10-28-09 The Devil in the Kitchen by Marco Pierre White w/James Stean – Non-Fiction

5 – This is the story of the first rock star chef.  The irony is that he did not want the fame and TV offers and articles; all he wanted was to make the best food and create the best dining experience possible.  He did achieve those goals and did it at such a young age that the media just couldn’t help themselves.  White was the first British chef and the youngest chef ever to win three Michelin stars.  He was also the first chef to give the stars back.  His life is fascinating and a wonderful glimpse into the autocratic kitchens that are no longer the norm.  He was an asshole in his kitchen but it was because he strove for absolute and consistent perfection.  He had some well known chefs work under him in his kitchens before they were famous: Dave Ramsey, Mario Batalli, and Heston Blumenthal among them.  He knew celebrities and met royalty.  He even went into business for a time with Michael Caine.  His stories are funny and informative if a bit crass.  There is a LOT of swearing in this book.  He loves food and continues to do so even though he retired from being a chef in 1999.  If you also love food, pick up this book and chow down.