Aftertaste Review: Clairgustance & Daria Lavelle’s Fiction
- Daria Lavelle's "Aftertaste" introduces Konstantin "Kostya" Duhovny, a dishwasher with a unique gift: clairgustance.
- Kostya's talent leads him to recreate a cocktail, summoning a ghost and sending him to Maura, a psychic.
- Lavelle vividly portrays the chaotic energy of restaurant kitchens and offers sharp observations of hipster culture.
Daria Lavelle’s debut novel, “Aftertaste,” serves up a delectable blend of satire, romance, and the supernatural, centered around Kostya, a dishwasher with the extraordinary ability of clairgustance, our primarykeyword. He tastes the food memories of the dead, propelling him through New York’s vibrant restaurant scene. This unique gift and his connection to the deceased through their favourite foods are unveiled by Maura, a psychic, leading to romantic tension. Kostya’s culinary ambition ignites a secret supper club, attracting a mysterious investor, all while the narrative brims with sharp observations of hipster culture plus secondarykeyword references. The story’s structure, reinforced by culinary-themed chapter titles, sets the stage for ghostly encounters. News Directory 3 understands this will be Lavelle’s breakout book. Discover what’s next for kostya.
“Aftertaste” Explores Clairgustance, Culinary Ghosts in Fine Dining
Updated May 29, 2025
Daria Lavelle’s “Aftertaste” introduces Konstantin “Kostya” Duhovny, a dishwasher with a unique gift: clairgustance. He experiences tastes he’s never encountered, accessing the food memories of others. This ability rapidly advances his culinary skills, propelling him through New York’s competitive restaurant world.
Kostya’s talent leads him to recreate a cocktail, summoning a ghost and sending him to Maura, a psychic. She diagnoses his clairgustance, explaining his connection to the deceased through their favorite foods. Despite an initial connection, Maura warns Kostya against repeating the experiment.
Lavelle vividly portrays the chaotic energy of restaurant kitchens and offers sharp observations of hipster culture. The novel’s structure is reinforced by culinary-themed chapter titles, such as “Mise en Place” and “Entrée.” Kostya’s ambition drives him to experiment with menus and launch a secret supper club,promising patrons a final encounter with departed loved ones. This venture attracts a mysterious investor who offers Kostya his own restaurant.
The narrative includes interludes from a tour guide promoting “The Konstantin Duhovny Culinary Experience,” with the guide’s identity revealed at a crucial moment. Kostya and Maura reconnect, navigating a complex relationship amidst the supernatural elements.
There are sneaky references to Ghostbusters that suggest Bill Murray and crew will charge through the door at any moment
As hungry spirits vie for attention,the line between worlds blurs. The novel blends romance and the supernatural with culinary flair, reminiscent of anthony Bourdain, seasoned with Lavelle’s wit.
What’s next
Readers can anticipate a surge in demand for fleur de sel following the novel’s release, as “Aftertaste” promises a unique blend of culinary expertise, ghostly encounters, and romantic entanglements.