Care and Feeding: A Memoir by Laurie Woolever

I like restaurants. I like chefs. I like recipes and stories that involve behind the scenes peeks into how a restaurant kitchen is run. So, Laurie Woolever's new memoir, "Care and Feeding" ticked all of my foodie boxes. Woolever, a journalist and chef, worked for two of the culinary industry's most famous chefs: Mario Batali and Anthony "Tony" Bourdain. Woolever begins her career as a private chef for a wealthy New York City family. Those stories alone, of rich people and their absurd menu requests, could fill an entire book. But eventually she leaves the rich family to pursue a career in the restaurant business. It is there she meets first Batali, who was one of the most famous celebrity chefs of the time. Making his staff drink alcohol, go to strip clubs, and making passes at them, are eventually what brought Mario down in a scandalous fall from grace. But moving on from Batali, Woolever found a work home, and greater work satisfaction with Bourdain. He respected her as a television assistant and chef and paid her well for her dedication. However, Woolever soon realized that her own addiction to drugs and alcohol were getting the best of her. With a child and a husband, she then tries to forge a sober career for herself in the ever-changing food landscape. This is an excellent memoir that explores not only the restaurant industry but also the stress and toll this type of work can take on the body, mind and soul. To buy this book on Amazon click here.