Beautiful young Brazilian chef Isabella (Penelope Cruz) works at her life's passion: cooking, alongside her sexy restaurateur husband, Toninho (Murilo Benicio). Unfortunately, Isabella is hidden in the kitchen while Toninho takes the credit. In certain situations, though, Isabella must seize control--while driving and while having sex--in order to overcome her crippling motion sickness. Eventually, Toninho tires of Isabella being on top in bed, so he cheats on her with another woman. Discovering his tryst, the shattered Isabella flees Brazil for San Francisco, to stay with her friend Monica (Harold Perrineau, Jr.), a fun-loving transvestite. Starting a new life is difficult, however, as Isabella has trouble finding a job and even more trouble forgetting her husband. In desperation, she makes an offering to Yemanja, the goddess of the sea, and asks for help. With Yemanja's help, Isabella meets a handsome television producer, Cliff (Mark Feuerstein), who wants the lovely chef to be the star of a new cooking show. Just when Isabella's life seems to be falling into place, a distraught Toninho arrives to shake things up. Featuring a heartfelt, truthful performance by Cruz, Torres's tale is one of magical realism, mysticism and true love.
