Chef’s ideas and working method of his boss is poles apart, One day cook Carl Casper unexpectedly quits a renowned restaurant in Los Angeles in search for something new. He makes countless journeys on the road and end up finding his true personality and his love for cooking.
The film transcends to something special - if only briefly - in a moment of silent reflection upon Carl's return from the road trip. The contrived tearjerker that immediately ensues could almost be forgiven.
Favreau isn't trying anything new, whether in the story or presentation of the story, so this is comforting feel-good custard, presented as crème brûlée. Charming in its own way, but not really nouvelle or even novel cuisine.
"Chef" might not be the return to form that Favreau and his fans were hoping for, but it's a gentle reminder of his charm, a charm that's gone unattended for far too long.
It's a refreshing change of pace from typical summer fare, a story not framed around the skeleton of an old TV series or designed as a tie-in to Hasbro toys.
