I adore anything with a detailed background story of restaurants, but while this had a lot of fascinating information, it tended to wander around and got a little too involved with various backstories that I had no interest in reading. What I enjoyed were the stories of how Huertas got started along with the day to day routines and staff duties. I tended to skim other backstories about peripheral characters and other restaurants that were not directly involved with Huertas.

That all being said, this would be an excellent book for any aspiring chef who is thinking of opening a restaurant, cafe, or food truck, as the detailed business information would be invaluable.

A fascinating and fast paced behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make it in New York's demanding restaurant scene. Highly recommended!

Generation Chef‘s look into a new restaurant’s first year of life is equal parts food and business book. I particularly loved getting a behind the scenes look at the ups and downs of an entrepreneurial restaurant venture. Running a new restaurant clearly takes courage and a steady hand and I was frighteningly nervous for Miller and his team as they approached each new milestone (applying for a liquor license, awaiting a New York Times review, etc). I realized how much I respect people who run small businesses and I’m fairly certain I couldn’t pull it off without an emotional breakdown.

Specific to the restaurant business, Generation Chef highlighted how hard a new restaurant has to work to get noticed amidst the NYC clutter. Stabiner provides illuminating color about the frenzied restaurant environment of the early 2000’s and the impact of social media. She also compares Miller and Huertas’ story with that of other famous chefs including David Chang, Stephanie Izard, April Bloomfield, and Gavin Kaysen. Generation Chef reminded me of Stephanie Danler’s Sweetbitter, minus all the drugs and sexual angst, and is a great choice for people interested in the business side of opening a new restaurant. Plus, it made an appearance on my 2016 Books That Make Perfect Holiday Gifts List!

I love the behind the scenes books about foodie stuff, especially a chef's life.
Except this book completely missed the mark.



It's about a young chef opening his dream restaurant..all at a young age. I'm sure he is interesting or at least I hope so..but this book made it all a snoozefest for this reader.



I didn't really care to read about all the rambling backstories, the money troubles of sooo many people (I'd totally look in my own wallet if I wanted to cry about that) and if I'm reading a book that involves food at least give me some decent food stories.


Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review