MY LITTLE CHEF

Summer 2002

Another past favorite of mine is this drama called "My Little Chef" starring Yada Akiko as Kamosawa Seri. Seri is a young woman who has a talent for cooking. She dreamed of taking on after her father who was a famous chef. One day, she gets an opportunity to work for Etoile, a popular French restaurant. With her step sister, Kamosawa Nazuna (Ueto Aya) tagging along, they find out the restaurant's former manager, Tachibana Kensaku (Abe Hiroshi) who they were supposed to meet no longer worked at Etoile. Kensaku accidentally discovers that Seri has a unique talent as a cook and gambles on her skills by opening a small restaurant called Petit Etoile. Thinking that he can pay off his debts and establish himself as a highly skilled manager again, Kensaku hires other members to work at the restaurant. Little does he know that his bet will drastically change his life forever.

Recommendation: This drama was quite good. I enjoyed the characters even though they didn't develop or grow in a sense, but through their situations, I caught myself rooting for them as they tried to succeed in the food business. The story was unique in that Seri had to meet her customers directly in order to create delicious meals. This was a double edged sword as it was a great selling point, but she could not handle a large amount of customers per day. The directing was formulaic but it had a good if not safe mix of comedy and drama. I understood how food could make people happy and alter the minds of customers, but sometimes I felt it was a bit extreme. Overall, my stomach growled after each episode and the settings in the restaurant and of Nasu looked like something out of a dream. Would I recommend this drama? Ouie!

Story: 1.0
Acting: 1.0
Directing: 0.5
Character Development: 0.5
Emotional Factor: 1.0

4.0 Out Of 5.0 Crowns

LUNCH NO JOOU (LUNCH QUEEN)

Summer 2002

This has to be one of the greatest casts assembled in a drama series. Takeuchi Yuko, Eguchi Yosuke, Tsumabuki Satoshi, Yamashita Tomohisa, Yamada Takayuki, Tsutsumi Shinichi, Ito Misaki and Eita, either held or can still hold a major role in a drama. I sometimes felt like it was such a waste for some of these actors to play supportive roles, but obviously due to their popularity it probably can't be done anymore.

The story centers around a small restaurant that serves delicious food. The restaurant is owned and operated by Mr. Nabeshima and his three sons. The eldest son Kenichiro ran away, but sometimes comes home just to steal money from the restaurant. The second son, Yujiro takes responsibility and learns how to prepare, cook and manage the restaurant. Junzaburo, the third son, is still in training but is the most loyal to the family business. Koshiro the youngest son is still in high school, but has no desire to learn about the business. Hearing that his father fell ill, Kenichiro persistently requests a waitress, Mugita Natsumi to pretend to be his wife so that he can introduce her to his father. She eventually accepts his request, but things don't go well after Kenichiro is scolded by Yujiro. Kenichiro steal money again and disappears. Natsumi falls in love with the omolete and demi glaze sauce served at the restaurant. Even though her relationship with Kenichiro is a lie, she ends up working at the restaurant. At first, Junzaburo has a curiosity about her, but eventually the whole family is vying for her love in this sweet, romantic and utterly delicious drama.

Recommendation: This is really a great drama about family, relationships, and the food that keeps hope alive. I swear that after each episode, I was always hungry. I wish I could taste the demi-glaze sauce prepared with so much love and patience. I loved Tsutsumi Shinichi's character (even though it was a small role) because he seems like a serious person, but he is so frail and sensitive in this series. Takeuchi Yuko's special running jump kick was hilarious. If you're looking for something funny, light-hearted and inspiring check this one out, but remember to eat before you watch or else you might be craving for an omelet with demi-glaze sauce afterwards.

STORY: 1.0
ACTING: 1.0
DIRECTING: 1.0
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 1.0
EMOTIONAL FACTOR: 1.0

5.0 Out Of 5.0 Crowns