Oishii Kankei

One of the major reasons I love reading this series over and over again is for its refreshing concept and provocative (at the time it was published) message that girls can be major players in the food industry.Our main character, Momoe is very much like a shounen hero-she overcomes trials that will either make or break her, and befriends damaged individuals most would give up on.
However, being a young and beautiful woman presents a unique challenge; because of her appearances, can she overcome sexism and be treated as a chef, before being treated as a woman? This tackles a very real, but rarely spoken of issue in society. Many times it is mentioned that a woman ought to know her place, and act conservatively. This very lovable main character gives those close minded people reason to doubt their moral framework as she reinvents what it means to be a woman, and figures out herself during the process. She hates herself, she loves herself, she struggles internally through most of the series in a very human and relatable way.
Love and romance is on the back-burner, this is a series directed towards the modern woman who knows she can only rely on herself, and grows as a person as a result.
I especially love how open minded the author was to tackle issues of mental health, co-dependance and other unhealthy behaviors without reserve. She treats the female characters of the series act as imperfect individuals; they are not pure, flawless, or all together that innocent. Virginity is not placed on a pedestal, nor should it be. I think this series is a hidden gem; it is mature, provocative and inspiring. I hope whoever reads it enjoys it as much as I have.

(final thoughts)

The art work might be off putting due to its old school shoujo style, but I personally loved it. The overall art and attention to fashion added to the refinement of this series. The characters are as vast and mysterious as the ocean-not to mention deep. These characters will grow on you, and they as individuals will also change and improve throughout the series. I truly do treasure this series, and I hope many of you will also give it a chance.

Thank you for reading,
A.Z

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Oishii Kankei a wonderful storyline?! you live with the main character momoe her ups and downs in cooking, love well all of her life to growing from a rich spoiled daughter to an independent pretty chef!? you will cry and laugh?!

You could feel some essence of real-life in the story!? she does not get what she wants from the start but works hard for it and gets it in the end?!

There are a mixed personalities however all are lovable and will become dear to you?! everytime i read it the recipes they make are soo delicious you just want to enter the story and eat it all up :P

Please read it!? it would be worth the time and effort!?

such a beautiful lifestory?! you will definitely love it :P

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This manga focuses on Momoe whose father has recently died. She and her father always loved eating together, but her father's gusto has left the formerly rich family with very little money. Momoe is inspired to become a cook, especially after eating at a particular little restaurant, and remembering the comforting taste from her childhood. She figures she can kill two birds with one stone, she can earn money to support herself and her mother, while at the same time fulfilling her dream.
Unfortunately Momoe sucks at cooking. Besides which, the cooks she wants to hire her is grumpy and anti-social. Her only talents seems to be her hardworking, very giving up attitude and her excellent sense of taste. Will those by enough to help her reach her dreams? Also, why is the grumpy cook suddenly of attractive?

Story: 9
The story is great. It starts of a little typical, what with the death of a parent, and a rich girl suddenly have to make her way in the world. However, the story stills draws you in, and makes you want to know what happens next. The romance element also seems to be generic, as Momoe meets a guy that has a connection to her dreams and childhood, and shortly falls in love with him. However, it diverges from the beaten path a bit with Oda already having a girlfriend, whom he actually likes quite a lot. Momoe does mope about this a bit, but after a while she doesn't have much time to worry about romance as she's trying her hardest to become a respected chef! Momoe has to deal with her lack of experience and being a 'woman in a male dominated business,' which is difficult but the ways she deals with it is enjoyable to read. The enjoyment of food, and the comfort well cooked food can give people is a major point of the story. The plot in general focuses on Momoe reaching for her dream, and also struggling with inventing a new sense of self.

Art: 9
The art is enjoyable with well drawn characters, and yummy looking food. The characters expressions are interesting and amusing. For some reason the drawings flow very well in an easy to read fashion.

Character: 9
Momoe's personality through her trial and tribulations make it very easy to root for her, even though she comes off as spoiled and a little air-headed to begin with. As the story goes on, her character begins to develop, and she becomes a stronger and more mature person.
Oda, the cook, comes off as a basic, tough on the outside, softy on the inside sort of person, but he develops quite a lot as well. As to be expected from this sort of romance, he becomes softer and more sociable because of Momoe's influence. However, he is also inspired and motivated by his girlfriend, who is a powerful and interesting character in her own right.
Other characters include a hesitant restaurant owner, a renowned chef who is also playboy, and an old woman who takes aspiring chefs under her wings. The characters all have intriguing back stories and a nice amount of development.

Enjoyment: 9
I definitely loved this manga. The message of 'follow your dreams' and the difficulties and rewards that come along with that, I think can be relatable for many people.

Overall: 9
The only complaint I would have was that the ending was a bit abrupt. I got to the last page and I felt like I had missed something. A more fleshed out ending would have been better, but in general the manga was very enjoyable.

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This is actually one of the best josei I've read so far. The main heroine has a sensitive side as well as a funny personality. The storyline is pretty realistic and entertaining at the same time. Although the art gets on my nerves at times because it has a very cartoon-like way of showing funny expressions, it is very suitable to the more serious scenes of the story. It is definetelly worth reading.