This show is not hard to watch as it's not plot driven, it depicts the lives of chefs and cooks in a restaurant setting with emphasis on their pasta cooking skills. Pasta is arguably the main character in this drama. There's a thread of depth that runs throughout this show as various themes are explored, one of the main themes showcased in the beginning is that of hard work versus talent; ultimately the show concludes that hard work will always win out over talent since talent does not succeed alone without hard work.

This show doesn't have much substance, a lot of themes and potential plot threads which were introduced in the beginning were later dropped or addressed sporadically and haphazardly. I would have loved it if the show had built up more on themes such as misogyny in the work place, restaurant politics, a more concerted effort by the second female lead to get her man back, the female lead's independence and freedom to make her own choices regarding her culinary career.

The cast is a great one with some outstanding performances especially from Lee Sun Kyun, his performance keeps this show afloat, his character growth is amazing but not too dramatic which keeps it all realistic. At the end of the drama, he retains his endearing, prickly exterior but there is a simultaneous softening which is illustrated by his increased thoughtfulness towards others, and his ability to take responsibility for his mistakes.
The chemistry between the two leads is snappy and cute and is one of this show's big draws.
Gong Hyo Jin's performance is not so impressive, I found her portrayal of the character too petulant, sulky and whiny, she always has a complaining facial expression and her head is almost always consistently bowed down. This is clearly not her best drama performance and I'm actually a fan of hers. It seemed like they are constantly on differing wavelengths and the male lead has to constantly lower himself to her level, I found myself wondering what he loved about her, and I'm sure this is not one question the show wants you to ask.

Anyway, the slice of life, semi-episodic nature of this drama works. I grew fond of most of the characters although there are some who literally are a waste of space, case in point the three female colleagues who hover throughout the show adding absolutely nothing to the narrative, as well as the second female lead, boy is she pathetic, what exactly is the point of this character, she had one facial expression throughout, a sly self-satisfied smile, definitely not Lee ha Nui's best performance.

This show could have done with less episodes.
I did enjoy the evolution of the two main stories in this drama, the love story between the leads as well as the warm bond that develops amongst all who work in the restaurant, especially the kitchen staff.