Impressive book about running and working at restaurants., and behind the scenes, Some celebrity and famous restaurateurs makes this book a worthy read.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

This was a really good book! I enjoyed all of the insight into the restaurant business and it kept my attention throughout. It was very cool to read from someone who is a master in the industry and learn about his path. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it!

This was an excellent book. Drew describes his family life and growing up. Also, the restaurants he's opened. This book is well worth your time.

Those in the know of the culinary world have most likely heard about Nobu. It was interesting to read about the life of Drew Nieporent, who knows the ins and outs of the culinary world as an aspiring restaurateur and not a chef. It’s evident that Nieporent is passionate food and his job.

I think the author did a nice job of outlining the challenges of being a restaurant owner without being a chef and how much thought and planning goes into the hospitality part of the industry that often feels overlooked or invisible. Having acquaintances who own restaurants, I can relate to some of the stories about long hours and being on call all the time while making major business decisions. This is a very candid, insider look at the restaurant business, including all the challenges.

However, my main qualm with this memoir is that it felt like the many conflicts that the author had with his staff and partners didn’t entirely convince me that the author was in the right all the time, although a lot of the blame seemed to be placed on the opposing parties. While it’s possible that the author may be justified, it felt one-sided especially for some individuals who are no longer with us to defend their case. I also felt that there was too much leftover resentment from chefs leaving restaurants, which is honestly, a normal part of any industry if you’re seeking career growth.

Special thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest, independent review.

4.5 stars

This one is definitely for all my fellow readers and friends who love themselves some restaurant/food memoirs. Nieporent wasn’t a name I was familiar with but I certainly know his work as he worked at Tavern on the Green, (back when it was cooler) before he took a huge leap, starting Montrachet (with only 225K!), then Tribeca Grill with Robert DeNiro, Rubicon in San Francisco and, big finish, a little place called Nobu….maybe you’ve heard of it. And that is just to name a few.

So, he always knew, even as a kid, that he wanted to be in the restaurant business (which probably made him a slightly odd kid, but it worked for him.) He’s an incredibly hard worker, not too crazy, and his vice was food, not drugs. This is a must read for those of us who crave restaurant lore. Recommended.

This was a great feel good read. I love the culinary scene and thoroughly enjoyed reading how Drew started his empire and became a staple figure in the New York dining scene. Reading it felt like I was sitting across a restaurant table with a glass of wine listening to Drew effortlessly share his story.