The chef behind the renowned New York City restaurant Le Bernardin, Eric Ripert was never likely to become a major player in the culinary world. Growing up in southern France, Ripert was devastated by his parents' divorce, the bullying of his stepfather, and the unexpected death of his Dad on a hiking trip. Passionately interested in cooking, Ripert was told that boys don't belong in the kitchen, but as he recounts in this frank memoir, his willpower won the day, and he patiently worked his way to the top of the profession.

"Passionate, poetical…. What makes [this book] compelling is the honesty and laudable humility Ripert brings to the telling."—Chicago Tribune