In New York City, a young Italian-American guy sets out to become a chef, much to the chagrin of his father.

Steam tells the stories of three women, linked only by the steam room at the local gym. The women seem "stuck" in life, until eachfinds a new, fulfilling relationship.

After his transfer request to stay stateside is approved, a lieutenant in the National Guard faces a dilemma as one of his soldiers looks to go AWOL as their unit gears up for deployment to Iraq.