I really enjoyed this look at one day in the crazy world of working in a restaurant. I always think it seems like an amazing job until I read a book like this that makes me crash down to reality and realize that it's HARD WORK. Fascinating book, recommended.

Interesting day-in-the-life of a sous chef memoir, written in the second person, with descriptions of all the restaurant staff positions and personalities. Seems like a realistic depiction of the stressful atmosphere, conflicts, and teamwork of a kitchen in a busy NYC restaurant. The somewhat abrupt ending is followed by a large glossary of kitchen/cooking terms.

Due to unexpected circumstances, I was unable to finish this selection. Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity.

Tried to get into this book but it just wasn’t for me unfortunately.

24 hours in the life of a professional kitchen. It's not just about the sous chef, although that is the POV through which the story is told. If you've ever wondered how that delicious food on your table in a fine restaurant got there, it isn't like your mama's kitchen. Not at all. It takes many hands to make one dish.
I loved this book, and I still wonder how these people have the stamina to do this job day in and day out. It seems more difficult and more strenuous than even digging for coal.
The book begins with a diagram of the kitchen, the layout of the restaurant's "back of the house" and an introduction to what is going to be a grueling day. Then it swings into order what has happened, is happening, and what is going to happen, in the period of 24 hours.
Excellent one-day snapshot of how these people feed the rest of us.

I've always been fascinated with chefs. I'm a bit stalkerish as I watch or read anything I can get my hands on with them in it.


Rawr! They have food! Good food! And they make the magic and make dishes that I would never dream of. That I don't have to clean up after.
I used to sorta fantasize about doing it myself but the hours are just unreal. Even if I wasn't an old lady with a million kids.

This book gives you 24 hours in the life of a sous chef.
This book gives you 24 hours in the life of a sous chef.

You are with him when he goes in that morning to check the coolers.
Then when the pandemonium of service finally begins..you are in the heat of the action. I felt like I needed to be cutting up some vegetables at this point. Really, really fast.
Then when the day ends..there really isn't much of a break.
I loved this inside look. The author addresses the reader as "you" so you feel like it's you that observing and participating in this high action world. Now I just wish I could have tasted some of that food.