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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
I can understand how this could be the Bible of the kitchen industry. I think his “idgaf” writing style is gift that others can only replicate via speaking so writing that way is an excellent skill. When I started this book in May, AB was reaching idol level in my brain and a couple days ago, I realized maybe he isn’t the best person to do that to (nobody is. Pls don’t idolize anybody ftlog). Because — some of his experiences and stories are fucked up. The whole “never skip a day of work even if you have to miss your gma’s funeral” and “if you’re gonna work in the cooking industry, you’re gonna have to tolerate a lot of bullshit like SH” was a complete miss. I look back at the chapters he wrote that I read a couple months back and realized “wow. That’s so not right.”
My favorite parts is when he gives marginalized communities their credit. Latino community and other immigrant communities are the backbone of the industries in America. His love for these communities is shown a lot throughout the book and not just mentioned one and done kinda thing. I loved that.
You could tell he was a bit of a lonely guy based on his incredibly busy schedule in the kitchens, relationships with his coworkers/chef friends and that he needed a lot of guidance.
You could feel the way he wandered in the world in this book. If you’ve seen parts unknown or no reservations, the way his purposeful wandering was seen on screen, you could sense what that was like from his writing.
My favorite parts is when he gives marginalized communities their credit. Latino community and other immigrant communities are the backbone of the industries in America. His love for these communities is shown a lot throughout the book and not just mentioned one and done kinda thing. I loved that.
You could tell he was a bit of a lonely guy based on his incredibly busy schedule in the kitchens, relationships with his coworkers/chef friends and that he needed a lot of guidance.
You could feel the way he wandered in the world in this book. If you’ve seen parts unknown or no reservations, the way his purposeful wandering was seen on screen, you could sense what that was like from his writing.
I miss Tony and his rampant disdain for vegetarians. An excellent read and a true pioneer in his own craft! MHMBE
Audiobook version is A+. So inspiring, what a life!
funny
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
emotional
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
Loved how blunt and honest this book is and the grittiness all throughout this fine work.
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Such an awesome memoir. Personal, entertaining, educational. Would recommend to any and everybody
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
Hilarious and genuinely insightful into the restaurant industry. I love books that just feel real. Honest. Unembellished. Also love how hard he rides for Latino workers and explaining their exploitation and economic/legal precarity! (Not using any of those words obvi lmao)
Minus points for the sexism. Some of the ways he talked about women made me want to gag! This is very much a male perspective but it was overall entertaining and educational! I'll never see cooking and restaurants the same.
Minus points for the sexism. Some of the ways he talked about women made me want to gag! This is very much a male perspective but it was overall entertaining and educational! I'll never see cooking and restaurants the same.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexism
informative
medium-paced
funny
informative
medium-paced