"A pleasant tale"
Her San Francisco restaurant Le Pome failed because Mari
Salazar lacked the confidence to adhere to her convictions
on the menu. Thus the meals by committee led to a public
flogging by a disingenuous reporter seeking a name. Her
Nob Hill parents blame Mari. They demand she leave the
kitchen to lowlifes and return to her upper crust
lifestyle. An angry Mari walks out on her unsympathetic
parents vowing she will make all the decisions on her next
restaurant. Seven years later, Nick Avery learns how far and fast the
mighty can fall when whispers and innuendoes accuse a
person of wrongdoing. He was recently the head chef at the
four-star Le Chapeau Noir. Now he begs Mari for a job of
second stringer at the chaotic GUILTY PLEASURES. Though
she tells him his credentials are too high she hires him
due to a common reference, but warns him that she controls
the menu alone. As he offers advice and begins to fit
amidst the motley crew, Mari and Nick fall in love.
However, she knows that he is a super chef that New York
will be calling on soon. This is a pleasant tale starring two likable characters and
a group of eccentric secondary players who provide the
tasty dessert for the audience. Though this may be a
Blaze, readers will feel that Mari and Nick kiss too
quickly and jump into bed too fast for two individuals who
have no reason to trust one another. Still, the main
course is fun and the delectable restaurant ensemble adds
the finishing touches to a heated seven course reading
experience. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted September 28, 2002
|
