Halftime Report
Synopsis: Chef Choi Hyuk came from Italy upon a request for him to lead La Sferra's kitchen as the head Chef, an Italian Restaurant in Seoul. The reason why he was called will be revealed shortly after few scenarios. His presence in the kitchen of La Sferra has brought a revamped of the cooks in the kitchen because of him deliberately wanting to fire all women who are part of it. It has become a part of his working principle to not allow women interfere his daily course of work and even worse, to meddle with their activities. For this cause, Seo Yoo Kyung who happens to be the "maknae" - the most recent worker in the kitchen to be hired who's now on her third year might lose her job and her dream to hold a pan and cook pasta. These are all possible because of the authoritative and strict head, Chef Choi.
First Encounter
Chef Choi and Seo Yoo Kyung first met in a pedestrian where Yoo Kyung's goldfish accidentally fell from a plastic full of water where Yoo Kyung has sheltered them. Fortunately, someone (Chef Choi) rescued the goldfish so they could survive through Yoo Kyung's cupped hands with water, poured into them by that stranger (Chef). Afterwards, the two of them went to La Sferra where Yoo Kyung has work that time and Chef Choi who's already had the idea was mistaken by Yoo Kyung as their new maknae in the kitchen. Little of her knowing, he was only testing her during that time and for someone who's naughty, made fun of her innocence.
Cinematography & Story
Overall, it was able to bring mouth watering & visually appealing dishes on the table all throughout the episodes. I love how much they focused on the kitchen setting and sticking to the principles of professionalism, management and despite the personal reasons here and there, the essence of La Sferra as a restaurant was the priority which was emphasized as the main selling point to keep on watching. The story was able to bring all the elements that are essential to maintain the story intact, in as far as consistency is concerned. I have an issue regarding the genre of this drama though, but I'm not complaining so badly about it - this is on why they put romance as a genre when it excelled so much with human touch, comedy and food. The type of genre is even going to put me off without knowing of what Pasta is really about - which is not really into romance despite the actors having real good chemistry. What I mean is, romance didn't get in the way of the restaurant's performance and objectivity with their food.
We all know that this drama has a fictional character and story, but I really appreciate how they were able to deliver a decent one in a most realistic way - with personality, engaging tasks, passionate work force, constant hunger for excellence, professionalism and a conflicted couple who remains to be true to their personal and professional life. I think that it is very rare in a Korean drama to wrap up an entertaining offer in the drama-land with a satisfying ending through of course, decently put transition of events. It's just I didn't feel the ending was rushed nor lacking in giving attention to the elements and the questions raised during the first half. Everything was just nicely put in the end. And when it ended, I was amazed & I teared up. I could let go of this drama with a tear because it ended just right and amazing and everything was put into place. Because of that, I put credit to the writer and the director for bringing a quality drama to me. it sounds like a dramatic confession I know.
One True Pairing
I'm truly a fan now. I love Lee Sun Gyun and Gong Hyo Jin's chemistry in this drama that I need not to explain why when you are able to witness their electrifying and effortless team up. They are such natural actors that you would suspect them of being together in real life, well in fact Lee Sun Gyun was a married man already to a woman who happens to be an actress / actor like him. I was a bit taken aback when I learned about it. Nonetheless, it doesn't feel like it affected their chemistry and work ethics. Their chemistry is contagious throughout everyone in the drama and at some point, you could only wish to get to know each character more outside the kitchen premises and the persons that they are. However, I understood why there is such limit in dissecting their nature because it would be too complicated to get involved with such matter. Anyhow, I was satisfied to look at them and see everyone grow in the kitchen under a terrifying Chef.
Verdict: High Recommended
Ahh, I must say that 2010 was such a good year for Kdramas and to enumerate a few: Secret Garden, Cinderella's Sister, Chuno, IRIS, My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, and a whole lot more that I have yet to see. But yes, Pasta is unforgettable. It managed to snag a place in my heart in my two weeks of watching. I could have finished it sooner but because of my schedule, it was a pleasurable and entertaining two weeks.
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