Kate Armstrong is a very successful, self-reliant chef working at one of Manhattan's top restaurants. Other than a few episodes at work with difficult customers her life is seemingly perfect. But everything changes when her sister dies in a car accident and leaves her only child, Zoe (Abigail Breslin), to be cared for by Kate who is her only living relative. After she takes time off to care for Zoe, she is quickly "replaced" by a new chef, the charming and sometimes arrogant Nick Palmer. After several mishaps, she and Nick agree to co-exist peacefully and stay out of each other's way in the kitchen. But when Nick forms a bond with Zoe, Kate begins to rethink her hatred towards Nick. Banter and flirting ensues and their relationship becomes more and more complicated.

Kate: [about Nick] The man talks to poultry... and I'm the one in therapy?

[Kate thinks Nick is leaning in for a kiss]
Nick: Your head is on my scarf.
Kate: Oh, sorry

Kate: You take care of those dishes and I'll take care of these.
Nick: Your half is bigger than mine.

Kate: This place is who I am.
Nick: No, it's not. It's only a little part.

Nick: You never drink at work... you never eat desert... I'm kind of hoping you'll tell me you never go out with guys that sing opera.
Kate: I never go out with guys that sing opera.