12 episodes, 30 minutes per episode

This was a simple story and relatively easy watch (due to its short duration per episode) with a few simple characters.

Kang Chang Wook (Han Seok Kyu), a workaholic, did not know how to cook until his ex-wife, Jung Da Jung (Kim Seo Hyung) was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer. They lived together again with his ex-wife’s diagnosis and he started to learn to cook for her (and their son) so that she could have nutritious foods.

The story started from the time they lived together again and him starting to cook for her. It revolved around the two of them as the main leads, their day-to-day lives and subsequently as the episodes moved on, Da Jung’s illness became more serious and we saw her battle with final-stage cancer.

As expected, there were more and more tear-jerking scenes as we saw the painful battle. I rejoiced with Chang Wook every time when the doctor said there was improvement in her condition and she could eat something. He listened intently each time to what the doctor said Da Jung could eat and then endeavored to make something for her. My heart ached and my tears flowed when I saw the amount of effort he put in but only to have Da Jung too sick to eat or throwing up everything.

I was enthralled by Chang Wook’s cooking. There was a representative dish in each episode and some sort of a story revolving around the dish. It was heartening to see him becoming more interested and better in his cooking. And how he worked tirelessly to try to make every dish as organic and as less-processed as possible for Da Jung and how he put his best effort and even more so when his wife specifically requested for that particular dish.

I liked his narration to the audience in the form of writing his blog because I could understand his unexpressed feelings from cooking each meal and seeing his family eat them. Looking at his expression each time when he watched his family eat his dishes reminded me of how people love to watch their loved ones enjoy every bite of their cooking.

There was nothing negative that I wish to mention about this drama. The acting was highly convincing and natural, especially the main leads, both of whom I understand are veterans.

I would recommend this drama definitely. It is not the cheery kind where you can laugh your head off while watching, but it is realistic, heartrending yet healing and inspiring. After watching, I wanted to try cooking the food too. Cooking steps were not in detail but ingredients and amounts to be added were mentioned. I usually do not rewatch dramas, but I may consider rewatching some cooking scenes of Chang Wook occasionally to get some ideas for healthy Korean dishes :D