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Book Review of Yes, Chef: A Memoir

Yes, Chef: A Memoir
reviewed on + 1448 more book reviews


This is a very interesting book about a young man of color who wanted to be a professional soccer player but is cut from his high school team because he is too small. Turning to food, he works hard to develop his talent and skills to become a professional chef. His mantra is to say nothing except "Yes, chef," and remain invisible by just working hard and doing his tasks the best way he can. He describes his experiences as he travels the world to discover food and its mysteries. He also fails at his first attempt to open his own restaurant and learns the hard way about business through experience. Sometimes when I read a book I encounter a sentence or phrase that I treasure. Since the author was adopted this one referring to his sister had special meaning: "Ann wasn't black or white, she was joy." As I read this book, I thought that I would like to know this man. He has his life on track and his values verified. All I can say is that if you like stories of struggle about real people and love food you will enjoy this read.