Enrico Maso, translated into English by Ruth Stephens
Chapter 4 – Watch Your Step!
“Gianni, ciao! It’s Perozzi!”
“Oh, ciao Giorgio, how are things? Did you like the article?”
“Just read it. You let them have it, eh?”
“Look, it was all ok, but those vans… food being transported from outside… that was
incredible!”
“Mm, I can imagine. It must have been… still, you’re going to have to be very careful.”
“How do you mean?”
“Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to worry you. I just mean you’ll have to be careful you aren’t recognised. With a ferocious article like that, wouldn’t you want to silence the critic? Now all the organizers will be wondering who will be your next victim.”
“Ferocious is a strong word… let’s say I was severe.”
“If you like, but anyway now they’ll all want to know who the undercover critic is. Make sure you aren’t found out. Otherwise it’ll be the end of your investigation…. Ciao old pal!”
“Be seeing you!”
Gianni thinks about his colleague’s words. It would be terrible to be discovered after only one fair. It would be the shortest holiday in history! He must find a way to be seen to be frank but fair. Then real slowfood fairs will have nothing to fear and no one will be trying to discover his identity…
With Nebo sticking his head out of the car window, watching the passing scenery, Gianni starts drawing up a mental checklist – food, preparation, context, employees, logistics, philosophy…. He could insert a table at the beginning of the report to show that his review is based on facts, not merely impressions.
A banner by the side of the road announces “Festa del Fungo Novello, 500m”.
“Let’s hope it’s good,” thinks Gianni. He stops his car and looks around. It’s a really beautiful location. The fest is being attended by local families with children and there’s an air of rural tranquility…
Until, that is, someone starts up a noisy generator at the back of the kitchens. Gianni and Nebo look at each other and turn back to the car.