Chef's Table
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
Chef Evan Stanford steadily climbed New York Citys culinary ladder, earning himself the Rising Star James Beard award and an executive chef position at an acclaimed restaurant. But in his quest to build his reputation, he forgot what got him there: the lessons on food--and life--from a loving hometown neighbor.Patrick Sullivan is contented keeping the memory of his grandmothers irish cooking alive through the food he prepares in a Brooklyn diner. But when Chef Stanford walks in for a meal, Patrick is swept up by his drive, forcing him to reconsider if a contented life is a ful­filled one. The two men begin a journey through their culinary histories, falling into an easy friendship. But even with the joys of their burgeoning love, can they tap into that secret recipe of great love, great food and transcendent joy?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Charles's sweet debut contemporary doesn't offer quite enough drama to support its length, but it offsets that drawback with a delightful pair of protagonists. Il Boschetto executive chef Evan Stanford takes his staff to Johnny's Diner to enjoy being on the culinary receiving end for a change. Diner cook Patrick Sullivan catches Evan's attention by offering him an unusual Irish side dish. Evan is purposeful, driven, and acclaimed and feeling uninspired by the limitations of his work at Il Boschetto. Patrick is also passionate and enthusiastic about food, but he's willing to be satisfied with "good enough." The men's attraction blooms into romance in short order, but they have plenty of obstacles to negotiate around. The novel's structure echoes a menu, from aperitif to digestif, and the food descriptions and antics of friends, family, and co-workers add spice beyond the central romance.
