Griffin Connor is a muti-faceted motif in the novel. He is an allusion to Gordon Ramsey, the real-world British chef known for his aggressive television persona. Elliott narrates, “Some people think Griffin Connor is obnoxious—Mom can’t stand the way he calls people Muffinheads and throws muffins at them […]. She doesn’t understand that it’s only because he wants everyone to do their best” (13). In the beginning of the text, Elliott idolizes Griffin Connor, taking his assertions seriously and rejecting baking and recipes, but as Elliott’s character arc progresses, his views start to shift. He ends with a solid respect for Griffin Connor but with the ability to judge for himself—“I still think he is a genius, but I’ve decided that recipes can be a good thing” (252).

Griffin Connor is a father figure in Elliott’s life. His extreme criticism resembles Mark’s frequent nagging, but unlike with Mark, Elliott can relate to Griffin Connor through cooking. The chef fills gaps in Elliott’s life, serving as a role model and teaching Elliott how to cook. However, as Elliott forms new connections with Maribel and Kunal and as his relationship with Mark grows stronger, he starts to lose his worshipping mindset and assume a more independent position.