Stocker's Kitchen

by Juliet Wittman

Chef-owner Stocker is short, loud and profane, a passionate sensualist and a bully--yet despite his manifest flaws, brilliantly clean and delectable flavors emerge from his greasy restaurant kitchen. His unassailable self-confidence falters when he falls in love with Angela, a half-Vietnamese woman as strong-willed as himself. The stories of others intertwine in the narrative: motherly waitress Crystal; Megan, an insecure young actor trying to find her footing in New York; pastry chef, Jon, whose finicky, meticulous work habits drive Stocker wild, and Keith, Jon's patient, kindly lover. The novel tells a story about food, love, and a small, hot restaurant kitchen at the heart of one of the world's great cities.

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2019

Reviews

[Kate Jonuska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This debut novel by Juliet Wittman — the theater critic for my local indie paper and a non-fic author — knocked my socks off, turned my stomach and reshaped my heart. Crackling with talent, the language is evocative and visceral. As a cook myself, the author's exploration of the twin sensualities of deliciousness and decay will stick with me for a long time to come, much like anything that comes in contact with the grimy kitchen floor of the titular restaurant, Stocker's Kitchen.

Because Stocker's culinary talent, you see, is "tainted magic." Wittman brilliantly depicts the relationship between nourishment and death, which are two sides of the same coin since the one thing dies for another to live and, perhaps in acknowledgment of the sacrifice, we arrange it prettily on a plate. Chef Stocker is a vivid, earthy, fleshy man reminiscent to me of Ignatius J. Reilly. In other words: a true character. Every single character in this book shines, though, as they orbit the restaurant, including an aspiring actress, a diner waitress gone fine-dining, Stocker's oft-feral girlfriend Angela, and the kitchen's pastry chef, Jon. The latter, I admit, was my favorite because he's such an asshole and he has no idea how transparent an asshole he is. Nor does he suspect that even assholes are capable of love.

Having just finished, still high on "the end" of this one, I can't recommend it enough.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first picked up this book, I thought it would be about cooking, or maybe even baking. About five pages in, I thought, "Oh, it's about the main character, Stocker." Which is, in part, true. But then about twenty pages in, I realized the truth: this book is about life, and about all of us. Stocker's Kitchen is gritty, unique, and real. The characters are all imperfect, which makes them more vibrant. They're complex, rough, morally questionable. They're the kind of people you want to dislike, but then... you end up rooting for them, as more of their lives is revealed. Through her enticing writing style, Juliet Wittman lets you feast on words. Stocker's Kitchen wasn't what I expected, and I enjoyed it all the more for that. This story will stick with me for quite some time.

[Rifka Kreiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was immersed the whole time I was reading "Stocker's Kitchen." (I read an Advanced Copy, but had to order one for my brother, a passionate chef.) The many unique characters were fully alive to me (with one or two exceptions), though most of them were not particularly likeable. I love the phrase of one blurb about the unforgettable chef Stocker’s “tainted magic” So apt.
There is a dark beauty to Wittman’s point of view which captivated me and lingers still, as images of the characters and relationships play unexpectedly in my memory. The rich, sensual prose is deeply satisfying to read, fulfilling-- I can’t resist saying-- like a great meal that brings pleasure each time you recall it. Do read it!

[Chris Ennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

With food as the muse, Wittman has written a rich, insightful novel about human nature in all its complicated dimensions. Each unforgettable character bears wounds from their past, revealed by Wittman as she peels away the protective layers they've developed as defense. The essential vulnerability of each person -- even the bellowing, coarse Stocker himself -- is so well captured in the cover image of the songbird balanced on the knife edge. Stocker's Kitchen offers surprises at every turn, whether in its often stunning descriptions of the settings, the events that take place, or Wittman's thought-provoking observations of people and their motivations. This book is a compelling read that I devoured!

[Emma Messenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not recommend this luscious book enough. Juliet Wittman makes me care so deeply about each one of the aching characters living in this book, all so human, so flawed, so lonely and yet there is so much hope. The style is unique and rich and authentic. The details, so sensual, ring with honesty. You will smell every dish, hear the clanging of every pot. The bird motif that echoes through it is poetry: The whole idea of creatures being sacrificed and consumed, and that energy being transferred. It is just a magnificent novel.

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is flat-out terrific. A must read! I adored it. The writing is so good that I often re-read passages two or three times. The characters are unforgettable and compelling. I could go on and on but you should stop reading this review and order the book and start reading it! A gem of a novel.

[Danielle F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoing reviewer John Thorndike, “this isn’t an easy book.” There were times I could barely make it through cringeworthy descriptions and forced myself through difficult passages. But the depth of the characters and the richness of their lives, past, present and future is tempting to the reader and makes for an engrossing novel.

[Marilou Rickert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our most fundamental stories, passionately retold in a New York City proud of its grit. An imaginary wilderness with real songbirds.

[Sally Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous prose and realistic characters. The story made me sad; somehow, I wanted a little more uplift from the ending. But wow, Wittman is such a strong writer.