What do you think?
Rate this book
Off Menu: A Novel
Twenty-something Ruthie Cohen, a data entry minion for a second-tier movie app, spends her days thinking about the kickass meals she’s going to make for her besties, Trish and Lilly, while pining for Dean (sigh, Dean), her vacation fling from six months earlier. Could they have made it work in real life?
On top of that, Bubbe Bobby Grace, Ruthie’s beloved and inspiring grandmother, passed away and left Ruthie an inheritance of $62,873.42, along with instructions on how to use “Follow your passion, Dollface.” During a prosecco-fueled night with her gal pals, Ruthie decides to turn her passion into a career and learn the art of French cooking, enrolling in culinary school, paying tuition, and buying her chef’s whites with a few quick clicks online. It’s not long before Ruthie marches into the kitchen and feels the heat from her cooking partner, Jeff, the super hunky (totally taken!) musician that weasels his way into her brain — right next to Dean.
How can anyone be expected to focus on school, cooking, career planning, baking, friends, and deciding between two hot guys, especially when one of them also thinks that John Cusack is woefully underrated? And what if neither feels quite like Ruthie’s perfect pairing?
On top of that, Bubbe Bobby Grace, Ruthie’s beloved and inspiring grandmother, passed away and left Ruthie an inheritance of $62,873.42, along with instructions on how to use “Follow your passion, Dollface.” During a prosecco-fueled night with her gal pals, Ruthie decides to turn her passion into a career and learn the art of French cooking, enrolling in culinary school, paying tuition, and buying her chef’s whites with a few quick clicks online. It’s not long before Ruthie marches into the kitchen and feels the heat from her cooking partner, Jeff, the super hunky (totally taken!) musician that weasels his way into her brain — right next to Dean.
How can anyone be expected to focus on school, cooking, career planning, baking, friends, and deciding between two hot guys, especially when one of them also thinks that John Cusack is woefully underrated? And what if neither feels quite like Ruthie’s perfect pairing?
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
March 18, 2026
1.5⭐
Genre ~ fiction
Setting ~ Toronto
Publication date ~ book ~ June 17, 2025, audio ~ December 16, 2025
Est Page Count ~ 239 (June ~ April)
Audio length ~ 7 hours 11 minutes
Narrator ~ Emma Johnson
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ cheating, drugs, self discovery, love triangle, some steamage
Ruthie (27) is off to follow her dream after receiving an inheritance from her grandma. She goes to culinary school where she meets Jeff.
Ruthie is a hot mess quite frankly. She's all over the place with her feelings. She was desperate for a fling named Dean, then meets Jeff and now she's obsessed with him. Have I mentioned that Jeff has a girlfriend and they don't care about that? No thanks. And he just steals $30k from her like it's no big deal because he likes to sniff the white stuff. What!?
Then Dean appears again while Jeff is in rehab and they get together. Girl make up your mind.
Overall, I liked the included recipes, not that I could write them down since I was listening, however the content really wasn't for me. It's told in diary entry form and read very YA, which would have been fine had I known that beforehand because I probably wouldn't have picked it up. She does have some good girlfriends, so this had that going for it.
Narration notes:
She did fine. No complaints.
Genre ~ fiction
Setting ~ Toronto
Publication date ~ book ~ June 17, 2025, audio ~ December 16, 2025
Est Page Count ~ 239 (June ~ April)
Audio length ~ 7 hours 11 minutes
Narrator ~ Emma Johnson
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ cheating, drugs, self discovery, love triangle, some steamage
Ruthie (27) is off to follow her dream after receiving an inheritance from her grandma. She goes to culinary school where she meets Jeff.
Ruthie is a hot mess quite frankly. She's all over the place with her feelings. She was desperate for a fling named Dean, then meets Jeff and now she's obsessed with him. Have I mentioned that Jeff has a girlfriend and they don't care about that? No thanks. And he just steals $30k from her like it's no big deal because he likes to sniff the white stuff. What!?
Then Dean appears again while Jeff is in rehab and they get together. Girl make up your mind.
Overall, I liked the included recipes, not that I could write them down since I was listening, however the content really wasn't for me. It's told in diary entry form and read very YA, which would have been fine had I known that beforehand because I probably wouldn't have picked it up. She does have some good girlfriends, so this had that going for it.
Narration notes:
She did fine. No complaints.
April 1, 2025
I was super excited to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Netgalley (thank you!), and I was not disappointed. This book came at the perfect time after reading books with heavier subject matter. Ruthie made for a great character and I enjoyed the diary entries (I’m a DAY ONE fan of Bridget Jones’ Diary). That format gave the story a more personalized feel, and I felt like I was catching up with a girlfriend over drinks.
The romance aspect was solid and I liked both love interests, but it was her journey of self-discovery that really took center stage for me. I do wish that the relationship with Dean was explored a little more in the beginning of the book- I think this would have helped the reader have a better understanding as to why this guy was so unforgettable for Ruthie and distinguish him from just a random, summer fling.
Overall, this was a fun read. This book is for anyone looking for a fast-paced romance full of funny side characters and lots of yummy food! It would be a great beach read. I would give it 3.5 stars, but will round up for all the free life lessons from Bubbe Bobby Grace.
The romance aspect was solid and I liked both love interests, but it was her journey of self-discovery that really took center stage for me. I do wish that the relationship with Dean was explored a little more in the beginning of the book- I think this would have helped the reader have a better understanding as to why this guy was so unforgettable for Ruthie and distinguish him from just a random, summer fling.
Overall, this was a fun read. This book is for anyone looking for a fast-paced romance full of funny side characters and lots of yummy food! It would be a great beach read. I would give it 3.5 stars, but will round up for all the free life lessons from Bubbe Bobby Grace.
January 20, 2025
I absolutely loved the cover of this book that is displayed on Netgalley. It displays colorful food, lipstick, friends/family, and alcoholic beverages which is a recipe for fun! I enjoyed all of the bits about culinary and all of the fun things she baked. I did however have a few things that I disliked about this book.
Ruthie is the main character who doesn't seem to know what she wants to do in life. Her grandmother passes away and leaves her $62k behind. Ruthie decides that she wants to enroll in culinary school since she has always had a passion for cooking. She meets a classmate named Jeff and they instantly hit things off as culinary partners and potentially more. Ruthie learns shortly after meeting Jeff that he is taken. Does that stop them? Nope. That is one of the biggest issues I had with this book. I really don't enjoy reading about cheating or flirting with someone when they are already taken. While Jeff's definition of cheating is only sex, Ruthie doesn't seem to have any morals as she is head over heels for Jeff and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
Jeff does break up with his girlfriend and chooses Ruthie in the end and they have some spicy moments together. As Ruthie finishes making some cakes for a competition, Jeff realizes that a jar of his special white powder has gone missing and he panics. Jeff explains to Ruthie that he has a drug problem and has relapsed and that she has unknowingly made icing with cocaine. This felt so left field and just such a huge red flag that she should have dropped him there. However, she continues to be desperate and wants him so badly that she says they should stay together while he goes to rehab. Jeff makes a rule that he is allowed to write letters to her, but that she can't respond. Ruthie is fine with that until she realizes that Jeff has also managed to steal $30,000 from her bank account. She can't seem to get the money back because she accidentally told him her password to her bank account while she was drunk. With a password like Snickers, her favorite candy bar, I almost felt like she deserved that life lesson. With all these red flags, her family still gaslights her into thinking that maybe they are meant to be. Her family tells her not to worry about money and that they have never seen her as happy as they have when she is with Jeff.
As Jeff is in rehab, Ruthie gets a call from a previous man that she met on vacation in Thailand named Dean. Before Jeff, Ruthie was head over heels for Dean also and couldn't imagine life without him despite their short relationship. Dean and Ruthie hook up again and start dating. Somehow Ruthie knows nothing about him and realizes he is a vegan and that is almost the end of the world for her. Since she is a cook and loves to use raw milk and raw cheese in recipes, she feels as if she can't look past him being a vegan. I felt that this was super shallow of her and if you really care about someone you can have different opinions and lifestyles and still make things work. She slowly got over her issue with him being vegan and continues to focus on buying a bakery that she has been working at for the past year. Dean gets an amazing job offer to become a doctor in another city and tells Ruthie she has to come with him and that she can open a shop near there. I do admire that she finally stood up for herself and told him that she wasn't open to doing that and was going to be taking over the bakery she was at. Dean was wrong to just assume she would pack things up and go where ever he went without discussing things with her first.
Jeff finally manages to get out of rehab and claims that he is such a better human now and him and Ruthie can live happily ever after now. Ruthie does have a bit of common sense and doesn't fall for his shenanigans. Jeff says he will spend the rest of his days trying to win her back. He does at least pay her back $10,000 of the $30,000 he stole from her. Not with his own hard earned money though of course. He had to take a loan from his family who is helping him pay his debts to all of the people he owes money to.
Thank goodness her friends finally decide to step in and remind her that men aren't everything. They save her from destroying her life anymore than she possibly has and that is the best part of the book for me. Realizing that both of these men are extremely toxic and that she is better off right where she is and focusing on her own goals. Thank you to Netgalley, ECW Press, and Amy Rosen for an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion.
Ruthie is the main character who doesn't seem to know what she wants to do in life. Her grandmother passes away and leaves her $62k behind. Ruthie decides that she wants to enroll in culinary school since she has always had a passion for cooking. She meets a classmate named Jeff and they instantly hit things off as culinary partners and potentially more. Ruthie learns shortly after meeting Jeff that he is taken. Does that stop them? Nope. That is one of the biggest issues I had with this book. I really don't enjoy reading about cheating or flirting with someone when they are already taken. While Jeff's definition of cheating is only sex, Ruthie doesn't seem to have any morals as she is head over heels for Jeff and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
Jeff does break up with his girlfriend and chooses Ruthie in the end and they have some spicy moments together. As Ruthie finishes making some cakes for a competition, Jeff realizes that a jar of his special white powder has gone missing and he panics. Jeff explains to Ruthie that he has a drug problem and has relapsed and that she has unknowingly made icing with cocaine. This felt so left field and just such a huge red flag that she should have dropped him there. However, she continues to be desperate and wants him so badly that she says they should stay together while he goes to rehab. Jeff makes a rule that he is allowed to write letters to her, but that she can't respond. Ruthie is fine with that until she realizes that Jeff has also managed to steal $30,000 from her bank account. She can't seem to get the money back because she accidentally told him her password to her bank account while she was drunk. With a password like Snickers, her favorite candy bar, I almost felt like she deserved that life lesson. With all these red flags, her family still gaslights her into thinking that maybe they are meant to be. Her family tells her not to worry about money and that they have never seen her as happy as they have when she is with Jeff.
As Jeff is in rehab, Ruthie gets a call from a previous man that she met on vacation in Thailand named Dean. Before Jeff, Ruthie was head over heels for Dean also and couldn't imagine life without him despite their short relationship. Dean and Ruthie hook up again and start dating. Somehow Ruthie knows nothing about him and realizes he is a vegan and that is almost the end of the world for her. Since she is a cook and loves to use raw milk and raw cheese in recipes, she feels as if she can't look past him being a vegan. I felt that this was super shallow of her and if you really care about someone you can have different opinions and lifestyles and still make things work. She slowly got over her issue with him being vegan and continues to focus on buying a bakery that she has been working at for the past year. Dean gets an amazing job offer to become a doctor in another city and tells Ruthie she has to come with him and that she can open a shop near there. I do admire that she finally stood up for herself and told him that she wasn't open to doing that and was going to be taking over the bakery she was at. Dean was wrong to just assume she would pack things up and go where ever he went without discussing things with her first.
Jeff finally manages to get out of rehab and claims that he is such a better human now and him and Ruthie can live happily ever after now. Ruthie does have a bit of common sense and doesn't fall for his shenanigans. Jeff says he will spend the rest of his days trying to win her back. He does at least pay her back $10,000 of the $30,000 he stole from her. Not with his own hard earned money though of course. He had to take a loan from his family who is helping him pay his debts to all of the people he owes money to.
Thank goodness her friends finally decide to step in and remind her that men aren't everything. They save her from destroying her life anymore than she possibly has and that is the best part of the book for me. Realizing that both of these men are extremely toxic and that she is better off right where she is and focusing on her own goals. Thank you to Netgalley, ECW Press, and Amy Rosen for an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2026
This was such a fun read. I loved how Amy brought Toronto to life and all the talk of food made me very hungry and want to go out to a nice restaurant! The humorous writing style was also lovely and impressive! Also loved the ending and the bonus recipes in the end were great.
March 18, 2026
I enjoyed the comedy and the overall story. I wished for more of a romantic storyline although I understand why Amy decided to write it this way instead. A story of friendship and journey of self discovery.
June 24, 2026
This read like a poor man's version of an early 2000s chick lit book (think Shopaholic series) but without the charm and self-awareness and all the pitfalls and toxicity.
Ruthie, the FMC, is unlikeable. She's insufferable, self-centred and I couldn't find myself caring for her at all. While the diary format was a fun idea, it didn't worked for me. The story drag at times, the tangents into other topics was disorienting (even when giving grace that this is supposed to be someone's diary) and I greatly disliked being her Ruthie's mind. Her inner monologue was quite juvenile both in how she expressed herself and in her actions. She "writes" and often acts more like a 17 year old than a 27 year old.
The ending is the only redeeming factor but is so abrupt I thought my book was missing pages.
Ruthie, the FMC, is unlikeable. She's insufferable, self-centred and I couldn't find myself caring for her at all. While the diary format was a fun idea, it didn't worked for me. The story drag at times, the tangents into other topics was disorienting (even when giving grace that this is supposed to be someone's diary) and I greatly disliked being her Ruthie's mind. Her inner monologue was quite juvenile both in how she expressed herself and in her actions. She "writes" and often acts more like a 17 year old than a 27 year old.
The ending is the only redeeming factor but is so abrupt I thought my book was missing pages.
January 26, 2025
3.5 Stars Rounded up to 4
If this novel were solely about food and the protagonist’s pursuit of her passion for cooking, I would have rated it five stars. However, it lost some of its appeal with the immaturity regarding drinking, dating apps, casual sex, and a distorted view of relationships. I gritted my teeth to get through the first few chapters and felt gratified by the focus on the descriptions of cooking school and the injection of humor through the wisdom of Bubbe Bobby Grace and Chef Antoine.
Ruthie Cohen is unhappy in her career (if you could call it that) and lives to travel with her best friends. When her beloved grandmother (the above-mentioned Bubbe) dies and leaves her $62K, Ruth quits her job and enrolls in culinary school to follow her passion for cooking. What ensues is an adventure in the techniques of French cuisine coupled with rocky romances. As Ruthie’s confidence and self-esteem grow through her successes she begins to realize through the ongoing support of her friends, that her fulfillment is grounded in authentic expression of her creativity and talent - independent of any man in her life.
Overall, this was an entertaining read despite the slow and somewhat distasteful beginning.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
If this novel were solely about food and the protagonist’s pursuit of her passion for cooking, I would have rated it five stars. However, it lost some of its appeal with the immaturity regarding drinking, dating apps, casual sex, and a distorted view of relationships. I gritted my teeth to get through the first few chapters and felt gratified by the focus on the descriptions of cooking school and the injection of humor through the wisdom of Bubbe Bobby Grace and Chef Antoine.
Ruthie Cohen is unhappy in her career (if you could call it that) and lives to travel with her best friends. When her beloved grandmother (the above-mentioned Bubbe) dies and leaves her $62K, Ruth quits her job and enrolls in culinary school to follow her passion for cooking. What ensues is an adventure in the techniques of French cuisine coupled with rocky romances. As Ruthie’s confidence and self-esteem grow through her successes she begins to realize through the ongoing support of her friends, that her fulfillment is grounded in authentic expression of her creativity and talent - independent of any man in her life.
Overall, this was an entertaining read despite the slow and somewhat distasteful beginning.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 13, 2025
I hated the men in this book so much so that it lowered the rating significantly. I love the cooking, food and the inclusion of recipes. The romance was so bad that it ruined the book for me. I contemplated putting this book down so many times it was crazy.
March 4, 2026
Some of you may have that friend. The one you've known forever, has a heart of gold in there somewhere, and is fantastically reliable.
And they're also dumber than a bag of hammers when it comes to...everything. Annoyingly so. So annoying, in fact, that you eventually have to start distancing yourself or you'll end up saying very mean things to this little puffed marshmallow of a friend because she's just done the exact same boneheadded thing for the thirty-fifth time in a row, despite it being literally the exact same situation as the thirty-four times before.
Rosie, the main character, is this friend. She consistently picks men who are essentially three rabid slime molds wearing male-shaped human skin, and then is surprised when they act like...three rabid slime molds. She obsesses over the most tenuous connections, sometimes for a year or more, and then loses her damn mind if they pay her even a drip of attention.
And let's just look at the two contenders we see in the first 90% of this book, shall we?
There's
1) the drug-addicted chef who is in a committed relationship (with both a woman AND cocaine, apparently) when they meet. We get several occurrences of Rosie being all "I know this will hurt Katie, but I don't care, I luuuurrrrve him". Way to be a homewrecking sleaze, Rosie. Not bonking him before they break up (BECAUSE OF YOU) isn't a moral high ground, either. It's gross. Oh, and then he steals $30k from her. But we're supposed to believe that that's okay...being a cheating addict thief is just a minor character flaw to her.
or
2) the guy she had a weekend-long fling with in a foreign country, who was perfect. Except that he then ghosted her for a year, before waltzing back in and giving her vegan farts and an ultimatum after flying back and forth from Chicago a few times, and we're supposed to believe that this makes him an equally viable candidate for her affections. I mean, he didn't steal most of her money, so I guess he's got that going for him, if he wasn't so obnoxious that it totally didn't pass the ultra-low bar.
The main character literally whined for the majority of the book. She was completely unlikable. I don't always need them to be likable, of course, but I do need them to at least learn something from their plot points. By the big Lloyd Dobbler moment at the end, I don't think Rosie learned a single thing. It wasn't until the last two pages that she was all "Oh, maybe there's another way of doing things" and BAM, end of book.
Since there's no epilogue or indication that she actually learned anything at all, I'm going with the headcanon that all three of them now live above the cafe as a thruple, with Dean doctoring the patients they injure with the new vegan pastries, and Jeff stealing all the profits to pay for his raging passion for blow. Rosie will invest her share into Charmin and spends her days gigglingly trying to decide between her two perfect men.
UGH. No, thank you.
And they're also dumber than a bag of hammers when it comes to...everything. Annoyingly so. So annoying, in fact, that you eventually have to start distancing yourself or you'll end up saying very mean things to this little puffed marshmallow of a friend because she's just done the exact same boneheadded thing for the thirty-fifth time in a row, despite it being literally the exact same situation as the thirty-four times before.
Rosie, the main character, is this friend. She consistently picks men who are essentially three rabid slime molds wearing male-shaped human skin, and then is surprised when they act like...three rabid slime molds. She obsesses over the most tenuous connections, sometimes for a year or more, and then loses her damn mind if they pay her even a drip of attention.
And let's just look at the two contenders we see in the first 90% of this book, shall we?
There's
1) the drug-addicted chef who is in a committed relationship (with both a woman AND cocaine, apparently) when they meet. We get several occurrences of Rosie being all "I know this will hurt Katie, but I don't care, I luuuurrrrve him". Way to be a homewrecking sleaze, Rosie. Not bonking him before they break up (BECAUSE OF YOU) isn't a moral high ground, either. It's gross. Oh, and then he steals $30k from her. But we're supposed to believe that that's okay...being a cheating addict thief is just a minor character flaw to her.
or
2) the guy she had a weekend-long fling with in a foreign country, who was perfect. Except that he then ghosted her for a year, before waltzing back in and giving her vegan farts and an ultimatum after flying back and forth from Chicago a few times, and we're supposed to believe that this makes him an equally viable candidate for her affections. I mean, he didn't steal most of her money, so I guess he's got that going for him, if he wasn't so obnoxious that it totally didn't pass the ultra-low bar.
The main character literally whined for the majority of the book. She was completely unlikable. I don't always need them to be likable, of course, but I do need them to at least learn something from their plot points. By the big Lloyd Dobbler moment at the end, I don't think Rosie learned a single thing. It wasn't until the last two pages that she was all "Oh, maybe there's another way of doing things" and BAM, end of book.
Since there's no epilogue or indication that she actually learned anything at all, I'm going with the headcanon that all three of them now live above the cafe as a thruple, with Dean doctoring the patients they injure with the new vegan pastries, and Jeff stealing all the profits to pay for his raging passion for blow. Rosie will invest her share into Charmin and spends her days gigglingly trying to decide between her two perfect men.
UGH. No, thank you.
Did Not Finish
January 6, 2026🎧 Listened in audio
📢 Narrated by Emma Johnson
⏱ Duration: 8 hours
🏷️ Publisher: ECW Press
💘 Genre: Romance
✨ Inspired by EVER AFTER (Romance Book Festival by TIFA)
I’ll be honest: this one came with a lot of goodwill. I first noticed Off Menu back in October at the EVER AFTER Romance Book Festival by TIFA, where Amy Rosen was an absolute delight to listen to. Add in the culinary angle, and this immediately went onto my hold list. So when it finally became available at the library, I hit play with high hopes and an appetite for something cozy, funny, and food-filled. For a while, it worked.
Ruthie’s voice is breezy and likable. She starts off super relatable with her grandmother's life lessons and that inheritance push to chase passion. The diary-style entries give it a fun, intimate Bridget Jones feel, and the friendship with Trish and Lilly is warm and supportive.
But then the romance takes a turn I couldn't stomach. Jeff is attached, and the whole ex-fling Dean + new crush triangle setup just felt too messy for me. Affairs and complicated love shapes? Hard pass. I draw the line at drama that involves betrayal or moral gray zones in relationships. I made it to about 55%, but the emotional math just wasn’t mathing for me. Too many crossed lines, too many “technically but not really” justifications, and not enough clean emotional ground.
It’s got heart, humor, and a few genuinely tasty moments (the cooking scenes sparkle), but for me, the messy relationship dynamics overpowered what started as a sweet premise.
Would I recommend it?
This one’s a personal taste DNF, not a declaration that the book doesn’t work. If you enjoy messy, morally gray romances with overlapping feelings and complicated relationship dynamics, Off Menu might absolutely be your thing, especially if you love culinary school settings and fast-paced rom-com energy.
For me, though? I prefer my romance a little cleaner and my emotional lines clearly drawn. Triangles, quadrangles, or any other shapes belong in geometry class, not in my fictional relationships.
Spice Notes!
Are you okay with love triangles in your romances, or do they send you running for the next clean read on your list? Let’s talk complicated cravings in the comments 🍽️💔
📢 Narrated by Emma Johnson
⏱ Duration: 8 hours
🏷️ Publisher: ECW Press
💘 Genre: Romance
✨ Inspired by EVER AFTER (Romance Book Festival by TIFA)
I’ll be honest: this one came with a lot of goodwill. I first noticed Off Menu back in October at the EVER AFTER Romance Book Festival by TIFA, where Amy Rosen was an absolute delight to listen to. Add in the culinary angle, and this immediately went onto my hold list. So when it finally became available at the library, I hit play with high hopes and an appetite for something cozy, funny, and food-filled. For a while, it worked.
Ruthie’s voice is breezy and likable. She starts off super relatable with her grandmother's life lessons and that inheritance push to chase passion. The diary-style entries give it a fun, intimate Bridget Jones feel, and the friendship with Trish and Lilly is warm and supportive.
But then the romance takes a turn I couldn't stomach. Jeff is attached, and the whole ex-fling Dean + new crush triangle setup just felt too messy for me. Affairs and complicated love shapes? Hard pass. I draw the line at drama that involves betrayal or moral gray zones in relationships. I made it to about 55%, but the emotional math just wasn’t mathing for me. Too many crossed lines, too many “technically but not really” justifications, and not enough clean emotional ground.
It’s got heart, humor, and a few genuinely tasty moments (the cooking scenes sparkle), but for me, the messy relationship dynamics overpowered what started as a sweet premise.
Would I recommend it?
This one’s a personal taste DNF, not a declaration that the book doesn’t work. If you enjoy messy, morally gray romances with overlapping feelings and complicated relationship dynamics, Off Menu might absolutely be your thing, especially if you love culinary school settings and fast-paced rom-com energy.
For me, though? I prefer my romance a little cleaner and my emotional lines clearly drawn. Triangles, quadrangles, or any other shapes belong in geometry class, not in my fictional relationships.
Spice Notes!
Are you okay with love triangles in your romances, or do they send you running for the next clean read on your list? Let’s talk complicated cravings in the comments 🍽️💔
June 3, 2025
As a food and book lover I wanted to love it. I just couldn't get past the FMC and her decisions.
Spolier alert:
I was rooting for her to pursue her dreams and loved the relationship with her girlfriends, but the whole being the other woman while not thinking she was just because they hadn't been intimate rubbed me the wrong way. The way she thought even when she saw her friend just got cheated on and the effect it had on her didn't sit well with me. Plus the drugs in the food and money issue was just like OMG seriously??? This is over the top. I thought about stopping but was curious about the other guy and I try really hard not to DNF, but the way that conversation went was also quite sudden in both moving to the same place after a short few dates and the not talking to each other about big decisions. It just all felt quite immature which maybe they are in their 20s?
Overall, I liked aspects of it, and hope others love it, it just wasn't for me.
Thanks Netgalley and Libor.fm for mr ARC and ALC
Spolier alert:
I was rooting for her to pursue her dreams and loved the relationship with her girlfriends, but the whole being the other woman while not thinking she was just because they hadn't been intimate rubbed me the wrong way. The way she thought even when she saw her friend just got cheated on and the effect it had on her didn't sit well with me. Plus the drugs in the food and money issue was just like OMG seriously??? This is over the top. I thought about stopping but was curious about the other guy and I try really hard not to DNF, but the way that conversation went was also quite sudden in both moving to the same place after a short few dates and the not talking to each other about big decisions. It just all felt quite immature which maybe they are in their 20s?
Overall, I liked aspects of it, and hope others love it, it just wasn't for me.
Thanks Netgalley and Libor.fm for mr ARC and ALC
October 8, 2025
Everything about this should have been my exact sort of book, but it's like the author tried to sabotage anything positive at every turn. Food & cooking is almost exclusively mentioned to talk about the main character's failures at it, she romantically behaves like a tween & knowingly pursues someone who is in a relationship , and unironically in 2025 thinks Say Anything is a romance to model after in real life? I'm so confused by this whole thing, it was just miserable and annoying, rather than charming, warm, and full of foodie delight I'd expected. It's also meant to be written in diary entries, but it seems pretty much just standard first person with dates/times as page breaks, so it also didn't really do anything with a format I usually like. The book might be more for you if you are looking for a sort of low stakes disaster woman romcom. The one redeeming factor I found was the the way it concluded, which did bring it up from a one to two star.
Read
September 21, 2025"Twenty-something Ruthie Cohen, a data entry minion for a second-tier movie app, spends her days thinking about the kickass meals she’s going to make for her besties, Trish and Lilly, while pining for Dean (sigh, Dean), her vacation fling from six months earlier. Could they have made it work in real life?
On top of that, Bubbe Bobby Grace, Ruthie’s beloved and inspiring grandmother, passed away and left Ruthie an inheritance of $62,873, along with instructions on how to use it: “Follow your passion, Dollface.” During a prosecco-fueled night with her gal pals, Ruthie decides to turn her passion into a career and learn the art of French cooking, enrolling in culinary school, paying tuition, and buying her chef’s whites with a few quick clicks online. It’s not long before Ruthie marches into the kitchen and feels the heat from her cooking partner, Jeff, the super hunky (totally taken!) musician that weasels his way into her brain — right next to Dean.
How can anyone be expected to focus on school, cooking, career planning, baking, friends, and deciding between two hot guys, especially when one of them also thinks that John Cusack is woefully underrated? And what if neither feels quite like Ruthie’s perfect pairing?"
A lighthearted foodie tale - a cross between Bridget Jones' Diary (with unapologetic nods to Bridget's diary entries) and MasterChef. The tale of Ruthie's journey to culinary happiness with some wild romance, some outrageous plot lines that will have you laughing out loud and a lot of delicious food descriptions. One for the foodies!
On top of that, Bubbe Bobby Grace, Ruthie’s beloved and inspiring grandmother, passed away and left Ruthie an inheritance of $62,873, along with instructions on how to use it: “Follow your passion, Dollface.” During a prosecco-fueled night with her gal pals, Ruthie decides to turn her passion into a career and learn the art of French cooking, enrolling in culinary school, paying tuition, and buying her chef’s whites with a few quick clicks online. It’s not long before Ruthie marches into the kitchen and feels the heat from her cooking partner, Jeff, the super hunky (totally taken!) musician that weasels his way into her brain — right next to Dean.
How can anyone be expected to focus on school, cooking, career planning, baking, friends, and deciding between two hot guys, especially when one of them also thinks that John Cusack is woefully underrated? And what if neither feels quite like Ruthie’s perfect pairing?"
A lighthearted foodie tale - a cross between Bridget Jones' Diary (with unapologetic nods to Bridget's diary entries) and MasterChef. The tale of Ruthie's journey to culinary happiness with some wild romance, some outrageous plot lines that will have you laughing out loud and a lot of delicious food descriptions. One for the foodies!
November 24, 2025
3.5 stars. My friend recommended because she thought I'd like the character's voice, and I did, so kudos there! It reminded me a bit of the chick lit fics of the early 2000s, and the publisher went hard on comparing it to Bridget Jones' Diary, which the tone is vaguely reminiscent of, though I don't think it will have quite the same mass appeal (and there's no Mark Darcy equivalent, though also no weight-obsession, so...trade offs).
There was a bit of a weird dissonance in the reading experience for me, wherein I could SEE it was set in the modern day (there are certain topical references) but when it would happen I would be surprised, because it read like it was an early 2000s chick lit book. I don't know if that's because the author is closer to my age and not her character's age, so there's a weird mash-up of a "hello, fellow kids" of how she thinks today's mid-twenties people act vs what she knew in her own time, or if the BJD call-out just set my mind in a certain "vibe" and it was hard to shake myself out of it. This is isn't a deal-breaker or anything, but I was cognizant of it.
Whenever I dip my toe into the "world of food" I'm reminded I really don't know much about food (what's that word? It's cooked how now? etc.) and also I'm so picky I would probably not even eat half of what Ruby cooks (I'm like Trish and her beloved potatoes; just give me various forms and we'll be happy).
Overall this was better than I expected and also won't be especially memorable in the long-run, but I did enjoy my time with it.
There was a bit of a weird dissonance in the reading experience for me, wherein I could SEE it was set in the modern day (there are certain topical references) but when it would happen I would be surprised, because it read like it was an early 2000s chick lit book. I don't know if that's because the author is closer to my age and not her character's age, so there's a weird mash-up of a "hello, fellow kids" of how she thinks today's mid-twenties people act vs what she knew in her own time, or if the BJD call-out just set my mind in a certain "vibe" and it was hard to shake myself out of it. This is isn't a deal-breaker or anything, but I was cognizant of it.
Whenever I dip my toe into the "world of food" I'm reminded I really don't know much about food (what's that word? It's cooked how now? etc.) and also I'm so picky I would probably not even eat half of what Ruby cooks (I'm like Trish and her beloved potatoes; just give me various forms and we'll be happy).
Overall this was better than I expected and also won't be especially memorable in the long-run, but I did enjoy my time with it.
June 12, 2025
3.5 rounded up
This was a fun, lighthearted cross between Bridget Jones and the Great Canadian Bake-off. Foodies and romance lovers are sure to enjoy this love story slash coming of age debut novel about a young chef trying to find love and open her own food-based business. It was full of humor, relationship hijinks and had me laughing from start to finish. Looking forward to more from this new to me author!
This was a fun, lighthearted cross between Bridget Jones and the Great Canadian Bake-off. Foodies and romance lovers are sure to enjoy this love story slash coming of age debut novel about a young chef trying to find love and open her own food-based business. It was full of humor, relationship hijinks and had me laughing from start to finish. Looking forward to more from this new to me author!
October 17, 2025
I did not like this book at all. There was little talk or descriptions of food. The main character had no character development through the book. I felt like the book went all over with plots in her romances. I almost stopped reading the book a handful of times but pushed through, hoping it would get better. It didn't.
September 3, 2025
This was cute. Nothing spectacular but an easy read and nothing wrong with that.
September 10, 2025
Cute and entertaining; lots of delicious food and recipes
Did Not Finish
June 1, 20261
June 23, 2026
A decent read, maybe a little male centred but loved the Can-con and all of the food/cooking
June 25, 2026
This was definitely the worst book I've read in a decade or more. I honestly can't believe it got published. The narrative was hard to follow as it had to be shoehorned in to a weird diary entry format. Why would anyone be writing in their diary in the bathroom to "catch" the reader up. LOTS of WEIRD choices were made. The main characters are horrible people and there is nothing redeeming about the story for me. I read this for my book club and we all had lots to say so I guess that's the only good thing about it. Do yourself a favour and skip this one.
June 27, 2025
I was really drawn to the chef and cooking aspect of the book. The FMC has like no development, this isn’t the kind of book to take very much advice from.
Guy 1: The one guy Ruthie is obsessed with is Jeff who has a girlfriend but that did not deter her or him for that matter. Got together. He lies about her seeing him smoking. Jeff leaves cocaine in the open that she uses for a whole bunch of people which should’ve probably been much more trouble. He goes to rehab. She still wants to be with him. He steals 30 000$ and she STILL wants to be with him. Her parents encourage him???
Guy 2: The second guy is Dean. They met on vacation in Thailand and has a vacay romance before she met Jeff. Fell head over heals for Dean. Doesn’t hear from him for a year. He reaches out and they are together immediately. She can’t handle that he’s vegan. Dean isn’t the best character either and is pretty self centred and passive aggressive and puts down Ruthie and her dreams and excitement. Jeff is back now Ruthie loves them both and is trying to decide what to do.
The story ends with her 2 friends telling her to focus on her. The end
Guy 1: The one guy Ruthie is obsessed with is Jeff who has a girlfriend but that did not deter her or him for that matter. Got together. He lies about her seeing him smoking. Jeff leaves cocaine in the open that she uses for a whole bunch of people which should’ve probably been much more trouble. He goes to rehab. She still wants to be with him. He steals 30 000$ and she STILL wants to be with him. Her parents encourage him???
Guy 2: The second guy is Dean. They met on vacation in Thailand and has a vacay romance before she met Jeff. Fell head over heals for Dean. Doesn’t hear from him for a year. He reaches out and they are together immediately. She can’t handle that he’s vegan. Dean isn’t the best character either and is pretty self centred and passive aggressive and puts down Ruthie and her dreams and excitement. Jeff is back now Ruthie loves them both and is trying to decide what to do.
The story ends with her 2 friends telling her to focus on her. The end
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2025
Didn’t care for this. Not only is Ruthie annoying and over the top but her antics were just plain mean at times. Other times she was simply stupid. The whole password thing was laughably bad. Her family was even worse! Forgive someone for stealing from you like that? No thanks. Ruthie’s friends were only slightly better really. Lots of bad choices among them. Also a lot of nasty comments about someone’s vegan diet and such which felt very childish. I get that Ruthie was going to a French cooking school but nearly every single thing she either cooked or ate was over the top in so many ways. Just all fat and butter and cream. Astounding really. I love to cook but no way I’m cooking or eating like this.
Also the whole Bridget Jones Diary rip-off turned me off.
Also the whole Bridget Jones Diary rip-off turned me off.
April 19, 2025
I love the idea of this book. The execution? Not so much. The main character, Ruth, is truthfully just awful. If you’ve watched SATC and your favorite character is Carrie, you’ll love Ruth. She’s self centered and there feels like there is absolutely no character growth. There really doesn’t feel like there is a strong plot to this book at all. There was a lot of potential to go so much deeper into the characters and explore and really make us feel for Ruth, but instead I didn’t want anyone to win here and I felt that Ruth got everything that was coming for her. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book, it was just not for me.
March 20, 2026
After inheriting money from her grandmother, Ruthie Cohen decides to follow her passion and enroll in culinary school to become a chef. While learning to cook, she finds herself torn between memories of an old romance and growing feelings for her handsome cooking partner.
March 31, 2026
A Delicious Dive into "Off Menu" by Amy Rosen
Amy Rosen's "Off Menu" is a delightful blend of humor, heartbreak, and haute cuisine, reminiscent of Nora Ephron's "Heartburn" with a dash of "Bridget Jones's Diary." The novel follows Ruthie Cohen, a twenty-something navigating life, love, and a newfound passion for French cooking. Rosen serves up a story that is as much about self-discovery as it is about the perfect soufflé.
Plot and Twists
The narrative kicks off with Ruthie stuck in a dead-end job, daydreaming about cooking and still hung up on Dean, a vacation fling. When her grandmother, Bubbe Bobby Grace, passes away, Ruthie inherits a sum of money and a directive to follow her passion. On a whim, fueled by prosecco and the encouragement of her friends Trish and Lilly, Ruthie enrolls in culinary school. Here, the plot thickens as she meets Jeff, a hunky musician who complicates her already tangled love life. The plot twists keep the reader engaged, from unexpected culinary challenges to romantic entanglements that force Ruthie to confront what she truly wants.
Character Development
* Ruthie Cohen: The protagonist is relatable and endearing. Initially portrayed as somewhat lost and unfulfilled, Ruthie's journey through culinary school becomes a journey of self-discovery. Her flaws—impulsiveness, occasional insecurity, and a tendency to overthink—make her human. Her assets include her creativity, passion for cooking, and loyalty to her friends.
* Dean: The elusive vacation fling, Dean represents the idealized version of romance that Ruthie clings to. His character serves as a contrast to the more grounded and present Jeff, forcing Ruthie to evaluate what she truly seeks in a partner.
* Jeff: The charming, talented musician adds a layer of complexity to Ruthie's life. His relationship with Ruthie is built on mutual respect and a shared love for food, but his existing relationship status creates conflict. Jeff's flaw is his inability to fully commit, while his assets include his artistic talent and genuine affection for Ruthie.
* Trish and Lilly: Ruthie's best friends provide comic relief and unwavering support. Trish is the pragmatic voice of reason, while Lilly is the free-spirited adventurer. Their individual personalities complement Ruthie's, offering different perspectives and helping her navigate her challenges.
Themes
* The Pursuit of Passion: The central theme revolves around following one's passion, inspired by Bubbe Bobby Grace's inheritance directive. Ruthie's decision to attend culinary school is not just about learning to cook; it's about finding purpose and fulfillment in life. The novel explores the challenges and rewards of pursuing a dream, even when it seems daunting or impractical.
* Love and Relationships: "Off Menu" delves into the complexities of modern relationships. Ruthie's romantic entanglements with Dean and Jeff highlight the contrast between idealized love and real-life connections. The novel examines the importance of communication, honesty, and shared values in building meaningful relationships. It also touches on the theme of self-love and the importance of knowing oneself before seeking a partner.
* Friendship and Support: The bond between Ruthie, Trish, and Lilly is a cornerstone of the novel. Their friendship provides a source of strength, humor, and support for Ruthie as she navigates her personal and professional challenges. The novel celebrates the importance of female friendships and the role they play in helping individuals grow and thrive.
Tone
The tone of "Off Menu" is light, witty, and engaging. Rosen's writing style is accessible and humorous, making the novel a quick and enjoyable read. The book balances moments of levity with moments of emotional depth, creating a well-rounded and satisfying narrative.
Closing Remarks
"Off Menu" is a delightful and heartwarming novel that will appeal to fans of food-centric stories and romantic comedies. Amy Rosen's engaging writing style, relatable characters, and delicious descriptions of food make this a truly satisfying read.
Recommended Reading
If you enjoyed "Off Menu," you might also like:
* "Heartburn" by Nora Ephron
* "Bridget Jones's Diary" by Helen Fielding
* "Sweetbitter" by Stephanie Danler
* "The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake" by Aimee Bender
Amy Rosen's "Off Menu" is a delightful blend of humor, heartbreak, and haute cuisine, reminiscent of Nora Ephron's "Heartburn" with a dash of "Bridget Jones's Diary." The novel follows Ruthie Cohen, a twenty-something navigating life, love, and a newfound passion for French cooking. Rosen serves up a story that is as much about self-discovery as it is about the perfect soufflé.
Plot and Twists
The narrative kicks off with Ruthie stuck in a dead-end job, daydreaming about cooking and still hung up on Dean, a vacation fling. When her grandmother, Bubbe Bobby Grace, passes away, Ruthie inherits a sum of money and a directive to follow her passion. On a whim, fueled by prosecco and the encouragement of her friends Trish and Lilly, Ruthie enrolls in culinary school. Here, the plot thickens as she meets Jeff, a hunky musician who complicates her already tangled love life. The plot twists keep the reader engaged, from unexpected culinary challenges to romantic entanglements that force Ruthie to confront what she truly wants.
Character Development
* Ruthie Cohen: The protagonist is relatable and endearing. Initially portrayed as somewhat lost and unfulfilled, Ruthie's journey through culinary school becomes a journey of self-discovery. Her flaws—impulsiveness, occasional insecurity, and a tendency to overthink—make her human. Her assets include her creativity, passion for cooking, and loyalty to her friends.
* Dean: The elusive vacation fling, Dean represents the idealized version of romance that Ruthie clings to. His character serves as a contrast to the more grounded and present Jeff, forcing Ruthie to evaluate what she truly seeks in a partner.
* Jeff: The charming, talented musician adds a layer of complexity to Ruthie's life. His relationship with Ruthie is built on mutual respect and a shared love for food, but his existing relationship status creates conflict. Jeff's flaw is his inability to fully commit, while his assets include his artistic talent and genuine affection for Ruthie.
* Trish and Lilly: Ruthie's best friends provide comic relief and unwavering support. Trish is the pragmatic voice of reason, while Lilly is the free-spirited adventurer. Their individual personalities complement Ruthie's, offering different perspectives and helping her navigate her challenges.
Themes
* The Pursuit of Passion: The central theme revolves around following one's passion, inspired by Bubbe Bobby Grace's inheritance directive. Ruthie's decision to attend culinary school is not just about learning to cook; it's about finding purpose and fulfillment in life. The novel explores the challenges and rewards of pursuing a dream, even when it seems daunting or impractical.
* Love and Relationships: "Off Menu" delves into the complexities of modern relationships. Ruthie's romantic entanglements with Dean and Jeff highlight the contrast between idealized love and real-life connections. The novel examines the importance of communication, honesty, and shared values in building meaningful relationships. It also touches on the theme of self-love and the importance of knowing oneself before seeking a partner.
* Friendship and Support: The bond between Ruthie, Trish, and Lilly is a cornerstone of the novel. Their friendship provides a source of strength, humor, and support for Ruthie as she navigates her personal and professional challenges. The novel celebrates the importance of female friendships and the role they play in helping individuals grow and thrive.
Tone
The tone of "Off Menu" is light, witty, and engaging. Rosen's writing style is accessible and humorous, making the novel a quick and enjoyable read. The book balances moments of levity with moments of emotional depth, creating a well-rounded and satisfying narrative.
Closing Remarks
"Off Menu" is a delightful and heartwarming novel that will appeal to fans of food-centric stories and romantic comedies. Amy Rosen's engaging writing style, relatable characters, and delicious descriptions of food make this a truly satisfying read.
Recommended Reading
If you enjoyed "Off Menu," you might also like:
* "Heartburn" by Nora Ephron
* "Bridget Jones's Diary" by Helen Fielding
* "Sweetbitter" by Stephanie Danler
* "The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake" by Aimee Bender
July 25, 2025
Book Review: Off Menu by Amy Rosen 🍝✨💘
I just finished Off Menu and I’m still thinking about Ruthie, her chaotic kitchen adventures, and all the delicious meals she whipped up along the way. This book was such a fun, cozy, laugh-out-loud unique read written in a diary-style format. Ruthie’s voice jumps right off the page. It’s messy, honest, hilarious, and I loved how personal and real it felt, like I was being let into her world one meal, one mistake, and one late-night spiral at a time.
Ruthie Cohen is in that classic mid-twenties limbo: working a dead end job, stuck in a daydream about a vacation fling from six months ago and constantly fantasizing about the next meal she’ll cook for her besties. When her beloved Bubbe passes away and leaves her $62,873.42 with the note “Follow your passion, Dollface,” Ruthie takes it as a sign. After one too many glasses of prosecco, she enrolls in culinary school, orders her chef whites, and decides it’s time to make a real go of her dreams.
Amy Rosen blends humor, heartache, and hunger (seriously, do not read this book on an empty stomach) into a story that feels like a warm hug and a girls’ night all in one. I loved the banter, the ride-or-die friendships, the will they won’t they tension, and the deeper themes of grief, reinvention, and following your gut even when it’s scary.
Every meal Ruthie describes had me absolutely drooling. Amy Rosen doesn’t just write food well, she writes it with love, and it made this story all the more flavorful. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about healing, risking, and finding purpose in unexpected places. And just when I thought the book couldn’t get more comforting… the final pages include recipes for some of the meals mentioned throughout the story and it’s truly, chef’s kiss. 💋
Off Menu is a love letter to friendship, food, following your passion, and figuring things out one (sometimes burned) dish at a time. If you love stories about self-discovery with a generous side of romantic tension, laugh-out-loud moments, and a strong female lead who’s still figuring it all you need to add this one to your TBR.
Thank you Netgalley and ECW press for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I just finished Off Menu and I’m still thinking about Ruthie, her chaotic kitchen adventures, and all the delicious meals she whipped up along the way. This book was such a fun, cozy, laugh-out-loud unique read written in a diary-style format. Ruthie’s voice jumps right off the page. It’s messy, honest, hilarious, and I loved how personal and real it felt, like I was being let into her world one meal, one mistake, and one late-night spiral at a time.
Ruthie Cohen is in that classic mid-twenties limbo: working a dead end job, stuck in a daydream about a vacation fling from six months ago and constantly fantasizing about the next meal she’ll cook for her besties. When her beloved Bubbe passes away and leaves her $62,873.42 with the note “Follow your passion, Dollface,” Ruthie takes it as a sign. After one too many glasses of prosecco, she enrolls in culinary school, orders her chef whites, and decides it’s time to make a real go of her dreams.
Amy Rosen blends humor, heartache, and hunger (seriously, do not read this book on an empty stomach) into a story that feels like a warm hug and a girls’ night all in one. I loved the banter, the ride-or-die friendships, the will they won’t they tension, and the deeper themes of grief, reinvention, and following your gut even when it’s scary.
Every meal Ruthie describes had me absolutely drooling. Amy Rosen doesn’t just write food well, she writes it with love, and it made this story all the more flavorful. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about healing, risking, and finding purpose in unexpected places. And just when I thought the book couldn’t get more comforting… the final pages include recipes for some of the meals mentioned throughout the story and it’s truly, chef’s kiss. 💋
Off Menu is a love letter to friendship, food, following your passion, and figuring things out one (sometimes burned) dish at a time. If you love stories about self-discovery with a generous side of romantic tension, laugh-out-loud moments, and a strong female lead who’s still figuring it all you need to add this one to your TBR.
Thank you Netgalley and ECW press for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2025
I requested Off Menu on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review because I’m a huge fan of foodie fiction.
After Ruthie’s much-loved grandmother passes away and leaves her $62k, she quits her boring office job and decides to follow her passion for cooking by enrolling at culinary school.
I’m going to start with the parts of the book that I really enjoyed and those were the scenes where she’s learning about the techniques for French cuisine and later when she’s working at the café and devising new recipes. I also liked her friendships with Trish and Lilly and how they helped Ruthie prioritise herself outside of her relationships.
Off Menu is written diary-style a la Bridget Jones’s Diary and this was where it fell short for me because Ruthie’s two boyfriends: Jeff and Dean lack any of the charm of Bridget’s love interests.
When Ruthie meets Jeff at culinary school, he’s already got a girlfriend, Katie. Despite all this, Jeff still tries to hook up with Ruthie when they’re travelling for a competition. He also has a drug habit and steals half her grandmother’s inheritance because the password for her bank account could be guessed by a stranger who spends fifteen minutes in her company. I thought it was really strange that her family tried to encourage her to forgive him on the basis that he cooked them an amazing fried chicken once.
Dean, who Ruthie met on holiday in Thailand and reconnects with after Jeff goes to rehab lives down to all the worst stereotypes of vegans. He’s also arrogant enough to think that Ruthie should just quit her job and leave behind her friends and family in Toronto to move to Chicago for him because his career is so-called more important.
I don’t know, maybe it’s an age thing but I just couldn’t understand why Ruthie bothered with either Jeff or Dean. It’s a shame because her experiences at the culinary school with Chef Antoine and her travels with Trish and Lilly were really fun and I’d have liked to read more of them.
After Ruthie’s much-loved grandmother passes away and leaves her $62k, she quits her boring office job and decides to follow her passion for cooking by enrolling at culinary school.
I’m going to start with the parts of the book that I really enjoyed and those were the scenes where she’s learning about the techniques for French cuisine and later when she’s working at the café and devising new recipes. I also liked her friendships with Trish and Lilly and how they helped Ruthie prioritise herself outside of her relationships.
Off Menu is written diary-style a la Bridget Jones’s Diary and this was where it fell short for me because Ruthie’s two boyfriends: Jeff and Dean lack any of the charm of Bridget’s love interests.
When Ruthie meets Jeff at culinary school, he’s already got a girlfriend, Katie. Despite all this, Jeff still tries to hook up with Ruthie when they’re travelling for a competition. He also has a drug habit and steals half her grandmother’s inheritance because the password for her bank account could be guessed by a stranger who spends fifteen minutes in her company. I thought it was really strange that her family tried to encourage her to forgive him on the basis that he cooked them an amazing fried chicken once.
Dean, who Ruthie met on holiday in Thailand and reconnects with after Jeff goes to rehab lives down to all the worst stereotypes of vegans. He’s also arrogant enough to think that Ruthie should just quit her job and leave behind her friends and family in Toronto to move to Chicago for him because his career is so-called more important.
I don’t know, maybe it’s an age thing but I just couldn’t understand why Ruthie bothered with either Jeff or Dean. It’s a shame because her experiences at the culinary school with Chef Antoine and her travels with Trish and Lilly were really fun and I’d have liked to read more of them.
May 11, 2025
Overall, Off Menu by Amy Rosen was as light and fluffy as some recipes described in the book, and since I love books about food and foodie fiction, this hit the spot. When I read Ms. Rosen’s bio at the end, it all made sense! She’s written several cookbooks and owns a place in Toronto, where the story takes place.
Written as a diary, the main character, Ruthie Cohen, leaves her dead-end data entry job and, using her inheritance from her beloved Bubbe (grandma) Bobby Grace, goes to cooking school to learn/master French cuisine and fulfill her dream of becoming a chef. Kudos to her, right? Unfortunately, for most of the book, Ruthie comes off as an immature, self-absorbed, whiny, and often insufferable 27-year-old who, while having a good palate and sense of taste, has lousy taste in men. I would have taken a hard pass on both Jeff and Dean! I kept thinking that when it came to relationships, Ruthie acted more like a teenager than someone nearing 30. Good thing her two BFFs, Lilly and Trish, are there with reality checks and to pick up the pieces.
I related more to the late Bubbe Bobby Grace (I’m old enough to be Ruthie’s Bubbe, but I wouldn’t have been nearly as patient with her as her Bubbe was). I kept hoping that at some point Ruthie would show some strength (chutzpah), grow a spine, and take control of her life.
Having said all that, I still liked this often humorous story, particularly the scenes at the cooking school, at a cooking competition, and when Ruthie and Trish go to Paris, Some characters, especially Chef Antoine at the cooking school, and Pete, Ruthie’s boss, stood out. I recommend Off Menu, especially to anyone who likes food fiction and a sprinkling of wisdom from a loving grandma. Besides delicious descriptions throughout the book, the author includes recipes at the end. And yes, there is a website for her cinnamon buns! Thanks to NetGalley and ECW Press for the opportunity to read the ARC. I’m happy to provide this review, and all opinions are my own.
Written as a diary, the main character, Ruthie Cohen, leaves her dead-end data entry job and, using her inheritance from her beloved Bubbe (grandma) Bobby Grace, goes to cooking school to learn/master French cuisine and fulfill her dream of becoming a chef. Kudos to her, right? Unfortunately, for most of the book, Ruthie comes off as an immature, self-absorbed, whiny, and often insufferable 27-year-old who, while having a good palate and sense of taste, has lousy taste in men. I would have taken a hard pass on both Jeff and Dean! I kept thinking that when it came to relationships, Ruthie acted more like a teenager than someone nearing 30. Good thing her two BFFs, Lilly and Trish, are there with reality checks and to pick up the pieces.
I related more to the late Bubbe Bobby Grace (I’m old enough to be Ruthie’s Bubbe, but I wouldn’t have been nearly as patient with her as her Bubbe was). I kept hoping that at some point Ruthie would show some strength (chutzpah), grow a spine, and take control of her life.
Having said all that, I still liked this often humorous story, particularly the scenes at the cooking school, at a cooking competition, and when Ruthie and Trish go to Paris, Some characters, especially Chef Antoine at the cooking school, and Pete, Ruthie’s boss, stood out. I recommend Off Menu, especially to anyone who likes food fiction and a sprinkling of wisdom from a loving grandma. Besides delicious descriptions throughout the book, the author includes recipes at the end. And yes, there is a website for her cinnamon buns! Thanks to NetGalley and ECW Press for the opportunity to read the ARC. I’m happy to provide this review, and all opinions are my own.
May 31, 2025
Ruthie has had enough.
Work wise, she isn't where she wanted to be; her data entry job isn't satisfactory enough. Love wise, she isn't any better either, still pining after a man she met on her holidays. But as fate would have it, she inherits a considerable sum from her favourite grandma, and so she decides to ditch her current job and pursue a career on what she does best: cooking.
The culinary school she enrolls to brings a new set of pleasures and challenges, and on top of it all, a new chance at love, in the face of her classmate Jeff. The tumultuous, whimsical adventures of Ruthie in food and in love are narrated to her friends and also jotted down in the young woman's diary. She goes through all sorts of challenges and red-flag situations, until she realises one very crucial thing: the only one responsible for her happiness is herself.
This book somehow reminds me of Bridget Jones Diaries. But make it a red flag EVERYWHERE. Ruthie is a rollercoaster of a character; at first, I smiled at her naiveté, and then, I realised she is also a glaring red flag (because no, Ruthie, you can't fix him, no one can). But the end of the story kinda redeemed Ruthie in my eyes. The descriptions of her shenanigans at culinary school was also lovely to read, to the point I did get a bit hungry. As for Jeff, I liked him when he was Ruthie's friend. (And don't get me started about Dean, UGH.) The only ones NOT a red flag (kinda?) were Lilly and Trish, Ruthie's best friends, who throughout the book maintained a beautiful friendship with her. That really was the book’s most pleasurable point, and it's worth a read just to see those three goofballs standing up for each other through heartbreaks and career changes.
All in all, it was okay. Makes for a light read, if you get past the sea of red flag characters.
I received this ARC from Netgalley and the opinion expressed is my own. My thanks to Netgalley, ECW Press and Amy Rosen for providing me with my copy.
Work wise, she isn't where she wanted to be; her data entry job isn't satisfactory enough. Love wise, she isn't any better either, still pining after a man she met on her holidays. But as fate would have it, she inherits a considerable sum from her favourite grandma, and so she decides to ditch her current job and pursue a career on what she does best: cooking.
The culinary school she enrolls to brings a new set of pleasures and challenges, and on top of it all, a new chance at love, in the face of her classmate Jeff. The tumultuous, whimsical adventures of Ruthie in food and in love are narrated to her friends and also jotted down in the young woman's diary. She goes through all sorts of challenges and red-flag situations, until she realises one very crucial thing: the only one responsible for her happiness is herself.
This book somehow reminds me of Bridget Jones Diaries. But make it a red flag EVERYWHERE. Ruthie is a rollercoaster of a character; at first, I smiled at her naiveté, and then, I realised she is also a glaring red flag (because no, Ruthie, you can't fix him, no one can). But the end of the story kinda redeemed Ruthie in my eyes. The descriptions of her shenanigans at culinary school was also lovely to read, to the point I did get a bit hungry. As for Jeff, I liked him when he was Ruthie's friend. (And don't get me started about Dean, UGH.) The only ones NOT a red flag (kinda?) were Lilly and Trish, Ruthie's best friends, who throughout the book maintained a beautiful friendship with her. That really was the book’s most pleasurable point, and it's worth a read just to see those three goofballs standing up for each other through heartbreaks and career changes.
All in all, it was okay. Makes for a light read, if you get past the sea of red flag characters.
I received this ARC from Netgalley and the opinion expressed is my own. My thanks to Netgalley, ECW Press and Amy Rosen for providing me with my copy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews