Gfp - I agree that Tran's hiring isn't a defacto 100% positive sign - there are certainly reasons he might have signed on that don't necessarily lead to success for Cortex.
But it's reasonable to view it as a very positive event for Cortex.
Either way I think Tran's comment about dining was in all likelihood just a glib off the cuff comment like anyone would make.
Putting much emphasis, if any, on that comment probably isn't meaningful.