Susan Schade

When they were thirteen, Layne and Jang-Mi were best friends, but then Layne posted private videos online - videos Jang-Mi didn't realize he was taking, of personal conversation - and their friendship abruptly ended. At sixteen, they're paired up as a team on a celebrity chef's TV show, Voyage de Gourmet, but Layne still doesn't understand how his actions affected Jang-Mi. Other contestants - mostly friendly foodies, with the notable exception of jerks Flip and Flop - nudge Layne into realizing what he's done, and that a genuine apology is required to start mending their friendship. In the meantime, there are fascinating locations, creative challenges, and a competitive element.

See also: Space Battle Lunchtime; Chef's Kiss

Quotes

"It just feels like, I try to be nice, and Jang twists things."
"Maybe it's your perception of being nice that's the twisted thing?" (Layne and Andre)

"...I've been thinking that maybe I got my, uh, recipe for life wrong? Like this whole trip so far, I've not only been watching the way everyone else cooks, but, also, lives?" (Layne)

"One thing I always try to keep in mind is that being a chef isn't just about making good food. It's about making food for people." (Jang-Mi)

"I was dumb. And I was wrong. And I'm sorry." (Layne to Jang-Mi)

"The point is, in life, you should do what you want, and then success has a way of following. And if it doesn't...at least you're doing what you want." (Jang-Mi)… (mere)