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My Little Chef

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Drama Details
Title:My Little Chef
Telecast:2002-07-10 to 2002-09-11
Season:Summer 2002



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TV Station:TBS
Duration:10 Episodes
Viewership:8.19%



Synopsis
Seri, an unknown yet talented female chef from the country, arrives in Tokyo to work at French restaurant, Etoire, but discovers that they have gone out of business due to the departure of their main chef. Together with the restaurant's former manager, she opens a French restaurant of her own and begins to recreate the flavors her late father mastered as a famous gourmet chef. Unfortunately, Etoire returns with an unscrupulous manager, and to make matters worse, Seri learns that it happens to be owned by her birth mother living in Paris who she hasn't seen since she was a child. Seri wonders if her passion and skill will be enough to succeed.
TBS

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Soundtrack and Theme Songs (1)
1. Voyage [Hamasaki Ayumi 浜崎あゆみ]LYRICS | RINGTONE ]

Actor/Actress Cast (11)
Abe Hiroshi
阿部寛
 
Yada Akiko
矢田亜希子
 
Ueto Aya
上戸彩
 
Kajihara Zen
梶原善
 
Haba Yuichi
羽場裕一
 
Ichige Yoshie
市毛良枝
 
Kazama Morio
風間杜夫
 
Tani Kei
谷啓
 
Ishida Yuriko
石田ゆり子
 
Hosokawa Shigeki
細川茂樹
 
Uchida Asahi
内田朝陽
 
 

Drama Reviews (14)
!!WARNING!!
The review section may contain spoilers! Please understand
that you may find out about this drama's endings and plots!


1. I really liked it [Rating: 8/10]
It started off kind of slow, but then really picked up. I liked watching the main characters grow and change...they each had their own stories and things to deal with. And the audience had the smaller mini-stories almost every episode to keep us entertained while we waited to see how the main stories would turn out. The acting was great, and I was sorry to see it end :-( I could have watched a couple of more episodes :-)
Reviewed by Shani on 12 July 2004
2. If you like cooking doramas with a twist I liked t [Rating: 9/10]
I rerally liked it alot I must say. Though perhaps it felt predictible at times. I still did not sway from watching it. It kept my attention. And, if you have an open mind set to watch it. I'd say give it a shot. It's pretty enjoyible I'd say. Abe was funny in this. He plays another great role. And the main charater, (her name slips me Gomen) she was wonderful too. I'd like to see more by her. A+
Reviewed by Red Suns FC3S on 27 June 2005
3. charming and fun [Rating: ?/10]
i watched this because of abe hiroshi and none other than ueto aya. i liked it. im a sucker for cooking tv dramasa or mangas. plus i liked the whole french restaurant thing as well. it was fun to see aya acting silly and abe hiroshi acting kind of cool for a change. funny cuz im rewatching this right now. just rented it over the summer at tsutaya.
Reviewed by shozen on 11 November 2004
4. Nice drama [Rating: 8/10]
Aya Ueto, Akiko Yada, and Hiroshi Abe all in one drama. Three of my favorites. I don't think I would have enjoyed this drama without the strong cast that it had. The story is very innocent and light hearted. Nothing very dramatic or very funny just pleasent to watch with lots of images of good food and a ton of guest appearences.
Reviewed by MonsterZero-65 on 24 October 2006
5. Very talented acting [Rating: 8/10]
I really enjoyed seeing the great acting performances by Akiko Yada, Aya Ueto, and Abe Hiroshi. I hope this means Akiko Yada will start to see more lead roles. The story was loose but enjoyable, the food looked great and the music fit the show well. I was pleased with this show as it was original and warm.
Reviewed by Doramafan113 on 8 July 2004
6. Sweet drama [Rating: 8/10]
This is kind of a sweet drama. Akiko Yada was so cute in this and the cast was terrific including many special guest appearances. No episode really stood out and nothing really exciting happened but you end up rooting for everyone and enjoying the pleasant ride.
Reviewed by MonsterZero65 on 15 August 2010
7. Very Pleasent [Rating: 8/10]
Although the plot becomes redundant and the storyline becomes repetetive, I still thoroughly enjoyed this show. It's a food show, but the emphasis is moreso on the characters. I enjoyed every single character/actor, especially Akiko's role and Abe's role.
Reviewed by Wynter on 26 September 2010
8. Akiko can cook [Rating: 7/10]
Yada Akiko and Ueto Aya found the perfect roles here (they even end up sharing lip gloss). It's a drama with a good feel (and taste) and touching moments. Some eps are just too long and repetitive.
Reviewed by shari on 21 December 2006
9. Delightful! [Rating: 8/10]
A wonderfully delightful jdrama with well-rounded acting by the whole cast including Yada Akiko and Abe Hiroshi. With a light-hearted storyline, this enjoyable jdorama was a pleasure to watch.
Reviewed by Shindou on 14 September 2005
10. The best drama!!! [Rating: 10/10]
My favourite drama, the music, cast, story are the very good!!!
It's actually the first jp drama I bought and loved!
Watched it because relates to cookery!!!
Reviewed by kekkon on 29 July 2004
11. A Great drama [Rating: 9/10]
Really good acting performances--> Abe Hiroshi + Akiko Yada + Aya Ueto! Found it quite a touching story..like it a lot*
Reviewed by Kimmi on 12 August 2005
12. good, fun to watch [Rating: 8/10]
This is a drama for people who want something fun to watch. It is just fun to see what kind of food they make.
Reviewed by hitokiri333 on 27 December 2005
13. One of my best Drama... [Rating: 10/10]
if there had this kind of restaurant....i would like to go ....and their acting is really makes me laugh.
Reviewed by mabu tofuu on 26 December 2004
14. GOOD [Rating: 8/10]
Good series.. esp. if you like food/cooking..
Reviewed by Piloha on 7 January 2005

Comments From Users (135)
!!WARNING!!
This section may contain spoilers! Do not proceed if you
do not want to read about this drama's endings and plots!


1. Comments by loveaomori [Rating: 7/10]
If I had to give a mark to this dorama around the 8th episode I would have given a 5. But At the end, the episodes become more original ( before, each episode show us one or two customers who are depressing and cheer up eating at "petite etoile") The other bad point is that I don't understand why they are so surprised to face financial problem at the end! you know, with one customer a day and 6 or seven staff to feed you won't go very far!! Did you bought your gestion's diplome at a convinient store?? Anyway, it's sometimes boring but sometimes fun. Abe is great as usual, Ueto Aya is hot (The only show where I find her hot) and as I'm french it was funny to hear them saying a few words in french! Anyway, It doesn't deserve being in the top 50 but compare to other restaurant dorama like Oishii kankei and propose my little chef no hou ga suteki!( hey hey! )
2. Comments by MakiharaR [Rating: 8/10]
This was a spectacular drama with a decent story as I enjoyed it very much. The business part of the plot could've been better as it was not surprising to see the result at the end, but the character development for each customer and main cast were great. Most episodes consisted of a customer and their issue and the chef, Seri, asks questions to decide on the perfect menu. Each menu presented had the ability to move one's heart. This show also had a big French influence which made it enjoyable to hear the characters speak french. Aya Ueto looked really cute, Akiko Yada was adorable, and Abe Hiroshi was great. Ayumi Hamasaki's Voyage fit in great for this drama.
3. Comments by donna8157 [Rating: 6/10]
A decently written series with some quirky scenes. It was interesting in the beginning, but it began to become incredibly monotonous after the 3rd episode or so. I found the main chef to become extremely tiresome: ie talk to the customers to find out about them, create a dish for them, and then the customers are so moved that the meal changes their life. It's a predictable drama and I would only recommend it to those who have seen a lot of other dramas and wouldn't mind wasting some time watching this one.
4. Comments by matsu_takeiko [Rating: 6/10]
It was okay, somewhat enjoyable, but didn't leave much of an impression on me. As far as plots about culinary arts and uncovering secrets of the past go, I'd say Antique is so much better than this one. Many scenes were a bit cliched in the drama department, and Yada Akiko's acting was bland. I'm sad to say even my favorite Abe Hiroshi had a somewhat unmemorable character--that arrogant sous chef was more memorable. But this is great if you're into food or into the culinary arts.
5. Comments by DragonSpirit164 [Rating: 8/10]
This is a nice drama with lots of Yummy food!!~ The story is in the same mould as Lunch no Joou, but it goes one step further. Not only does it show that good food can bring one unrivalled happiness, but that it also can change the course of life itself. Akiko Yada is supremely beautiful in this one...wow. Also the theme song "Voyage" by Ayumi Hamasaki is brilliant!!!! I have never really liked on of Ayumi's songs until I watched this drama haha... Recommended!~
6. Comments by Lucian Dureau [Rating: 8/10]
Another way to see the art of cooking. What would you say if you have the opportunity to go to a restaurant where you can eat a customized dish only for you that helps you to rediscover yourself for ending up solving all your current problems?? This is the plot of this wonderful drama. It helped me to know one of the best japanese actress, Yada Akiko, who had the support at the show of another of doramas monster like Hiroshi Abe.
7. Comments by phoenix_angkasa [Rating: 7/10]
It started off kind of slow, but then really picked up. I liked watching the main characters grow and change...they each had their own stories and things to deal with. And the audience had the smaller mini-stories almost every episode to keep us entertained while we waited to see how the main stories would turn out. The acting was great, and I was sorry to see it end :-( I could have watched a couple of more episodes :-)
8. Comments by calico [Rating: 7/10]
I really like this drama about French cuisine. And I am becoming a fan of Yada Akiko and Abe Hiroshi. Although most scenes centred only in the restaurant, I like the warm and earnestness of this drama. It is a feel-good drama where people's lives are changed for the better through the efforts of a few. I have seen exquisite restaurants in Japan like the ones in the drama. Will love to dine in one one day.
9. Comments by godai-san [Rating: 9/10]
I initially watched it for the eye-candy (Yada Akiko & Ueto Aya) but was pleasantly surprised by the warmth of the storyline. Presented the world of French cuisine in a cheesy (a la Iron Chef) but fun way. 10 episodes was not enough if you ask me. I learned to appreciate the art of cooking from watching this show. I hope I find a Petite Etoile in my neighborhood someday.
10. Comments by Susan [Rating: 9/10]
With Yada Akiko and Abe Hiroshi at the helm of this lovely series, how could it dissapoint? I found myself drawn into the problems of the restaurant's patrons each and every episode, but what truly made this series was the gorgeous food. While I am disapointed that there wasn't much drama in this drama, I enjoyed the slice-of-life feel and the truly happy ending.
11. Comments by pcmodem [Rating: 10/10]
A dorama that people will love or be completely indifferent to, depending upon if they enjoy food-related stories: Eat Drink Man Woman, Like Water For Chocolate, A Walk In The Clouds, The Chinese Feast, et cetera. Good acting, interesting story and use of flashbacks, terrific recipes. Yada Akiko is nothing short of magical! Nice theme song by Ayumi too.
12. Comments by nishishi [Rating: 5/10]
Yada Akiko did a wonderful job in this dorama.. on the other hand... the Dorama appears (at least imo) that it doesnt have a main plot whatsoever...

Nways.. some of the stories r good... others not that much... well.. wat im trying to say is My Litte Chef is not the best dorama... (it faaar from beign that) its just OK!!!
13. Comments by kaonashi [Rating: 7/10]
Akiko Yada's plays a chef who's able to prepare unforgettable food, but only after a personal talk with the customer. Not the best drama there is, but sometimes this is exactly the kind you wanna watch, a lighthearted comedy. A surprisingly strong cast & lots of well known actors show up in supporting roles.
14. Comments by IniQx [Rating: 7/10]
It gets kinda boring as each episode features a certain group of people whose problems got solved just by eating the French cuisine made by Seri. alittle unrealistic. prepare lotsa tissue as u watch. not bcoz it's tear-jerking but the mouth-watering cuisines featured.
15. Comments by -Takashi- [Rating: 8/10]
Ive seen 2 episodes of this. the first episode was really good and got me into it. I didnt think I would like it that much because its about cooking, but their is so much more to it that makes me like it. You should check it out.
16. Comments by gaijinmark [Rating: 7/10]
Got off to a REAL slow start, after episode 4 I was wondering if I could finish it. But then, with episode 5, things started to come together and I ended up liking it a lot. "My Little Chef" is a nice little drama.
17. Comments by 206 [Rating: 8/10]
Akiko Yada is one of my favorite actresses and mixed with food ala iron chef how can it be bad? You can't beat the food and the stories it brings. Nice series, I enjoyed it! Aya and Hiroshi Abe were good too!
18. Comments by minochi99 [Rating: 5/10]
It's okay. Yada and Aya were cute, but that's about it I have to say. Kinda boring to tell you the truth. The food looks good. One of Abe's less memorable roles. He just didn't stood out like in his other roles.
19. Comments by suki83 [Rating: 10/10]
love the stroy plot..another drama about food. the best part,i like the food arrangement very mucj..n the worst part in this drama that i feel hungry when i see the delicious food...hehe..aya's always kawaaii
20. Comments by Dorobou [Rating: 8/10]
A very light-hearted show where the chef interprets and touches a person's life with her food. A very feministic show that will attract female audiences more, nonetheless it's great for everyone.
21. Comments by Danji [Rating: 8/10]
This is a fantastic inspirational show which has plenty of humor. My Little Chef brings to light ways to cook and essences of how to blend things of food based on life that I hadn't thought of.
22. Comments by SyoCamui [Rating: 9/10]
I loved watcing this. It was very enjoyable although very much torture at times making one very hungry. So snacking or dining while watching is a must. Aya is also in this so it's a great drama.
23. Comments by aiscess [Rating: 9/10]
Hmmm...Hmmm...the food that Yada Akiko was making in this dorama look very very delicious ;) As usual, Abe is so funny in this series & also Aya together with the two assistant Chefs.
24. Comments by bigfire [Rating: 7/10]
One of the most elegent dramas you'll ever see, 'My Little Chef' is a delicate and delicious ride. Very touching, but not too sappy and filled with a string of 'feel-good-ness' moments.
25. Comments by Hilmi Isa [Rating: 10/10]
A drama about cooking,determination and family love/ties! I very like Yada Akiko's acting in this drama. Very different from other dramas. A drama you must watch for Yada Akiko's fans!
26. Comments by Aya_fans [Rating: 7/10]
teheee can I eat some yada aiko food?? Well I like this drama.. it's focusing on food of course.. and aya played a good character there.. yummy food.. my tummy is singing again :-P
27. Comments by g_hunter1 [Rating: 8/10]
Nice drama involving food and emotions. This may seem weird for some people but hey people eat icecream when their upset. This drama has it touching momments. Enjoyed seeing it.
28. Comments by Geezer [Rating: 3/10]
There's no there there. An empty shallow showcase for the differant costars they brought in every week. There's nothing to love or hate here. a very forgettable series.
29. Comments by eltinator [Rating: 8/10]
Talk about good food and a sweet story line! My Little Chef is an excellent drama for both food lovers and drama lovers alike. Akiko was very cute as was my Aya-chan!
30. Comments by Hanzo21 [Rating: 8/10]
The story was good. Aya's older half-sister and chef was great. Abe Hiroshi was great. The only complaint is that Aya didn't have a bigger role. Sono hoga suteki!

Read all 135 comments from users


Users who voted for this drama (63)
1. Eyeyore
A rare jdorama with the main characters not romantically involved, the older artistes pulled off so elegantly, the preparation of Crepe Suzette Flambe was unforgettable. I have never been eager to watch Yada Akiko but every chapter is so beautiful to watch......and none rely on heavyweight actors. The only fault is the screenwriter is not familiar with gastronomy at all when this is written. Risotto is Italian, not French. A real cook does not need to taste his food to measure how much seasoning to put. It goes with experience. Wine glasses for champagne and burgundy are different.....that's the only hiccup. My favourite chapter is about the diner who arranged for her father to meet her prospective husband.The hilarious thing was both men are of the same age but one looks older than the other ! Guess who ?
2. hiroshi
One of these sleeper dramas that you don't discover until afterwards. Yada Akiko pulls off being the leading lady admirably. Very strong supporting cast including Abe Hiroshi and Ueto Aya. Each episode is a strong story that stands on its own. Very well done and a joy to watch for anybody who likes a good drama and appreciates great food. itadakimasu!
3. pandan_girlz83
Aya's didn't act as a main role actress but ther acting was really interesting n keep me to follow the drama till the end..The food really makes me hungry
4. jovie2109
hey..this another food drama that i really enjoy. Although aya's dont play as a leading actress but her acting was always great n cute
5. ThyGriever
Touching drama! It gives you a good feeling after you watch it and you can enjoy it no matter what age you are~ Really fun to watch!
6. ayachan_83
such a wonderful drama with lovely foods..although aya's not a lead actress, but i still like her attitude very much. cheerful..
7. cutie_aya85
Although Aya don't acting very much in this drama, but I still enjoy of her character.. A wonderful french food drama..
8. lov_aya
Such a wonderful food drama. I really enjoy watching the luxury foods and Aya's acting more better and better..
9. pcmodem
A dorama made from a recipe of lost dreams, new hopes, and a French twist with a Japanese attitude.
10. fahim87
for french restaurant fans, do watch this drama! u'll enjoy the food and desserts..kawaaii..Go Aya!
11. jovi_cute1986
what a wonderful drama where always make me feel hungry..Aya's hair interesting for many types
12. youri77
Abe Hiroshi, Ueto Aya & Yada Akiko with my favourite french theme.
What more can u ask?
13. wintersweet
It's a little cheesy, but I'm a sucker for this kind of thing. Exceedingly cute and sweet.
14. polabear_85
Aya's amazing..whatever character she plays a role, i would definitely like her so much..
15. cutie_girlz83
Aya's always crazy n hope there's another drama for Aya that make her as a lead actress
16. kurenai
aya, aya, aya. but seriously, this was a good show to watch. sad to see it end.
17. mikomiko123
very informative and very nice... i luv it... "food that changes our hearts." xD
18. aya83
hope the hero will be some other guy..but, bcoz of Aya..i'm still watching it.
19. i_lov_aya
aya...aya....i watch your drama altough u play a minor roles but still great!
20. John Batusai
well i can say that aya ueto is a very good actress she perform very nice
21. aya_fans85
so nice to see Aya can act in so many types of role.Such a nice drama too
22. kin_2109
a good jdorama..aya's always cute in her hairstyle..she's very stylish!!
23. japanese_girlz87
i enjoyed very much when watching food drama...plus the ueto aya acting!
24. chipsmore_cube
food...food..abe was good in this drama. So Ueto Aya too!
25. suki_1305
This drama was so great and the food was very delicious
26. gto_girlz83
aya..aya...aya..she's so kawaii in her waitress dress
27. Red Suns FC3S
Good dorama. If your into the resturant type shows.
28. greenepal_82
i love aya..that's why i vote this drama..hehe
29. kozue_girlz83
aya so kawaii...that's why i watch this drama
30. lov_ayachan
Wonderful french food dorama..enjoy and funny

Read all 63 votes from users