Episode Summary: Be sure to stock up on snacks before listening! On this hunger-inducing episode, author Amanda Elliot joins me to discuss her latest release, a food critic v. food critic romance called Best Served Hot. Other topics include the symbiotic relationship between food, sex, & romance, the surprisingly positive impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on 2023 book releases, and a bit of 90s nostalgia. Enjoy!

Guest: Amanda Elliot, author of Best Served Hot

Book Summary:
Two restaurant critics learn their opposing tastes might make for a five-star relationship in the next foodie romantic comedy from the author of Sadie on a Plate.

By day, Julie Zimmerman works as an executive assistant. After hours, she’s @JulieZeeEatsNYC, a social media restaurant reviewer with over fifty thousand followers. As much as she loves her self-employed side gig, what Julie really wants is to be a critic at a major newspaper, like the New York Scroll. The only thing worse than the Scroll’s rejection of her application is the fact that smarmy, social-media-averse society boy Bennett Richard Macalester Wright snagged her dream job.

While at the Central Park Food Festival, Julie confronts the annoyingly handsome Bennett about his outdated opinions on social media and posts the resulting video footage. Julie's follower count soars—and so does the Scroll’s. Julie and Bennett grudgingly agree to partner up for a few reviews to further their buzz. Online buzz, obviously.

Over tapas, burgers, and more, Julie and Bennett connect over their shared love of food. But when the competitive fire between them turns extra spicy, they'll have to decide how much heat their relationship can take.

Show Notes:
- Let's talk food and foodie romance with Amanda Elliot
- Cookbooks and recipes we love
- Food vs. romance novels (and what they have in common)
- Amanda's romance reading & writing journey (00:06:45)
- Our shared passion for "Top Chef"
- The impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on 2023 book releases
- The symbiotic relationship between food & sex & romance (00:14:12)
- The Literary Dates food tour collab we need!
- Food evokes memories (and creates new ones)
- Creating a hand-me-down recipe keepsake (here's the tea towel I bought for my Mimi)
- What's up next for Amanda? (00:24:20)
- The dream project or story Amanda is dying to tell...
- 90s nostalgia for the win

Books & Other Media Mentioned:
- Well Met by Jen DeLuca
- "Top Chef" Season 20
- Sadie on a Plate (Amanda's previous book)
- For Her Consideration by Amy Spalding
- Take the Lead by Alexis Daria

Links:
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