4*

I love restaurant reality tv and intriguing drama, which lured me right into this story. I really liked how the enemies to lovers plot was used in this story. Taylor Mobley, the chef, is very likable and her struggles make her a very relatable character. Erin Rasmussen, the presenter, has struggles of her own that the reader gradually finds out, mainly through Taylor's perspective. I very much disliked the Jed character, but that was because he's just not a likable person. Jo, Taylor's confidante, seemed like a very nice person, if this book turns into a series, I'd love to read more about her and see more interaction between Taylor and Jo.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Taylor Mobley is a chef at a restaurant that is struggling because the owner, Jed, refuses to change the long and uninspired menu. While she loves her coworkers and cooking, the restraints have left her feeling stuck in this job that doesn't let her express her strengths as a chef. Her attempts to send out feelers about working at other establishments have fallen flat, though, so she's left doing the same stifling work day in and day out. When change does come to the restaurant, it's not in the way she was hoping. Jed tells her that he's signed them up for Restaurant Redo, a reality show in the style of Kitchen Nightmares. Even worse, he's forcing her and other staff to sign contracts promising not to say anything disparaging about him or the restaurant. In just a couple days, Erin Rasmussen, the hard-ass host of Restaurant Redo, will be descending on the kitchen and grilling Taylor about what's gone wrong. It's a nightmare, even if Erin is easy on the eyes.

When Erin begins filming this episode, she finds herself dealing with a taciturn chef who can't seem to answer the simplest question. She's infuriating, even if she's also extremely attractive. Restaurant Redo's ratings have tanked, and they're relying on this episode to secure a contract for another season. But pulling teeth to get Taylor to answer questions doesn't make for good TV. Then again, the sexual tension simmering behind their constant bickering might be just what the producers were hoping for to inject something new and interesting into the show. Will Taylor and Erin be able to set aside their miscommunication to actually address the feelings growing between them, or will Erin jet off to a new city at the end of filming and leave this romance half-baked? (Sorry, sorry.)

Off the Menu combines a couple of different settings that make for great backdrops for a romance: reality TV and cooking. Foodie romance fans will appreciate how much the cooking and operation of the restaurant are discussed: we really get to see what it is that Taylor and Erin do, and why they're so good at their respective restaurant jobs (cooking and managing). It's always fun to take a peek behind the curtain at reality TV show production, and we see a little bit of how the sausage is made, so to speak. (I can't help it.)

The contract Taylor signs makes for an interesting obstacle in their romance. They are constantly frustrated at each other, and much of that is because Taylor can't tell Erin the truth, which is that she knows why the restaurant is struggling and has wanted to change the menu for a long time, but can't because of Jed. She's also unwilling to lie or claim responsibility for Jed's failings, making it difficult for Erin to work with her on camera.

There are some other details I also appreciated, like the nod to sexual safety—both partners discuss being tested before sleeping together—and the subplot with a kitten. Who can resist a cute animal character in a romance novel?

Unfortunately, there were some other elements that took me out of the story. The exposition and dialogue felt awkward at times, especially in the beginning, and sometimes got repetitive. For example, Taylor recapping her date to her best friend, which we had just seen, or characters rehashing the same thoughts and feelings repeatedly (I am attracted to her, but she's always traveling and so we could never be together) without adding much.

I also couldn't quite pin down the tone. It's not as angsty as I would expect an enemies-to-lovers romance to be, but it's also not light and fluffy. (spoilers) The characters bicker until one scene near the end where one pushes the other against a wall and pins her there in anger while she struggles and rages at her, which felt like an intense tone shift. The declaration of love also felt sudden, when they hadn't really gotten through one conversation without arguing at that point. (end of spoilers)

Then there were two brief moments that made me uncomfortable. One was the shaming around having casual sex: Erin picking up women at bars while traveling is treated as a very serious and even shameful thing, and Taylor says that it's okay because it was only four women and she wasn't sleeping with prostitutes (that's the term used in the book). There's also a strange section where Taylor gets angry at Erin for Jed putting his hand on her back and her not confronting him on it. Erin does tell her off for that, though.

Then there's the anti-fatness. When Taylor mentions wanting to lose weight, Erin says she's "perfect". Later, though, Jed is described repeatedly with anti-fat language, as if his weight is one factor of his villainy: "His shirt stretched across his middle, and the fabric gaped between every button. One button, in particular, looked especially stressed." He points with his "fat forefinger." When he reluctantly cancels lunch plans, the narration notes, "He didn’t look like he missed many meals." While being curvy like Taylor is fine, even perfect, being fat is described with disgust.

While I liked the setting and premise of the novel, I was taken out of the story in the pacing, tone, and anti-fatness/slut-shaming. The pacing and tone aren't necessarily structural issues as much as they weren't my style as a reader, though, so if you love foodie romances and/or reality TV romances, I think there's a lot here to like, as long as you're aware of those couple of problematic moments.

I love me some intrigue so restaurants and reality tv is what drew me in. I enjoyed Taylor as a character. She's sweet, loyal, sensitive but also assertive when needs to be and a talented chef. Erin is pretty much the same but holds her cards way closer to her heart.

When they meet sparks fly but they aren't good sparks. Or are they?! I love how both were confused with the intense emotions the other pulled out of them.

The side characters were really enjoyable. I loved Jo and would have loved more interaction between Jo and Erin. Anna was a hoot and of course so was he who will not be named to avoid spoilers.

An ARC was provided to me via netgalley in return of an honest review.

The second book in my Spring Reading Bonanza was the OTP of enemies-to-lovers set in the restaurant world with a dash of reality tv plotting. Truly enjoyable read that hit all the feels at the right time story wise.

Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing an eARC for a honest review.

In a previous life I spent 10 years working in fine dining establishments and dating an up and coming chef. I was also a food writer so to say I'm a foodie is probably an understatement. I loved reading Off the Menu as it took me back to working in hospitality and it was absolutely no surprise that Alaina Erdell is a trained chef as her descriptions and setting were spot on.

Taylor is an up and coming chef who is being stifled working in her current kitchen. The owners are micromanaging her menu and decide to bring in a reality TV show to identify their shortfalls. Enter Erin and her crew from Restaurant Redo. When they meet, there are sparks but not the romantic kind as both women view the other in a not-so-favourable light. The relationship between them has quite a few hurdles before their HEA but it's what keeps this novel so engaging.

I really enjoyed this novel as it felt authentic in so many ways. From the workings of the kitchen, to the back of house element, but also from the way Erin and Taylor's relationship slowly shifts into romance after their initial misgivings about each other.

A great romance that kept me engaged throughout. I'm keen to see what's next from Alaina Erdell.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

I liked this book! It was fun and enjoyable to read. It is exactly what you would expect going into it! If you want a fun sapphic rom com I’d definitely recommend this one. I wish it was a little less predictable and drew me in more, but overall I’d say it was a pretty good book!

This was a pretty cute book. I think it could have used some more diversity but overall a pretty quick queer read.

3 stars. Fixer Erin Rasmussen is the host of a show that renovates failing restaurants. Taylor Mobley is the head chef at a restaurant where the owner refused to listen to her suggestions. She has connections to the restaurant so she does not want to just leave. She did not want to like Erin as she thinks she is harsh and going to ruin her restaurant. The opposite happens when the sparks fly between them. They are unsure how to deal with her attraction she does not want to have.

This one I enjoyed a lot but I felt like the character's feelings were too quick. I feel like the characters barely know each other. I wanted them to talk more and really feel like they needed to talk more. I liked most is their interactions and how their relationship progressed. I liked the writing in the book and I would recommend it if you wanted an easy read.

Reality TV and food? I am here for this. I loved this sapphic romcom and definitely can see myself recommending to anyone who likes sapphic romcoms. I've never read anything from Erdell, but I can definitely say I'll be keeping my eye out for more in the future!

Romance, restaurants, reality television, and interesting characters. Taylor Mobley, talented chef looking to make her mark in the food and restaurant world. Erin Rasmussen, host of a successful television show (Restaurant Redo), slated to come to Taylor's restaurant next. When Erin and Taylor meet it is a butting of heads from the start. Both Taylor and Erin are likable characters with issues of their own. As they interact and get to know each other, there is a fun yet concerning back and forth. I like the self-talk and quiet support from family (well, some family) and friends. I really appreciated how Taylor interacted with your restaurant staff. I also liked the details presented about food preparation, ingredients, plate waste and food insecurity. These are topics I am personally interested in. In general, Off The Menu is a fun as well as educational read with some heartfelt romance and in my opinion, that is a good thing.

Off the Menu by Alaina Erdell is a lovely restaurant based romance that could best be described as sweet and spicy. Yeah, I know it’s kind of corny, but it’s true.

Taylor Mobley is unhappy in her job as the head chef of a big city restaurant. She knows what to do to make the restaurant profitable, but she is hamstrung by the owners’ insistence on choosing the menu items. She becomes even more unhappy when she hears that the owners have asked the reality show Restaurant Redo to use their business as a make-over segment on the show. It doesn’t matter if the star of the show, Erin Rasmussen is drop dead gorgeous and exceedingly good at what she does. Taylor doesn’t want her, or her film crew, in her kitchen. This is a great premise for the story and sets up the enemies-to-lovers trope really well. The kitchen sizzles with their antagonism and attraction, making the whole situation even spicier.

All of the characters are realistic, detailed and expressive. I could easily see myself meeting these folks in real life. The romance has just the right amount of gut-wrenching angst to keep you reading. And of course, there is a hungry, stray kitten that will definitely melt your heart.

I totally enjoyed reading this yummy romance. You should give it a nibble, too.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

A very sweet romance. Very emotional but also funny, It was quite believable and very enjoyable. I recommend.


Thank you, Bold Strokes Books, and NetGalley for this ARC.

What a sweet and spicy kitchen-set romance. Head chef Taylor is frustrated and hamstrung at her restaurant job. The stodgy owners are unwilling to make changes and profits are thin. But she sticks it out because it’s a job and she loves her staff. When she finds out that a restaurant fixing reality show is coming to film there, she’s not thrilled. Especially after she meets host Erin, who is shrewd and discerning and very hot. And seems to maybe like Taylor? But getting involved would be a terrible idea for both of them.

Funny and emotional, with well-drawn characters and just enough drama to flavor the love story. Plus a cute white kitten!

Side note: Does anyone else find it weird to read third person romance where one of the characters has your name? I wish there was a find and replace option on kindle, because I got distracted during every steamy scene when I read about what “Erin” was doing!

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

I love cooking reality shows, so this was an automatic request when I saw it on NetGalley. I thought it was a fun romance, with enough restaurant and television behind-the-scenes to keep me happy. Both main characters were well drawn and their relationship's evolution from slightly antagonistic to lovers was believable and a joy to read. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy.

I was a bit off at the start by the owners being such baddies. However I understand there had to be a reason why the two mains couldn’t clearly communicate. The sections when they started to get on but there were still issues doe the baddies manoeuvres interested me and I wanted to keep reading. However, around 60% pacing slipped. There wasn’t much happening in either the restaurant or romance plot. However the dropped pace only lasted for a chapter. I continued to read with compulsion. The romance had me hooked as did the comeuppance sub plot. Good job!
I am torn on the star rating for this book, aware of the brief drop in pace, but also aware how keen I was to get back to the story, every time I had to put it down. I think the compulsion ups it to 4 stars.

The book's main characters Taylor and Erin. Taylor is the executive chef at a fine dining restaurant, that is slowly but surely failing. Erin is the host of Restaurant Redo. A reality show that shows failing restaurants that are redone to ones that are making money, regardless of who loses their job.
Taylor knows of the show and the host. She knows that the restaurant is not doing well, despite of her numerous attempts to get the owners to change the menu and other suggestions. She knows that the show will show her in a bad light.
Erin's attempts to get Taylor to open up and share is maddening. However, when Erin is able to get her away from the restaurant, she sees a different side that will the time at the restaurant less tense.
What Taylor doesn't realize is she is going to get more than a redesign of the restaurant.
I would recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Reality TV and queer characters, yes please!

Taylor is the executive chef at a NYC restaurant. Erin is the host of a TV show that helps struggling restaurants, and she's slated to appear at Taylor's work. There's chemistry between them, banter, and attraction. It's a recipe for love, or disaster.

I liked the characters and the depth of their backstories. The demi rep was nice to see. This is definitely a favorite from this publisher so far.

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for providing this DRC in exchange for an honest review.

Off the Menu by Alaina Erdell was a delightful and refreshing restaurant novel clearly written by someone who spent time in a kitchen. Chef Taylor is thrown to the wolves when Restaurant Redo host Erin walks through the door. Attraction is instant but trying to determine the shortcomings of the restaurant are incredibly difficult with Chef Taylor.

As someone who is in kitchens, the dynamic of the kitchen was beautifully described. The pace, the nuiance, the relationship amongst employees. I very much appreciated the scene relating to the reataurant cleanliness compared to health department inspection. The relationship between Ern and Taylor faced many trials but is well built throughout the book.

If you like reading kitchen or chef novels with some spice, this is your book!

3.5/5 stars

This was a highly engaging story of love caught between the crosshairs of a failing restaurant and a reality TV show. The concept of this book alone is highly entertaining, I love the idea of peaking behind the scenes of a reality show. It added wonderful tension to the story regarding what’s true in reality, what appears to be true to others and what is portrayed to the broader public. This added plenty of drama and tension to the story, making it highly engaging to the very end.

The romance between Erin and Taylor was also very enjoyable. I love when our main characters get off on the wrong foot. I wouldn’t quite say this was enemies to lovers but there was definitely a lot of butting heads and banter at the beginning, which turned into delightful sexual tension and chemistry. While the romance was fun and full of chemistry, I did feel that it became a bit repetitive towards the end with the ups and downs. It was still full of great chemistry, but neither character stood out to me individually. I wish we had more time to develop the characters on their own and with their friends (which we did get a bit I admit), because it was hard to identify them and their intentions.

Still, this was a delightful read full of fun chemistry and a tension-filled plot.

4.75/5 stars! I was so excited about this premise. The sapphic contemporary romance mixed with a reality restaurant show felt like the perfect combination. This vaguely reminded me of a Tessa Bailey book where the characters are forced together to renovate a house. This gave strong enemies-to-lovers vibes and I couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed Taylor and Erin's story.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review