The story follows Carl Casper (played by Jon Favreau), a talented and passionate chef working in a prestigious Los Angeles restaurant. Despite his culinary skills, Carl faces creative restrictions imposed by the restaurant’s owner, Riva (played by Dustin Hoffman). When a prominent food critic, Ramsey Michel (played by Oliver Platt), visits the restaurant, Carl wants to showcase his skills with a new and innovative menu. However, Riva insists on sticking to the established menu.
The clash between Carl and Ramsey goes viral on social media, leading to Carl’s public humiliation and ultimately his decision to leave the restaurant. Facing unemployment and a strained relationship with his son Percy (played by Emjay Anthony), Carl decides to start a food truck business.
With the help of his friend Martin (played by John Leguizamo) and his ex-wife Inez (played by Sofia Vergara), Carl refurbishes an old food truck and embarks on a cross-country journey selling Cuban sandwiches and reconnecting with his love for cooking. Along the way, Carl and Percy bond, and the food truck gains popularity through social media.
The film explores themes of artistic integrity, creativity, and the impact of social media on personal and professional life. As Carl rediscovers his passion for cooking and finds success with the food truck, he also rebuilds relationships with his son and former colleagues.
In the climax, Carl returns to Los Angeles, where he receives an offer to open a new restaurant. The film concludes with a sense of fulfillment for Carl, both professionally and personally, as he embraces a more authentic and fulfilling approach to his culinary career.
“Chef” received positive reviews from critics, praising its heartwarming story, engaging characters, and celebration of food and creativity. The film also gained attention for its social media commentary and the impact of online reviews on businesses.