The Universe blesses Felicien by making him Chef of Citronelle, a gourmet restaurant set up in Santa Barbara by Michel Richard. Simultaneously, he curses Felicien with Peter, a restaurant manager, who is determined to force his Ideas upon an uncooperative Reality. Visions of power, prestige and promotion corrupt Peter and his accomplices. These Ideas threaten to erode Citronelle's Fine Dining Experience. Simultaneously Brain deludes Don the Waiter with Eastern philosophies of detachment - dissuading him from taking action to protect the restaurant. Luckily the Universe arranges circumstances to awaken his Heart and get him involved.

When Idea and Reality Collide is the first book of the restaurant trilogy, Citronelle's Rise and Fall. The trilogy chronicles and celebrates Citronelle's tragic life in the Fine Dining spotlight, beginning with her rise to national acclaim and ending with her fall into obscurity and death.