Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.
Publisher: Oni Press
Publication Date: April 12, 2022
Rating:
Goodreads Synopsis:
Watch things start to really heat up in the kitchen in this sweet, queer, new adult graphic novel!Now that college is over, English graduate Ben Cook is on the job hunt looking for something…anything…related to his passion for reading and writing. But interview after interview, hiring committee after hiring committee, Ben soon learns getting the dream job won’t be as easy as he thought. Proofreading? Journalism? Copywriting? Not enough experience. It turns out he doesn’t even have enough experience to be a garbage collector! But when Ben stumbles upon a “Now Hiring—No Experience Necessary” sign outside a restaurant, he jumps at the chance to land his first job. Plus, he can keep looking for a writing job in the meantime. He’s actually not so bad in the kitchen, but he will have to pass a series of cooking tests to prove he’s got the culinary skills to stay on full-time. But it’s only temporary…right?When Ben begins developing a crush on Liam, one of the other super dreamy chefs at the restaurant, and when he starts ditching his old college friends and his old writing job plans, his career path starts to become much less clear.
Chef's Kiss is a New Adult graphic novel with LGBTQ+ characters and an adorable pig that is so cute and fun. The story follows Ben Cook, a college grad now looking for work. He majored in English and is a writer but finding a writing job without any experience has been a struggle. He is dodging calls from his parents and trying to make living on his own really work. He stumbles upon a cook position and having to make anything work, decides to try it out.
The story is a lot about self improvement, self confidence, finding your passion, and learning that it is ok to change your mind. Yes, there is a romance, and it is adorable but it isn't the focus of the story, just a lovely added bonus.
Ben is really fearful about his love for this new position, he is very nervous throughout the book about doing the right thing and his parents approval, but while that was one of the conflicts, the main conflict was passing the Head Chef's challenges to keep the job. I found that the parent struggle was not built up enough to make me fully engage with it. However, the Head Chef and his pet pig were a wonderful conflict, the chef is big, mean, and honestly a bit abusive verbally. I know that might turn off some readers, but I think it is a front that he puts up for some reason, at least that is how it feels, because he is able to have some heartfelt moments in the story too.
Overall, this was a really adorable graphic novel. The text was well balanaced with the illustrations, the color and details were wonderful, and I really loved the story. I think so many can relate to trying to find parental approval, and trying so hard to find a job that is right for us.
About the Authors
About Jarret Melendez
Jarrett Melendez grew up on the mean, deer-infested streets of Bucksport, Maine. A longtime fan of food and cooking, Jarrett has spent a lot of his time in kitchens, oftentimes as a paid professional! Jarrett is a regular contributor to Bon Appetit and Food52, and is the author of The Comic Kitchen, a fully illustrated, comic-style cookbook. When not cooking and writing about food, Jarrett usually writes comic books (like this one, Chef's Kiss!) and has contributed to the Ringo-nominated All We Ever Wanted, Full Bleed, and Murder Hobo: Chaotic Neutral. He is currently writing a graphic memoir for Oni Press.
Jarrett lives in Somerville, MA, with his partner, Stuart, and their collection of Monokuro Boo plush pigs.
About Danica Brine
Danica Brine is walking sass in a leather jacket, forged in the icy lands of New Brunswick, Canada. From her waking hours to the moment she slumps over asleep at her desk, Danica can be found with a drawing tool in her hands. Her work has been featured on the covers of Wayward, Elephantmen, Exorsisters, and Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor. She's also contributed artwork to All We Ever Wanted, featured in the New York Times, and The Comic Kitchen. When not working as a comic artist, she illustrates children's books for a Canadian French-language publisher.
Danica lives in Moncton, NB, Canada, with her husband, Nick, and their shiba inu, Taro.
About Hank Jones
Hank Jones is a colorist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He loves comics, movies, and really loves video games. He also enjoys a nice cup of coffee during a rainy day.
About Hassan Otsmane-Elhao
Hassan is a British-Algerian letterer who has worked on comics like Quantum & Woody, Red Sonja, First Knife, and more. He's also the editor of the Eisner-winning PanelxPanel magazine, and the voice behind Strip Panel Naked.
