Adriana, a young, inspired, and ambitious French-Senegalese chef, dreams of Michelin stars. Until the day she finds herself unwittingly partnered with Jeff and Angèle Rubens, a brother and sister who run an illegal gambling den. Having taken over the restaurant, they recognize the potential of the place and Adriana's talent, and create a poker game in the back room that quickly becomes legendary. The restaurant then becomes the center of their business and their burgeoning empire. Witness to, and then unwitting accomplice in, the criminal activities of her new partners, Adriana fights by any means necessary to regain control of her life and her restaurant, Ballast.