Book excerpt: Walter Smolin works as a line-cook in the busiest restaurant in Eugene, Oregon. After rising from bed and going about his normal day, Walter must confront a battle between technology and chopping enough onions for 200 people after arriving at work. Computer systems fail before the busy Saturday night rush, and the restaurant is pinned against dire consequences when pencil and paper communication is all they are left with. After the Chef commits truancy and the acting manager loses his wits, Walter must fight through a chaotic kitchen, insomnia, illegible handwriting, and drunkenness to deliver sanity to co-workers and shrimp scampi to table #16. To be victorious Walter must carry his comrades through conflict, and himself through a struggle to resolve inner vulnerabilities.