.
This professional chef business is a breeze!
- How many more to go? - Let's just say...
a lot.
Ha!
Keep 'em coming!
Ha!
A lotta Dan fans out there!
Uh, we're out!
Ugh, every single time!
Hurry up, Alex, the line is getting longer.
That's all Dan prepped,
and I still don't know what makes them so good.
I'll just cook up all these ingredients
and figure out which one is the secret ingredient myself.
Hello? Can I get some service around here?
Okay, if you say so...
Two dumplings please. Extra sauce.
Where to start?
I'll use a little bit of this and a little bit of that and, voilà!
Order up!
What did I tell you?
Everything tastes better in the city!
Maybe we could feed them to the seagulls.
No way! That would be animal cruelty!
Aww.
Come on, I got a day old tuna sandwich in my beach buggy.
A bad review? But I used every ingredient in this truck!
We were supposed to help Dan's Grand Opening, not hurt it!
What if we ruin Dan's reputation and he goes out of business!
I can't imagine a world without Dumpling Dan.
I need to figure out his secret, stat!
Hey! This is Dan's recipe book! Wow!
There's drawings of all his creations.
And a lot of scribbles.
Looks like he kept changing the recipe.
One of these must be the secret ingredient!
There's only one way to find out.
Let's get cooking.
"Dropsy is a serious illness
that causes a loss of appetite,
swelling of the abdomen, and listlessness."
Listlessness?
I haven't made a single list all day!
No, it means you're tired.
Oh, no, I am listless!
"It also causes the patient's scales to stick out.
Wait a minute... scales? Dropsy is a Goldfish illness!
Now I'm turning into a goldfish?
Ugh! I'm a horrible swimmer.
That was the last page, I'm all out of disorders.
Alex better get back soon. He's got a crowd forming.
It must be for his show because it definitely ain't for his cooking.
Hm, if Alex isn't here to perform,
maybe a captivating performance from yours truly
will help lift the mood around here.
- Hey, Melman! - Hmm?
- Have you ever seen a flamingo roar? - No,
but I have seen a horse fly!
Great news, Alex!
Someone just called your dumpling "not terrible!"
- You're getting better! - That's not good enough to become my friends
and fans favorite chef!
Come on, Dan's secrets, reveal yourself.
Mmm. Not bad!
All that practice is paying off!
The customers are starting to like your cooking!
Yeah great, but my cooking's still nowhere near as good as Dan's.
Thanks for your help, Dan!
Hide!
Yeah, who knew so many people could get stuck to a beach ball?
I'm so sorry to keep you from your Grand Opening.
Eh, that's okay.
I'll just wake up early and prep everything tomorrow.
You're a real life-saver, Diving... I mean Dumpling Dan!
At least I got to dust off my own dog paddle
Yes! We're going home!
You cooked every last ingredient in the truck.
You're right I did!
Wait... I cooked every ingredient in the truck,
and I still haven't figured out the secret ingredient!
Without it, my food won't be delicious
and my dreams of being a master chef will be cooked.
Huh, what's this? Where did all this cash come from?
But I didn't sell a single dumpling all day.
Must've spent too much time in the sun.
Okay, watch the ball, very closely!
What is it supposed to do?
Aside from make me dizzy!
Distract you?
I'm sorry. I'm out of ideas.
It's ok, Marty!
It took us so long to figure out what's wrong with me that I feel better now!
- You do? - And I think I figured out what it was!
You did? Tell me!
Cheer up Alex! You can still be a chef!
You improved so much in just one day.
Maybe we can look for the secret ingredient tomorrow?
It turns out, I wasn't sick at all.
I just... didn't like Alex's cooking!
I didn't like it at all!
I'm sure he didn't mean it like that!
It tasted like an overripe banana,
after Dave stepped on it.
Really? 'Cause I found it to be
more like an old dirty sock that's been dipped in... Gloria!
Dipped in Gloria?
I thought you were gonna say an old sock dipped in hot dog water!
Alex! Umm, I didn't mean for you to hear that.
Hey, bud, I'm sorry.
No, you're right. My cooking is terrible.
It was silly to think I could be a master chef.
Just because I didn't like the chef's...
...surprise, doesn't mean you're silly.
Dumpling Dan's cooking makes everyone happy,
and mine makes everyone sick.
Alex, we don't need you to cook for us to make us happy.
Yeah, you're already our favorite star!
Check out the crowd that's been waiting for you!
But if I'm over here, who are they waiting for?
Can I get a roar?
Let's see, how would Alex roar!
No?
Gotcha!
What happened to the cute little lion that usually preforms here?
I don't know, but there's something seriously wrong
with that flamingo.
- Bill? - Oh, hey! You're back!
Now, give me a squack!
Do you think we should call someone for help?
Bill was right!
This does cheer me up!
Bill, what are you doing?
Exactly what you do every day!
The audience was here so I figured I'd just put on your little show.
Keep the crowds warm. Oof!
Let's go see if the sea lions are acting normal.
Actually, I guess I left them sorta cold.
Aw, don't feel bad!
Perfecting my show has taken lots of learning and hard work!
I practice my flips every night
and I've been workshopping my roar for years!
Oh, thank goodness!
- There he is! - Now that's a performer!
I don't get it. I've been watching your show ever since I moved next door.
I consider myself an expert.
You don't just wake up one day and become an expert
at something because you wanna try it on for size!
It's not like you can magically find the secret ingredient to being a...
- Oh! - That sounds familiar!
There is no "secret ingredient" to Dan's success, is there?
Maybe not, at least,
I don't think it was not anything you can find in a bottle.
All those drawings in his book,
that was his practicing and perfecting.
His secret ingredient was hard work!
And a whole lotta love.
Must be one of them Florida Flamingos.
Whew! That is enough performing for me for one day.
Is anybody else hungry for a snack?
That depends.
Alex, are you giving up on cooking?
Of course not! I just have a lot more practicing to do.
But in the meantime, we brought back dumplings.
- Yes! - Not again.
I did it!
You figured out how to make the perfect pizza?
Nope, but I did figure out how to roll the dough.
Now I can finally get started!
Does this mean there's another taste test coming tomorrow?
Oh, no. Marty, get the book!
Just in case!
And, we're rolling!
And now my favorite dish, well, really my only dish so far,
for my favorite studio audience.
And Bill.
Hey, this isn't half bad!
It's, dare I say, half good?
I don't taste anything that violates any health codes!
And my stomach feels A-okay!
It's still not as good as the mud pie but, I like it!
I'm glad you like it because I'm gonna test
all my recipes on you every night 'til I get 'em right!
Every night, huh?
Get the menu, we're gonna need to order a lot more dumplings!