Review 50: Umaimon Kuwasero

Art: 8.5
Plot: 8
Characters: 8
Sex: 8

This one is pleasingly food-centric, and centers on two professional chefs - one studying Japanese cuisine, the other French cuisine. Throughout the story, their rivalry spurs them on towards their own success, just as their budding love is realized. Yasaka, the guy on the right, is the 'uke' who studies Japanese cuisine and has always admired/hated Yae, the guy on the left, who practics French cuisine but is also a master of Japanese cuisine. Their heated rivalry makes their romantic scenes even more entertaining, not to mention dramatic.

The art is very consistent and satisfying, and the food is portrayed with great skill. Which is, of course, a necessity of any food-centric manga, yaoi or not.

The plot is decent, with plenty of drama as well as some quieter, romantic moments thrown in there. There are some great 'whoaz' yaoi moments as well. But unfortunately, the story is a little too dramatic and soap opera-ish for me to give it a better score than average.

The sex is amusing on so many levels. I mean, it's all about location. The first scene (all right, half-scene) in the kitchen... and the second one takes place in the private room of a traditional japanese restaurant! Is that classy or what? Honestly, though, it is quite good regardless... if only one can forget exactly where it is taking place.

All in all, 32.5/40. Not bad at all! The food must have helped.

Recommendation: For those of us who share a love of miso soup. Nah, just kidding. But if you're culinarily-inclined, or just like sex scenes where both characters are dressed in kimono... go ahead.