Episode 3 of "The Bear" opens with Carmy unloading his heartfelt sentiments about his family in a meeting, painting a vivid picture of how their actions inadvertently "shattered his childhood." His words resonate with raw emotion as he vocalizes his aspirations to embark on a fresh journey, founding a new restaurant from a positive vantage point. The toll of the past year is etched on his weary face, revealing the internal anguish and suffering he carries. Carmy confesses that he often forgets to "live" in the present moment, trapped instead in memories and regrets.
With only 11 weeks left before the grand opening of "The Bear," Sydney is plunged into a panic attack when she discovers the alarming number of restaurant closures in Chicago. The restaurant industry is brutal, and COVID has only exacerbated the challenges. Many businesses struggle to survive, and the thought of joining the ranks of the fallen is a daunting prospect. She shuts her laptop, steeling her resolve to work side by side with Carmy on crafting a menu that will set them apart. This seems to be a recurring theme in her character's arc this season - the relentless pursuit of creating the perfect menu.
Unfortunately, her latest dish for Carmy is a disappointment, with the salt level off the charts. It's been a series of "too little" or "too much" missteps, leaving them both frustrated. Carmy suggests a reset, proposing that instead of forcing something original, they explore dishes from other cultures. He arranges to meet Sydney at Kasama, but his plans are interrupted by a call from Claire.
Claire confronts Carmey, accusing him of giving her a fake phone number. Carmey maintains his innocence, and Claire seems to be swayed by his sincerity. It's evident that she's harboring a desire to reconnect with him. Carmey agrees to help her move heavy boxes around her house, leaving Sydney hanging.
Meanwhile, Ebra abruptly leaves the culinary school without explanation, and Richie learns from her daughter Eva that his ex-wife has received a promotion with a lucrative package. This news adds another layer of complexity to Richie's already fraught emotional state.
Sydney eagerly awaited Carmy's response, her heart filled with anticipation. But as the realization sank in that he wouldn't be able to make it, she embarked on a revealing journey through the day. Her dual mission was clear: to draw inspiration for her new menu and seek additional manpower for The Bear.
The episodes unfolded with a montage showcasing Sydney's meticulous observation of food and the intricate details of various restaurants. She traversed through different cuisines, soaking in the essence of each dish and the atmosphere that surrounded it. Her keen eye was not just focused on the flavors but also on the way the restaurants were run, the service they provided, and the way they catered to their customers.
Amidst her exploration, Sydney caught up with her old friends Donnie and Nyia. Although they couldn't assist with the recruitment, they offered valuable advice. Donnie emphasized the importance of excellent customer service and hospitality, believing that the food, while crucial, was not the sole determining factor. Nyia, on the other hand, urged Sydney to trust her instincts and only proceed with the new restaurant as a partner without expecting profits if she had faith in Carmy. This was a stark reminder of the uncertain financial situation they faced. Would this push Sydney to demand a share of the profits?
Earlier in the episode, Sydney had suggested sending Marcus, their pastry chef, on a trip to Copenhagen. She believed that he needed exposure to a wide range of desserts to broaden his horizons. After soaking in all the culinary inspiration, Sydney came up with an idea for a dish that she believed would be a hit.
As night fell, Sydney returned to The Bear, only to find the restaurant in a state of chaos. All the walls were being torn down, revealing the dreaded mold problem that had wreaked havoc. Her displeasure was evident as she confronted Carmy about his failure to inform her of this development. Initially, he was unimpressed by her complaints, but he soon realized the gravity of her concerns.
The episode drew to a close with Sydney attempting to recreate the dish she had envisioned in her mind. But, as always, her culinary dreams turned into a nightmare, leaving her frustrated and determined to try again.
