Cover Image: Rebel Chef

Rebel Chef

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I have become a collector of chef written books in the past couple of years. This is just average. But maybe I say that because she had no demons to overcome like all the other books I have read thus far. She doesn’t have a drug or alcohol problem. She does not battle with depression. From the outside, it appears her biggest issue is sticking to a relationship. Doesn’t make for fascinating reading. I admire her ethics regarding food sourcing and would definitely eat at her restaurants due to that and her minimalist approach to serving meat. Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

3 stars. *

Rebel Chef is the autobiography/memoir of Dominique Crenn.
Always drawn to strong female stories, I was interested in reading hers.
She has an interesting story, but I found parts of her life overly expanded and others rushed.

Overall, worth reading.

*with thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Was this review helpful?

As a lover of food, I love hearing stories of others that appreciate the power of food. The power to shape someone's life, the power to bring people together, the power to heal and the power to create memories. It was also interesting to hear about Crenn's childhood in France and how she brought that forward in her cooking. I am not sure this read would be enjoyed by those not already connected to food. There was something lacking to bring it all together or make for a truly memorable read. I was also a bit confused by the title as it did not seem like much of what Crenn did was truly rebellious other than being a woman, demanding her first role in a kitchen and starting a business later in life. I think this plays more to her perseverance and determination than it does her rebellion.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 Stars, rounded up to 4.

Rebel Chef is the story of Dominique Crenn, from her adoption and childhood in France to owning her own restaurant and finding success in America. She shares personal stories without holding back, and it is interesting to read. I'm a fan of food, and at first it seemed to me that there were plenty of stories about Crenn's personal life, and not enough about food and her career as a chef. However, the last 30 percent of the book made me happy as she talked a lot about menu choices and the food she serves in her restaurant. There is a small section that gets a little preachy about food choices.

If you love biographies and food, you will enjoy this book.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers and Netgalley. My review is voluntary

Was this review helpful?

This is such a fascinating book that I highly recommend to everyone. Adopted at a very young age by a wonderful couple, Dominique’s life was full of love and travel. Without any culinary school training she moves from Paris to San Francisco and begins by waitressing to the kitchen and ends up working for Jeremiah Tower. She moves on to being an Executive Chef and finally opens to opening Atelier Crenn. She talks about her mistakes and her personal life. This is such a fascinating memoir that I highly recommend. One of the best food memoirs that I have ever read!

Was this review helpful?

Celebrity chef memoirs are plentiful these days. I didn't find this one to be terribly informative or insightful. Although Dominique Crenn seems to have had a colorful background, very few specifics are delved into. She skips over years and relationships and experiences in restaurants without going into much detail. I was not impressed with this book.

Was this review helpful?

Intimate brave a strong woman who shares with us her adoption.The fact that she’s never looked like anyone else in her family.Her adventures as a chef her strength and talents.her rise to the top as a iconic Michilen winning chef .A female who succeeded who rose to the top in the man centric world,A terrific revealing read.#netgalley#rebelchef

Was this review helpful?