The head chef at swish Hamburg restaraunt The Lido, Martha Klein's perfectionism and obsession with good cooking leaves little free time for romantic entanglements. However, when her sister tragically dies in a car accident, Martha's boss Frida insists she take time out to care for her eight year old niece Lina whilst attempts are made to locate Lina's estranged father.

Returning to work after struggling to bond with this stubborn, headstrong child, Martha finds that dashing Italian sous-chef Mario has been hired to help in the kitchen. Initially threatened by this unorthodox intruder, Martha slowly comes to confide in him, so beginning a relationship that will fundamentally alter her attitude to life.

An enthralling and utterly charming bittersweet comedy about acceptance and the pressures of modern day life, this subtle, flavoursome and engagingly performed tale brought the compelling Gedeck and the equally note perfect Castellito numerous outstanding actor awards.