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With a flick of the wrist, twirl luscious strands of creamy vegan spaghetti oreganata around your fork and savor magnificent flavors from the “old country.” No reservations required!

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The Story: No Reservations (2007)

Adapted from Germany’s Mostly Martha (2001), No Reservations (2007) chronicles the ups and downs of master chef Kate Armstrong’s (Catherine Zeta-Jones) life. It’s no secret that she practically lives in the kitchen. Her real home is only a few blocks away from 22 Bleecker Street Restaurant in Manhattan’s West Village.

Chef Kate always runs a tight ship. While following precise orders, the devoted kitchen staff works day and night to bring her tantalizing menu to life. Seemingly every other evening, the restaurant’s owner Paula (Patricia Clarkson) begs Kate to meet and greet adoring fans. Although flattered, Kate rarely takes a break to bask in their praises and offer thanks. She prefers to let her food speak for itself. The only exception? When a patron criticizes her works of art. Kate never backs down and sets them straight with unorthodox culinary lessons.

It’s clear that Kate has known critical and commercial success. However, this workaholic is far from happy. In therapy—her boss’ idea—she evades every personal question by persuading her therapist to taste-test signature dishes. Surprise, surprise! He loves Kate’s food, but her life could use a little more zest.

When tragedy strikes, Kate’s life changes forever. She becomes the guardian of her young niece Zoe (Abigail Breslin). They struggle to adapt to each other’s routines. Aside from moving into a city apartment, Zoe must switch schools, make new friends, and expand her palette. Eventually, Kate exchanges sea bass for fish sticks, attempting to satisfy her niece’s cravings. Nothing seems to work.

Meanwhile, Paula hires Nick Palmer (Aaron Eckhart) as the new sous chef…without Kate’s approval. This does not bode well for him. Whereas the kitchen staff embraces Nick’s exuberance, Kate repeatedly pushes him away, quickly reaching a boiling point.

When Zoe pays a visit to their restaurant, she bonds with Nick over a large bowl of his famous spaghetti. Kate, duly impressed, recognizes his act of kindness. Both chefs learn to compromise and coexist.

With a fresh perspective, Kate beings to relinquish control, take risks, and collaborate. At Zoe’s behest, she even invites Nick to their home for pizza night. Nick and Zoe slowly but surely encourage Kate open her heart—and stomach—to new possibilities.

My Take

I can certainly empathize with Chef Kate. In my industry, workholism is all too common. It’s increasingly difficult to balance personal and professional pursuits. Lessons learned in the kitchen can certainly be applied to life: moderation is key!

Change is especially daunting. As humans, we’re more inclined to stay in our comfort zones. But, in order to reach the next level, we must face fears. Kate was always afraid of welcoming strangers into her world. Who can blame her? She had been burnt by friends, family, and acquaintances…in the not-so-distant past.

During the climax, Kate reaches an all-time low. She confesses to her therapist: “I wish there was a cookbook for life, ya know? With recipes telling us exactly what to do.” He replies with sage advice: “You know better than anyone. It’s the recipes you create yourself that are the best.” This exchange hits home. We’ve all experienced doubt and identity crises. A guaranteed life with clear road signs may be “easier”…but where’s the adventure in that?

The Recipe: Creamy Vegan Spaghetti Oreganata

Kate and her team of experts perfect fruit tarts encased in sugar nests, crackling crème brûlées, sautéed scallops in saffron sauce, quail with rare truffles, and many more expensive dishes. However, nothing can compare to a homemade meal, infused with love.

At a turning point in the film, Nick cheers up Zoe with spaghetti oreganata. It was heartwarming to witness the little girl’s frown turn upside down. She dives into the bowl of pasta and never turns back. That’s comfort food at its finest.