Synopsis
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.
From: Oni Press
Notes on This Title
This is a romance comic focusing on two young gay men. The supporting cast includes two black characters, and a Japanese character.
Awards
2023 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Teens - Nominee
2023 Alex Award Winner
2023 GLAAD Award Nominee
2023 YALSA Great Graphic Novel for Teens
2022 New York Public Library Best Book
Reviews
“Chef’s Kiss is a sweet, funny graphic novel that shows that sometimes the best things in life are unplanned.” (Source: Foreword)
“This enticing tale is sweet and satisfying.” (Source: Publishers Weekly)
“Chef’s Kiss isn’t revolutionary, but it’s just very, very well done, and I can see why the simple charms of the book won over GLAAD and scored it a nomination for Outstanding Graphic Novel this year.” (Source: The Queer Review)
Interviews
The Beat: “Jarrett Melendez & Danica Brine talk balancing fantasy with reality in CHEF’S KISS“