This was ok. Not great but not terrible either. Autumn and Tyler have decent chemistry-neither is a favorite of mine but they work well together here. The story isn't very innovative and there are plot holes that you just learn to ignore such as the daughter's age. This type of movie seems typical for Wonya's Hallmark-take the existing RomCom formula that works really well for the network and add more unnecessary drama and angst.

Giada DeLaurentiis is an Executive Producer on this and aside from a cookbook cameo and her clear involvement in the food being served, she is nowhere to be seen. You'd think she would have showed up as one of the competition judges at least. Missed opportunity for Hallmark.

I am really enjoying the deeper non-holiday/non-mystery movies on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Channel. Tyler Hynes and Autumn Reeser delivered a deeper performance and had excellent chemistry-the story was well written and performed by all of the cast. Definitely recommend watching this movie and I hope to see the Autumn/Tyler pairing again in the future!

8.2 stars.

As far as Italian themed Hallmarks this one is near the top of my personal charts. This is about Elizabeth (Reeser) who runs an Italian restaurant on Bainbridge Island, but she's been running it alone for some years now. Unfortunately the restaurant is suffering financially and she must hire a consultant to help keep it afloat. Ben (Hynes) takes the job and what he finds is much more than a failing business. He discovers a hidden treasure of new and inventive cuisine just waiting for the right moment to be shared.

The romance between Hynes and Reeser is very real and fresh. She always shines as a lead, and he is right there with her. Add a wonderful soundtrack, and beautiful acting, and we have a winner. The whole family was engaging, not one of them failed to perform their very best. I have no negative feedback for this film.