Recommended. Movie Night!

Love’s Kitchen

I am totally going out on a limb here—but I liked this romantic comedy.  It felt good to watch it—admittedly, I didn’t expect a lot.  And I will tell you up front, that the reviews ranged from 1 star out of 10 to 10 out of 10, with most falling from 3-7.

First of all, our heartstrings are pulled when chef Rob Haley’s (Dougray Scott) fast driving, life-loving, beautiful French wife dies in an automobile accident.  He is crushed.  His illustrious career falls by the wayside as he falls deep into depression, caring about nothing but his daughter.  She’s really an adorable pre-teen—cool, smart, and caring.  Enter Gordon Ramsey, and also a terrible review of Haley’s previously adored restaurant—something within Haley is sparked.  He pulls it together, purchases the countryside restaurant/pub that his wife had selected before she was killed, and gathers his previous team—who have great synergy and are caring and nice people that jump at the opportunity to work together again.  There are some ins and outs, local politics, a couple of villainous locals, and a predictable fall-in-love ensues.  Sappy, but charming.  Claire Folani is lovely, Simon Callow just as you would expect, and there is a cameo by Gordon Ramsey, who of course turns out to be a nice guy.

If you like a romantic comedy—one with food involved-- I say, get your favorite drink or snack and snuggle up on the couch and just go with it.  You will smile by the time the credits roll.