A talented but abrasive chef struggles mightily with his personal demons and the relentless pressures of running a high-end restaurant. Over the course of one frantic day and night, he faces a rash of private trials and professional tribulations in a desperate bid to beat the odds and save the business that forms the very core of his identity and self-conception.

Nora is thrilled when her first novel shoots to the top of the bestsellers list but is terrified of speaking in front of crowds to promote her book, so Nora’s literary agent hires Daniel, a public speaking coach, to help Nora overcome her fears, which is easier said than done.