New Orleans, 2014. Once a locally celebrated chef and now on the cusp of forty, Laurent Ladnier finally pursues his longtime vision: to bring "true world fusion" cuisine to his native city. His partnership with a struggling restaurateur, Wilson Turner, faces mounting roadblocks-staffing and fiscal challenges, substance abuse, family emergencies, persistent naysayers, recurring self-doubt, a saboteur, and a tempting job offer. Laurent fights to achieve his dream while haunted by the mysterious death of his father, a struggling chef who also died at forty. When growing success and recognition give way to the ultimate setback, Laurent must make a decision-and face a violent act he never could have predicted.