Second Line Two Short Novels of Love and Cooking in New Orleans In this captivating book, author Poppy Z Brite takes us on a culinary journey through the vibrant city of New Orleans, where two passionate chefs, Gman and Rickey, embark on a delicious adventure filled with love, cooking, and the evolution of technology. Set in the heart of the Lower Ninth Ward, these two short novels showcase the duo's unwavering dedication to their craft, as they navigate the ups and downs of the competitive culinary world. The Value of X introduces us to Gman and Rickey, who have grown up in the bustling city of New Orleans and are just beginning to realize that there are only two essential things in life - cooking and each other. Despite their parents' reservations about their plans, they secure an impossible-to-resist spot at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. As they work tirelessly to perfect their skills, complications arise, such as bruised egos, fired employees, and even a physical altercation with one of their former waiters.

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