The Forager Chefs Club is a bit of a secret society. No one knows about it unless they’re involved, and the members of the Founders Circle are a mystery. But the club is committed to the practice of foraging, of celebrating the elements and foods that are local to a particular area.
The Club is hired to run a cooking competition in which the contestants must only use ingredients from Michigan—apart from three “exceptions.” Five individuals from different backgrounds are invited to participate in the competition, and winning could change the trajectory of their lives.
Eden spends most of her time cooking for her father’s mission in Detroit, and winning the competition could expand her ability to help those in need. Blaise is a culinary school graduate with immense talent and the attitude to match. Cooking is a way of connecting with his twin brother, who is on the autism spectrum.
Christian was attending culinary school until his mother got sick, and he moved back to his hometown of Flint to care for her. Celeste lives on Mackinac Island and is the youngest competitor, but she can’t find anyone to give her a chance. Daniel is a private chef raising his young son after the tragic death of his wife and is fighting his in-laws, who want custody of the boy.
If you’re a foodie, this book is for you. I loved the comprehensive discussions about foraging as well as the meals each competitor approved. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the story, and while there is a little suspense, it’s just a satisfying and hunger-inducing read!
