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Roasting in Hell's Kitchen: Temper Tantrums, F Words, and the Pursuit of Perfection
Everyone thinks they know the real Gordon Ramsay: rude, loud, pathologically driven, stubborn as hellFor the first time, Ramsay tells the full inside story of his life and how he became the world's most famous and infamous chef: his difficult childhood, his brother's heroin addiction, his failed first career as a soccer player, his fanatical pursuit of gastronomic perfection and his TV persona—all of the things that made him the celebrated culinary talent and media powerhouse that he is today.
In Roasting in Hell's Kitchen Ramsay talks frankly about his tough and emotional childhood, including his father's alcoholism and violence and their effect on his relationships with his mother and siblings. His rootless upbringing saw him moving from house to house and town to town followed by the authorities and debtors as his father lurched from one failed job to another.
He recounts his short-circuited career as a soccer player, when he was signed by Scotland's premier club at the age of fifteen but then, just two years later, dropped out when injury dashed his hopes. Ramsay searched for another vocation and, much to his father's disgust, went into catering, which his father felt was meant for “poofs.”
He trained under some of the most famous and talented chefs in Europe, working to exacting standards and under extreme conditions that would sometimes erupt in physical violence. But he thrived, with his exquisite palate, incredible vision and relentless work ethic. Dish by dish, restaurant by restaurant, he gradually built a Michelin-starred empire.
A candid, eye-opening look into the extraordinary life and mind of an elite and unique restaurateur and chef, Roasting in Hell's Kitchen will change your perception not only of Gordon Ramsay but of the world of cuisine.
287 pages, Hardcover
First published October 2, 2006
198 people are currently reading
1269 people want to read
About the author
Gordon Ramsay
178 books694 followersGordon James Ramsay is a British celebrity chef, restaurateur, television presenter, and writer. His restaurant group, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, was founded in 1997 and has been awarded 17 Michelin stars overall and currently holds eight. His signature restaurant, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea, London, has held three Michelin stars since 2001. After rising to fame on the British television miniseries Boiling Point in 1999, Ramsay became one of the best-known and most influential chefs in the world.
Ramsay's TV persona is defined by his fiery temper, aggressive behaviour, strict demeanour, and frequent use of profanity, while making blunt, critical, and controversial comments, including insults and sardonic wisecracks about contestants and their cooking abilities. He combines activities in the television, film, hospitality and food industries, and has promoted and hired various chefs who have apprenticed under his wing. He is known for presenting television programmes about competitive cookery and food, such as the British series Hell's Kitchen (2004), Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares (2004–2009, 2014), and The F Word (2005–2010), with Kitchen Nightmares winning the 2005 British Academy Television Award for Best Feature, and the American versions of Hell's Kitchen (2005–present), Kitchen Nightmares (2007–present), MasterChef (2010–present), and MasterChef Junior (2013–present), as well as Hotel Hell (2012–2016), Gordon Behind Bars (2012), Gordon Ramsay's 24 Hours to Hell and Back (2018–2020), and Next Level Chef (2022–present).
Ramsay was appointed an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 New Year Honours list for services to the hospitality industry. He was named the top chef in the UK at the 2000 Catey Awards, and in July 2006 he won the Catey for Independent Restaurateur of the Year, becoming the third person to win three Catey Awards. Forbes listed his 2020 earnings at US $70 million and ranked him at No.19 on its list of the highest-earning celebrities.
Ramsay's TV persona is defined by his fiery temper, aggressive behaviour, strict demeanour, and frequent use of profanity, while making blunt, critical, and controversial comments, including insults and sardonic wisecracks about contestants and their cooking abilities. He combines activities in the television, film, hospitality and food industries, and has promoted and hired various chefs who have apprenticed under his wing. He is known for presenting television programmes about competitive cookery and food, such as the British series Hell's Kitchen (2004), Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares (2004–2009, 2014), and The F Word (2005–2010), with Kitchen Nightmares winning the 2005 British Academy Television Award for Best Feature, and the American versions of Hell's Kitchen (2005–present), Kitchen Nightmares (2007–present), MasterChef (2010–present), and MasterChef Junior (2013–present), as well as Hotel Hell (2012–2016), Gordon Behind Bars (2012), Gordon Ramsay's 24 Hours to Hell and Back (2018–2020), and Next Level Chef (2022–present).
Ramsay was appointed an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 New Year Honours list for services to the hospitality industry. He was named the top chef in the UK at the 2000 Catey Awards, and in July 2006 he won the Catey for Independent Restaurateur of the Year, becoming the third person to win three Catey Awards. Forbes listed his 2020 earnings at US $70 million and ranked him at No.19 on its list of the highest-earning celebrities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
November 25, 2009
you can probably read this book in an hour. its fine, its not life-changing, but it at least got me off of my biography-month-is-destroying-my-love-for-people-i-love jag. gordon ramsay is what he is: he makes food, he says "fuck" a lot, he wants people to cook more and appreciate food more in their own kitchens, and if you work for him, he will probably bust your balls a lot. end of book. its mostly quick because its written exactly as he talks, which is fast and peppered with delightful british colloquialisms that unfortunately, after i read enough of, find their way into my speech for a week or two. i have a terrible accent-chameleon thing that happens to me - i came back from south carolina in my youth with a terrible case of the drawls. but given a week, i will be back to normal. if im not, give me a slap, yeah?
September 15, 2017
when i saw gordon on his television show, hell kitchen, he intimidate me. and i thought i do not like this person.
after reading this book, i have to say i have a new respect for him. his childhood trauma having abusive and alcoholic father. how much he trying to protect his mother.
with his hard work he is renowed chef.
after reading this book, i have to say i have a new respect for him. his childhood trauma having abusive and alcoholic father. how much he trying to protect his mother.
with his hard work he is renowed chef.
November 18, 2013
My wife introduced me to Gordon Ramsay a year or two ago. At first, I just saw episodes of Hell's Kitchen in passing. Then I started watching episodes of Kitchen Nightmares. Finally, I made it through the final ¾ of the most recent season of Master Chef.
I was sucked in by Gordon's passion. His outspokenly blunt assessments of the weaknesses of restaurants, chefs, and restaurant food. Because of his shows, I've begun to have a more critical eye towards restaurants and the quality of the food I eat. I'm taking more of an interest in “fancy” food and the real skill and creativity that goes into high end restaurants.
When I saw that the local library had a Kindle copy of this book, I was intrigued. I've wanted to know more about Gordon Ramsay: what makes him tick, how he built his food and media empire, how he deals with the many challenges to his time, etc.
This book was published in November, 2006. It ends on his very first entry into American TV, so it's not very up to date. The vast, vast bulk of the book covers Ramsay's early life, his aborted soccer career, and his early years learning to cook.
There are only a few, short, chapters on his career after he opened his first restaurant. There is next to no information on what it took to open and manage multiple restaurants, what it took to write multiple books, run multiple TV shows, or juggle all of the different demands in his time. I got a lot of information on his early life, but next to nothing about what it's like to be Gordon Ramsay today.
On the plus side, Ramsay's voice comes through quite clearly in this book. I don't know whether he wrote it himself or if he had someone ghost write it. Either way, it doesn't seem to matter. The breezy, vulgar style of the book sounds exactly like Ramsay sounds on screen. It's akin to sitting and listening to Ramsay reminisce on his early career, challenges, and successes. I very much enjoyed the style and tone of the book.
I was struck by how very hard Ramsay worked to get where he is today. He spent years working 80-90 hour weeks in the kitchen. He endured endless abuse from senior chefs (and not so senior chefs) just to learn as much as he could. He spent several weeks literally working 20 hours a day, to earn the money he needed and to learn the skills he needed even more. Whatever level of wealth he has today, I'd find it very hard to say that he hasn't earned every bit of it.
Overall, I very much enjoyed reading Ramsay's story. I just wanted a much deeper look at it what it took to open restaurants number 2-10. And what it took to run the restaurants while appearing on TV shows. And a look at how much control or influence he has over the style and content of what airs each week. From that perspective, this book was a disappointment. From other perspectives, it was a lot of fun.
I was sucked in by Gordon's passion. His outspokenly blunt assessments of the weaknesses of restaurants, chefs, and restaurant food. Because of his shows, I've begun to have a more critical eye towards restaurants and the quality of the food I eat. I'm taking more of an interest in “fancy” food and the real skill and creativity that goes into high end restaurants.
When I saw that the local library had a Kindle copy of this book, I was intrigued. I've wanted to know more about Gordon Ramsay: what makes him tick, how he built his food and media empire, how he deals with the many challenges to his time, etc.
This book was published in November, 2006. It ends on his very first entry into American TV, so it's not very up to date. The vast, vast bulk of the book covers Ramsay's early life, his aborted soccer career, and his early years learning to cook.
There are only a few, short, chapters on his career after he opened his first restaurant. There is next to no information on what it took to open and manage multiple restaurants, what it took to write multiple books, run multiple TV shows, or juggle all of the different demands in his time. I got a lot of information on his early life, but next to nothing about what it's like to be Gordon Ramsay today.
On the plus side, Ramsay's voice comes through quite clearly in this book. I don't know whether he wrote it himself or if he had someone ghost write it. Either way, it doesn't seem to matter. The breezy, vulgar style of the book sounds exactly like Ramsay sounds on screen. It's akin to sitting and listening to Ramsay reminisce on his early career, challenges, and successes. I very much enjoyed the style and tone of the book.
I was struck by how very hard Ramsay worked to get where he is today. He spent years working 80-90 hour weeks in the kitchen. He endured endless abuse from senior chefs (and not so senior chefs) just to learn as much as he could. He spent several weeks literally working 20 hours a day, to earn the money he needed and to learn the skills he needed even more. Whatever level of wealth he has today, I'd find it very hard to say that he hasn't earned every bit of it.
Overall, I very much enjoyed reading Ramsay's story. I just wanted a much deeper look at it what it took to open restaurants number 2-10. And what it took to run the restaurants while appearing on TV shows. And a look at how much control or influence he has over the style and content of what airs each week. From that perspective, this book was a disappointment. From other perspectives, it was a lot of fun.
October 17, 2017
I like Gordon Ramsay. He'd think I'm a idiot, but I never miss Hell's Kitchen or Masterchef or Junior. I'm a good candidate to burn water, have a terrible palate, and first graders have better knife skills than me, but yet......
I read this very quickly, mostly because I was curious about his culinary start. His horrible father, his opioid addicted brother, his rough upbringing were more interesting to me than I would have thought. The book is now more than ten years out of date, but his start is fascinating.
It's not brilliantly written. It's written like Ramsay seems to talk, which at least gives the impression he wrote it (whether he did or not, I don't know.)
Enjoyable, and a fast read.
I read this very quickly, mostly because I was curious about his culinary start. His horrible father, his opioid addicted brother, his rough upbringing were more interesting to me than I would have thought. The book is now more than ten years out of date, but his start is fascinating.
It's not brilliantly written. It's written like Ramsay seems to talk, which at least gives the impression he wrote it (whether he did or not, I don't know.)
Enjoyable, and a fast read.
February 23, 2024
Superb
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I must admit, however, I’m huge Gordon Ramsay fan.
The book, allowed the reader to get behind the scenes view of one of the most popular chefs in the world.
Including pictures from his life helped the book become even more alive.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to cooking show fans.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I must admit, however, I’m huge Gordon Ramsay fan.
The book, allowed the reader to get behind the scenes view of one of the most popular chefs in the world.
Including pictures from his life helped the book become even more alive.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to cooking show fans.
October 26, 2011
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In a world where celebrity crushes tend to be leading actresses & rockstars, mine are chefs. Bobby Flay & Gordon Ramsay are my favorites, much to the dismay of my boyfriend.
I work in a bookstore and one of the wonderful perks of working there is that I'm able to borrow anything that catches my eye. When I saw Gordon Ramsay's autobiography one day, I immediately pounced on it and knew I needed to read it.
Anyone familiar with Gordon's television shows knows he's very no-nonsense. And this book is no different. He tells it exactly like it is & some parts (his brother's frequent trips in and out of rehab, his father's abuse towards his mother) are extremely shocking. Roasting in Hell's Kitchen is a quick read and I think his writing style plays a huge role in that. Gordon writes exactly how he speaks (including cursing every other word). But it's that conversational tone that made the book a breeze.
I had no idea Gordon had such a horrible childhood. I suppose I never really gave it any thought, but when it was there in front of me, I was horrified. His family was very poor and were constantly moving about. Then there was his father. I didn't jot down any quotes, but there was a passage where Gordon mentioned he never felt any love toward his father. Everything hardened into hatred.
I also was very surprised to learn he had such a passion for football (soccer!). It was such a neat thing to discover about him.
Gordon Ramsay is an extremely driven man. Just reading about how he pushed himself, all the hours he spent in kitchens, makes me want to go out into the world and do something. Obviously, given his profession, there's much food talk. Some of it - mainly specific techniques or certain chefs - went over my head, but for the most part, it was fairly easy to follow along (although he used some slang that confused me, though that's more of a US/UK thing).
It was so nice reading about his children and how he and his wife are raising them. They only go on one vacation a year, they go to a normal school, and the only restaurant of his that Gordon allows his children to eat at is a family-friendly one (he said the reason for this is because he respect his staff too much to make any of them at the other, more highbrow restaurants cook a meal for a child). I really like that he isn't allowing them to sit back and enjoy a life of luxury. He mentioned how much their allowance is and that anything more comes from helping out in the garden.
His past explains so much about how he runs his kitchens and how he is on television. He cannot tolerate liars and it's so nice to see him stick up for and encourage the younger chefs. He knows what it's like to be there.
The media has created this arrogant, rude persona and he's certainly no angel, but this book gave me a much different look at him. It's light and easy and short (less than 300 pages). Gordon's humor is wonderful and it was actually a pretty interesting book. Perhaps not for someone who isn't a fan, but I definitely enjoyed it.
In a world where celebrity crushes tend to be leading actresses & rockstars, mine are chefs. Bobby Flay & Gordon Ramsay are my favorites, much to the dismay of my boyfriend.
I work in a bookstore and one of the wonderful perks of working there is that I'm able to borrow anything that catches my eye. When I saw Gordon Ramsay's autobiography one day, I immediately pounced on it and knew I needed to read it.
Anyone familiar with Gordon's television shows knows he's very no-nonsense. And this book is no different. He tells it exactly like it is & some parts (his brother's frequent trips in and out of rehab, his father's abuse towards his mother) are extremely shocking. Roasting in Hell's Kitchen is a quick read and I think his writing style plays a huge role in that. Gordon writes exactly how he speaks (including cursing every other word). But it's that conversational tone that made the book a breeze.
I had no idea Gordon had such a horrible childhood. I suppose I never really gave it any thought, but when it was there in front of me, I was horrified. His family was very poor and were constantly moving about. Then there was his father. I didn't jot down any quotes, but there was a passage where Gordon mentioned he never felt any love toward his father. Everything hardened into hatred.
I also was very surprised to learn he had such a passion for football (soccer!). It was such a neat thing to discover about him.
Gordon Ramsay is an extremely driven man. Just reading about how he pushed himself, all the hours he spent in kitchens, makes me want to go out into the world and do something. Obviously, given his profession, there's much food talk. Some of it - mainly specific techniques or certain chefs - went over my head, but for the most part, it was fairly easy to follow along (although he used some slang that confused me, though that's more of a US/UK thing).
It was so nice reading about his children and how he and his wife are raising them. They only go on one vacation a year, they go to a normal school, and the only restaurant of his that Gordon allows his children to eat at is a family-friendly one (he said the reason for this is because he respect his staff too much to make any of them at the other, more highbrow restaurants cook a meal for a child). I really like that he isn't allowing them to sit back and enjoy a life of luxury. He mentioned how much their allowance is and that anything more comes from helping out in the garden.
His past explains so much about how he runs his kitchens and how he is on television. He cannot tolerate liars and it's so nice to see him stick up for and encourage the younger chefs. He knows what it's like to be there.
The media has created this arrogant, rude persona and he's certainly no angel, but this book gave me a much different look at him. It's light and easy and short (less than 300 pages). Gordon's humor is wonderful and it was actually a pretty interesting book. Perhaps not for someone who isn't a fan, but I definitely enjoyed it.
October 24, 2015
Roasting in Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay, or as it’s known in the UK Humble Pie is an autobiography about the celebrity chef.
The book is interesting. If you’re a fan of Gordon Ramsay’s television, or like to hear about famous chefs the book delivers that. However the book has a few flaws. The writing in the first couple chapters is slow, and Ramsay’s discussion of how he learned to be a master chef. While he goes into a lot of detail about his relationship with his father, and his initial jobs it’s laid out in a weak format.
Ramsay spends a lot of time describing his relationship with his father, however he doesn’t give strong examples and in fact his discussion of his father later in the book (when talking about his sisters) gives a better explanation than the 30 pages devoted to him earlier in the book. In fact a SINGLE line in the second to the last chapter, made me understand his father far better than anything in the chapter about his father. Waiting til 90 percent of the book was done to get that information was not a good decision, especially considering his father is mostly isolated to the first chapter.
It’s small decisions like this that makes it hard to really get into the early parts of the book. I understand what a Michelin star is and I have a solid understanding of an american kitchen, but the british and the fine dining is unknown to me, and Ramsay writes the book almost as if he assumes the reader is a chef, or at least has a full knowledge of the process. Small things like “What a Michelin star” probably should be explained. “What a commis” is almost definitely should be explained (in the American version at the bare limits)
When he’s going through the first jobs he also has a tendency to name drop. A number of people are just dropped as if he expects the reader to understand the prestige of the person. However as an American, I don’t know every famous chef in America let alone all of Europe. Even most of the names dropped aren’t known to me. I have trouble knowing if this is due to my lack of knowledge or just name dropping people that I don’t need to know about.
Halfway through the book, Ramsay finishes learning and starts to grow into his own. He discusses his first restaurants that he ran by himself and the book changes. From a bit of a weak work, the book turns into a more passionate and interesting biography. I love hearing about his job on a yacht, his first restaurants, and his rise to fame. Everything after the halfway point becomes an absolute joy to read. The second half is almost perfect.
The fact is if you like Ramsay this is a great book to read. It’s not necessary, and it won’t change a lot of people’s opinions of him, but it builds up the man so the reader can understand how Ramsay started and where Ramsay’s passion comes from.
Overall I think the deciding factor is as simple as “Do you enjoy watching any gordon ramsay show and want to know more about him rather than his television persona?” If you do, grab a copy and read it. If you don’t, well there’s many fine other books out there but I doubt this book will do much for you.
The book is interesting. If you’re a fan of Gordon Ramsay’s television, or like to hear about famous chefs the book delivers that. However the book has a few flaws. The writing in the first couple chapters is slow, and Ramsay’s discussion of how he learned to be a master chef. While he goes into a lot of detail about his relationship with his father, and his initial jobs it’s laid out in a weak format.
Ramsay spends a lot of time describing his relationship with his father, however he doesn’t give strong examples and in fact his discussion of his father later in the book (when talking about his sisters) gives a better explanation than the 30 pages devoted to him earlier in the book. In fact a SINGLE line in the second to the last chapter, made me understand his father far better than anything in the chapter about his father. Waiting til 90 percent of the book was done to get that information was not a good decision, especially considering his father is mostly isolated to the first chapter.
It’s small decisions like this that makes it hard to really get into the early parts of the book. I understand what a Michelin star is and I have a solid understanding of an american kitchen, but the british and the fine dining is unknown to me, and Ramsay writes the book almost as if he assumes the reader is a chef, or at least has a full knowledge of the process. Small things like “What a Michelin star” probably should be explained. “What a commis” is almost definitely should be explained (in the American version at the bare limits)
When he’s going through the first jobs he also has a tendency to name drop. A number of people are just dropped as if he expects the reader to understand the prestige of the person. However as an American, I don’t know every famous chef in America let alone all of Europe. Even most of the names dropped aren’t known to me. I have trouble knowing if this is due to my lack of knowledge or just name dropping people that I don’t need to know about.
Halfway through the book, Ramsay finishes learning and starts to grow into his own. He discusses his first restaurants that he ran by himself and the book changes. From a bit of a weak work, the book turns into a more passionate and interesting biography. I love hearing about his job on a yacht, his first restaurants, and his rise to fame. Everything after the halfway point becomes an absolute joy to read. The second half is almost perfect.
The fact is if you like Ramsay this is a great book to read. It’s not necessary, and it won’t change a lot of people’s opinions of him, but it builds up the man so the reader can understand how Ramsay started and where Ramsay’s passion comes from.
Overall I think the deciding factor is as simple as “Do you enjoy watching any gordon ramsay show and want to know more about him rather than his television persona?” If you do, grab a copy and read it. If you don’t, well there’s many fine other books out there but I doubt this book will do much for you.
February 17, 2011
Gordon Ramsay is one of the most fascinating celebrities in existence and has demonstrated his great charisma, talent, and expertise several times over on his hit television shows Kitchen Nightmaresand Hell's Kitchen. Ramsay's autobiography, Roasting in Hell's Kitchen, is worth the read regardless whether you're a fan of his or not because reading of his achievements is tremendously empowering and motivating. You can't help but have magnified respect for Gordon Ramsay after reading this book.
Roasting in Hell's Kitchen is the success story behind a man that was raised in an alcoholic and abusive family and stumbled into the art of cooking by accident. Through hard work and dedication, this man became one of the world's most successful and renowned chefs.
Gordon Ramsay has absolutely no shame in admitting that much of his hard work during earlier years was done to impress his father, which, after all is real and human. Ramsay's account of his childhood and young adulthood is very honest and honorable and describes how, in several cases, he worked twenty-hour days to learn from the best in the trade and master his craft. Roasting in Hell's Kitchen is one of very few books in existence that will sincerely engender and spark epiphanies -- and your creativity, when you read it. After all, why shouldn't we obtain professions in subjects that we truly enjoy and love to do best?!
If you decide to pick up Roasting in Hell's Kitchen to further fuel your knowledge of his hit television series, you're in for a real treat because you'll appreciate Ramsay's persona and character that much more. On the other hand, as a literary experience, Ramsay's autobiography isn't flashy or self-indulging; but rather the honest and humble account of a real person who has worked hard to achieve his fame and fortune through genuine hard work.
Gordon Ramsay also references food-columnist Nigel Slater in his book, whom, if you aren't already familiar with, wrote his own memoir called Toast (2005). Toast resided in my permanent collection for several years, and is also a very good read.
For more book reviews visit http://dreamworldbooks.com.
Roasting in Hell's Kitchen is the success story behind a man that was raised in an alcoholic and abusive family and stumbled into the art of cooking by accident. Through hard work and dedication, this man became one of the world's most successful and renowned chefs.
Gordon Ramsay has absolutely no shame in admitting that much of his hard work during earlier years was done to impress his father, which, after all is real and human. Ramsay's account of his childhood and young adulthood is very honest and honorable and describes how, in several cases, he worked twenty-hour days to learn from the best in the trade and master his craft. Roasting in Hell's Kitchen is one of very few books in existence that will sincerely engender and spark epiphanies -- and your creativity, when you read it. After all, why shouldn't we obtain professions in subjects that we truly enjoy and love to do best?!
If you decide to pick up Roasting in Hell's Kitchen to further fuel your knowledge of his hit television series, you're in for a real treat because you'll appreciate Ramsay's persona and character that much more. On the other hand, as a literary experience, Ramsay's autobiography isn't flashy or self-indulging; but rather the honest and humble account of a real person who has worked hard to achieve his fame and fortune through genuine hard work.
Gordon Ramsay also references food-columnist Nigel Slater in his book, whom, if you aren't already familiar with, wrote his own memoir called Toast (2005). Toast resided in my permanent collection for several years, and is also a very good read.
For more book reviews visit http://dreamworldbooks.com.
July 23, 2022
FP Digital Library | A good reminder of the impact of childhood abuse, but not worth my time | I think I might enjoy a new memoir, covering the 14 years since this one was released. It would be interesting to see if he has mellowed at all in that time, if he's more the Ramsay that takes care of the kids on Junior, or if he's still the guy who says "I'm not sexist, kitchens are for men because the hours don't give time to raise families, but it's nice to have a couple women around because it makes the guys ashamed to fail in front of them. Besides, how can I be sexist when there's one woman chef I trust?" It would be interesting to see if he's more the Ramsay who did TikTok dances with his daughter, or if he's still the guy who couldn't see that his insistence that people who say he's a workaholic are wrong because addicts are selfish and manipulative comes in the middle of a book in which he describes manipulating people to get what he wants, over and over, putting himself first, second, third, and last, in all things.
There is a common thing that happens to a lot of kids who grow up in abusive homes, where their brains develop surrounded by chaos, uncertainty, anxiety, and pain, so the brain truly believes that's the standard baseline for life. Peace rattles them. Calm makes them paranoid. If things are going well they will find a way to either create drama with a person in their life or take on more and more responsibilities so they never have a chance to rest in it. They tend to draw to them other people who have had similar experiences, and they convince themselves that when people tell them they're taking things too far, the people around them who are like them are proof that they're doing nothing wrong. Just because a kitchen can be run one way and the people who choose it make it work, doesn't mean that's The Way to run a kitchen, which is something he says here repeatedly, that anyone who objects to his methods is wrong because some people have chosen to work for him and he's been rewarded, so his way is the right way. If you only trust the other fish in the pond, you'll all convince each other you're in the ocean.
There is a common thing that happens to a lot of kids who grow up in abusive homes, where their brains develop surrounded by chaos, uncertainty, anxiety, and pain, so the brain truly believes that's the standard baseline for life. Peace rattles them. Calm makes them paranoid. If things are going well they will find a way to either create drama with a person in their life or take on more and more responsibilities so they never have a chance to rest in it. They tend to draw to them other people who have had similar experiences, and they convince themselves that when people tell them they're taking things too far, the people around them who are like them are proof that they're doing nothing wrong. Just because a kitchen can be run one way and the people who choose it make it work, doesn't mean that's The Way to run a kitchen, which is something he says here repeatedly, that anyone who objects to his methods is wrong because some people have chosen to work for him and he's been rewarded, so his way is the right way. If you only trust the other fish in the pond, you'll all convince each other you're in the ocean.
August 19, 2015
This book was phenomenal. I saw so much of my personal life in Chef Ramsay's. I lived with my mom, grandmom (if you could call her that), my sister. No father in the home. I had the same horrid, rough upbringing, but in my home my grandmother ruled with an iron fist. She was psychopathic, brutal, violent, verbally abusive. Very few times was she calm. I felt fear creep over me when she got into one of her "spells" and it would last for days. And I prayed on my knees every night it would be over.
My sister, who is 12 years older than me, drowned herself in crack cocaine to numb the violence. She eventually moved out and my mom and I endured the roughest parts. Now being clean my sister doesn't want to own up to what happened.
All the strain caused my mom to have open heart surgery but she died 5 years later.
Grandmom died 5 years after that. I did not attend her funeral. My sister went and made excuses for me. I did go to view her body but I felt nothing but numbness. I was 32.
People say I have a very gruff exterior also, but I think it's a constant self preservation mode you're in. You don't want to end up like them and you've taken so much crap for years that your guard is constantly up. You strive to make what is left of your world the best way you know how. You feel like your voice needs to be the biggest one in the room because you've been held down a good part of your life and achievement is like a balm on a sore wound.
I'm in therapy now. I have panic attacks and depression. I pushed the memories down so far that they finally exploded, coming to the surface when I was 45.
Thanks, Mr. Ramsay, for such an open, honest, raw declaration of your life. It resonated with me in more ways than you could ever imagine.
My sister, who is 12 years older than me, drowned herself in crack cocaine to numb the violence. She eventually moved out and my mom and I endured the roughest parts. Now being clean my sister doesn't want to own up to what happened.
All the strain caused my mom to have open heart surgery but she died 5 years later.
Grandmom died 5 years after that. I did not attend her funeral. My sister went and made excuses for me. I did go to view her body but I felt nothing but numbness. I was 32.
People say I have a very gruff exterior also, but I think it's a constant self preservation mode you're in. You don't want to end up like them and you've taken so much crap for years that your guard is constantly up. You strive to make what is left of your world the best way you know how. You feel like your voice needs to be the biggest one in the room because you've been held down a good part of your life and achievement is like a balm on a sore wound.
I'm in therapy now. I have panic attacks and depression. I pushed the memories down so far that they finally exploded, coming to the surface when I was 45.
Thanks, Mr. Ramsay, for such an open, honest, raw declaration of your life. It resonated with me in more ways than you could ever imagine.
October 28, 2009
Gordon Ramsay made people look at culinary arts in a totally different light. This career took on a more "manly" persona, but why? What was it about Gordon's views that made this career as ruthless and difficult as it appeared on "Hell's Kitchen"? Is the career truly so tough, or is it all about ratings?
When I purchased this book, I thought I'd get the "dirt" on Ramsay's life. That good-looking tough ex-soccer player had to have an interesting story, and interesting it was. Ramsey didn't lead the charmed life, but earned everything he got. His work ethic is strong and demanding, and he's not afraid of pushing himself to the limit and beyond.
This book dives into some very personal places as Gordon reveals all aspects of his life. I found his revelations raw at times (as is his language) and real. The book focuses a large amount on his career, and can be a tad boring in places for anyone not "into" culinary arts. However, the total book was a good read and would be enjoyed by anyone who is a fan of Ramsay.
When I purchased this book, I thought I'd get the "dirt" on Ramsay's life. That good-looking tough ex-soccer player had to have an interesting story, and interesting it was. Ramsey didn't lead the charmed life, but earned everything he got. His work ethic is strong and demanding, and he's not afraid of pushing himself to the limit and beyond.
This book dives into some very personal places as Gordon reveals all aspects of his life. I found his revelations raw at times (as is his language) and real. The book focuses a large amount on his career, and can be a tad boring in places for anyone not "into" culinary arts. However, the total book was a good read and would be enjoyed by anyone who is a fan of Ramsay.
July 22, 2015
I would give this a 3.5. I have seen some of Gordon Ramsey's shows such as Kitchen Disasters, etc. this book was written about eight years ago. Gordon writes about his painful childhood growing up in poverty and moving often. his alcoholic violent father. Part of his childhood in made a bit happier when he is a good enough football player { soccer to us in the USA}he played on several teams and was good at it. injuries while playing curbed his chance to ever go professional. guess a good thing for him he found he had a talent for cooking. the rest of his book describes the many restaurants he worked for eventually owning a few of his won successful restaurants. he is honest in his memoir not painting himself as perfect. I know i would never want to be a chef in this dog eat dog world that chefs live in. He also shares his experience with his new tv shows he has been on. this is as of about 2006. If you know anything about Gordon Ramsey you may enjoy reading his memoir.
June 27, 2009
Anyone who knows Ramsay only from Hell's Kitchen commercials will be very surprised at the person that is found in this text. Rather than being a simple (and rather crude) person, Ramsay's lived quite a life and given up a lot for the simple goal of becoming very good at cookery. His book gives a great deal of background of the making of the person of today, from his loves to his family issues. You never get the impression that he's hiding anything, and his stories are well-chosen and often highlight his flaws rather than his successes.
Overall, Ramsay's book is a quick, entertaining read that humanizes the televised caricature into a warm and immensely talented person. Highly recommended.
Overall, Ramsay's book is a quick, entertaining read that humanizes the televised caricature into a warm and immensely talented person. Highly recommended.
August 1, 2012
I'll admit that I'm a Gordon Ramsay junkie. I love his shows, his work, and his food. My main issue is this: I hold every chef-come-writer to one gold standard. Tony Bourdain.
Tony can write. Lord, can that man write.
This book felt like one large summary. Meh. 4 stars for Ramsay. 1 for the writing. 2 it is.
Tony can write. Lord, can that man write.
This book felt like one large summary. Meh. 4 stars for Ramsay. 1 for the writing. 2 it is.
December 28, 2015
an accurate account of the life of a chef and foodservice in general. it is either in your blood or it is Not. I would recommend to any person considering being a chef or owning a restaurant. also if you want to own a restaurant you should watch a minimum of 2 seasons of kitchen nightmares to see how bad things can get.
February 21, 2013
Don't get me wrong, I ADORE Chef Ramsay. He is brilliant, but he is a chef, not a writer.
January 21, 2023
I can appreciate Gordon's passion and dedication to his craft. I can sympathize with his early life struggles. But this man says some uncomfortably bigoted shit through the book. Quite a few nasty fatphobic jabs, but to me the grossest admission is the fact that he's never not once changed any of his kids diapers as they grew up. And didnt attend his kids births, unironically refers to childbirth as a "gore." I just think that's sad and pathetic. He also makes a strange comment about how women dont make great chefs because they MIGHT need maternity leave at some point duing their careeer. Immediately gets defensive over the accusation of being a misogynist, and tokenizes the one woman in his kitchen he's hired lmfao. I would be lying if I said I didnt just lose a lot of respect for the guy. Pretty cringe.
April 19, 2020
I enjoy reading culinary memoirs. However, I wasn't a Gordon Ramsay fan before I picked this up, and the book did nothing to change my mind.
April 10, 2009
Anyone who enjoys the Hell's Kitchen series will enjoy this book. Surprisingly, Ramsay admits that he has some problems with his mouth! Sheesh, do ya think? lol After perusing this bio, you'll come away with a completely different respect for those who endeavour to take up the Chef profession and it is by far a hell of a ride. You'll also have a deeper understanding and respect for what goes on in the kitchens of the world you visit. To you, you order an item off the menu and bam! it's put on the table in front you. Read the book...you'll feel differently.
From inside dusk jacket:
"Everyone thinks they know the real Gordon Ramsay: rude, loud, pathologically driven, stubborn as hell. For the first time, Ramsay tells the full inside story of his life and how he became the world's most famous and infamous chef: his difficult childhood, his brother's heroin addiction, his failed first career as a soccer player, his fanatical pursuit of gastronomic perfection and the TV persona - all of the things that made him the celebrated culinary talent and media powerhouse that he is today.
In 'ROASTING IN HELL'S KITCHEN' Ramsay talks frankly about his tough and emotional childhood, including his father's alcoholism and violence and their effect on his relationships with his mother and siblings. His rootless upbringing saw him moving from house to house and town to town followed by the authorities and debtors as his father lurched from one failed job to another.
He recounts his short-circuited career as a soccer player, when he was signed by Scotland's premier club at the age of fifteen but then, just two years laters, dropped out when injury dashed his hopes. Ramsay searched for another vocation and, much to his father's disgust, went into catering, which his father felt was meant for "poofs."
He trained under some of the most famous and talented chefs in Europe, working to exacting standards and under extreme conditions that would sometimes erupt in physical violence. But he thrived, with his exquisite palate, incredible vision and relentless work ethic. Dish by dish, restuarant by restaurant, he gradually built a Michelin-starred empire.
A candid, eye-open look into the extraordinary life and mind of an elite and unique restaurateur and chef, 'ROASTING IN HELL'S KITCHEN' will change your perception not only of Gordon Ramsay but of the world of cuisine.
Gordon Ramsay's radical career change at the age of seventeen led him to London and to huge success as chef, restaurant-empire-builder and celebrity. At thirty-two Ramsay established 'Royal Hospital Road', which has received three Michelin stars. He has since opened seven additional restaurants in London, taking his tally of Michelin starts to eight, and has started global expansion with restaurants in Tokyo and Dubai. Ramsay has published nine bestselling cookbooks and stars in the successful television series "Hell's Kitchen."
From the back cover of the dust jacket:
"I've got the wonderful family, the big house, the flash car in the drive. I run several of the world's best restaurants. I'm running round, cursing and swearing, telling people what to do, my mouth always getting me into trouble. They probaby think: that flash bastard. I know I would. But it's not about being flash. My life, like most people's, is about keeping the wolf from the door...When I think about myself, I still see a little boy who is desperate to escape, and anxious to please. The fact that I've long since escaped, and long since succeeded in pleasing people, has made little or no difference. I just keep going on, moving as far away as possible from where I began."
From inside dusk jacket:
"Everyone thinks they know the real Gordon Ramsay: rude, loud, pathologically driven, stubborn as hell. For the first time, Ramsay tells the full inside story of his life and how he became the world's most famous and infamous chef: his difficult childhood, his brother's heroin addiction, his failed first career as a soccer player, his fanatical pursuit of gastronomic perfection and the TV persona - all of the things that made him the celebrated culinary talent and media powerhouse that he is today.
In 'ROASTING IN HELL'S KITCHEN' Ramsay talks frankly about his tough and emotional childhood, including his father's alcoholism and violence and their effect on his relationships with his mother and siblings. His rootless upbringing saw him moving from house to house and town to town followed by the authorities and debtors as his father lurched from one failed job to another.
He recounts his short-circuited career as a soccer player, when he was signed by Scotland's premier club at the age of fifteen but then, just two years laters, dropped out when injury dashed his hopes. Ramsay searched for another vocation and, much to his father's disgust, went into catering, which his father felt was meant for "poofs."
He trained under some of the most famous and talented chefs in Europe, working to exacting standards and under extreme conditions that would sometimes erupt in physical violence. But he thrived, with his exquisite palate, incredible vision and relentless work ethic. Dish by dish, restuarant by restaurant, he gradually built a Michelin-starred empire.
A candid, eye-open look into the extraordinary life and mind of an elite and unique restaurateur and chef, 'ROASTING IN HELL'S KITCHEN' will change your perception not only of Gordon Ramsay but of the world of cuisine.
Gordon Ramsay's radical career change at the age of seventeen led him to London and to huge success as chef, restaurant-empire-builder and celebrity. At thirty-two Ramsay established 'Royal Hospital Road', which has received three Michelin stars. He has since opened seven additional restaurants in London, taking his tally of Michelin starts to eight, and has started global expansion with restaurants in Tokyo and Dubai. Ramsay has published nine bestselling cookbooks and stars in the successful television series "Hell's Kitchen."
From the back cover of the dust jacket:
"I've got the wonderful family, the big house, the flash car in the drive. I run several of the world's best restaurants. I'm running round, cursing and swearing, telling people what to do, my mouth always getting me into trouble. They probaby think: that flash bastard. I know I would. But it's not about being flash. My life, like most people's, is about keeping the wolf from the door...When I think about myself, I still see a little boy who is desperate to escape, and anxious to please. The fact that I've long since escaped, and long since succeeded in pleasing people, has made little or no difference. I just keep going on, moving as far away as possible from where I began."
March 11, 2015
I have admired Gordon Ramsay for a long time…despite his liberal use of the F word. He has a rather volatile reputation, yet he expects excellence from others around him pushing them beyond their limits. I think I started to really follow him when I saw him on a live cookalong. I immediately made that steak diane dish and then I started cooking more of his recipes. It made my life more delicious. I enjoy his shows too like “Kitchen Nightmares” and recently “Masterchef Junior”. He has such a passion for food, it’s inspiring. His ambition to get to the top of the restaurant world is remarkable. He’s like the energizer bunny with an amazing work ethic. He can’t sit still. When he started out he was willing to sacrifice now for he wanted in the future, and it paid off. He worked his way up from the bottom not only once but many times to learn different tricks of the trade and to learn to cook ethnic food from around the world. What I find interesting is he is never complacent; he is constantly striving to learn new things and improve his culinary skills. He has mad skills!
Ramsay had an abusive drunken father and he definitely came from humble beginnings. Stability was severely lacking while growing up. It’s sad how his brother was raised the same as him yet his brother took a different approach to life and became a heroine addict. Ramsay made a choice to overcome his poor upbringing and made a life worth living. You could hear his honest unapologetic voice. You could tell how much respect he has for his mother. She tried to make things better than they were. I liked that he learned to cook the basics from watching her make what she could with meager ingredients.
This was eye-opening as far as going behind the scenes of the restaurant business is concerned. Apparently there is an unwritten rule of zero tolerance for lying in the kitchen. It’s better to admit you screwed-up the food than to lie about it. I had no idea how cutthroat it is. Seriously, it sounds like some kitchens are run by the mafia trying to take you out of the business. Some of the chefs he portrayed were ruthless narcissistic jerks. Some of them were downright abusive…physically and verbally. Mental cases. I would never work for someone like that. At least with Ramsay when you do something right he encourages you sincerely.
Excerpt:
Worked with Marco at Harvey’s for nearly 3 years “He picked up what was left of the terrine and threw it at me. I looked like a scarecrow only where there should have been straw, I had leeks. The maitre d’ was told to tell the customer that there was a problem with the terrine, and Marco wasn’t happy with it.” Nut job. “The trouble was that Marco made you feel as though there was nothing outside of Harvey’s, that nowhere else mattered. That was just not true. Even if I hadn’t been sick to the bottom of my stomach of the rages and the bullying and violence, I needed to spread my wings if I was ever going to become the kind of cook I now so desperately wanted to be.”
Ramsay had an abusive drunken father and he definitely came from humble beginnings. Stability was severely lacking while growing up. It’s sad how his brother was raised the same as him yet his brother took a different approach to life and became a heroine addict. Ramsay made a choice to overcome his poor upbringing and made a life worth living. You could hear his honest unapologetic voice. You could tell how much respect he has for his mother. She tried to make things better than they were. I liked that he learned to cook the basics from watching her make what she could with meager ingredients.
This was eye-opening as far as going behind the scenes of the restaurant business is concerned. Apparently there is an unwritten rule of zero tolerance for lying in the kitchen. It’s better to admit you screwed-up the food than to lie about it. I had no idea how cutthroat it is. Seriously, it sounds like some kitchens are run by the mafia trying to take you out of the business. Some of the chefs he portrayed were ruthless narcissistic jerks. Some of them were downright abusive…physically and verbally. Mental cases. I would never work for someone like that. At least with Ramsay when you do something right he encourages you sincerely.
Excerpt:
Worked with Marco at Harvey’s for nearly 3 years “He picked up what was left of the terrine and threw it at me. I looked like a scarecrow only where there should have been straw, I had leeks. The maitre d’ was told to tell the customer that there was a problem with the terrine, and Marco wasn’t happy with it.” Nut job. “The trouble was that Marco made you feel as though there was nothing outside of Harvey’s, that nowhere else mattered. That was just not true. Even if I hadn’t been sick to the bottom of my stomach of the rages and the bullying and violence, I needed to spread my wings if I was ever going to become the kind of cook I now so desperately wanted to be.”
December 13, 2016
This was the first book I’ve finished that was received thanks to my participation in the BookMooch book exchange website. I’ve wanted to read this for at least a couple years now, ever since I finished binging all of Chef Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares episodes on Netflix, and I’m so glad I finally got to! It had been on my Amazon wishlist all this time, so to receive it through BookMooch at long last, and then to enjoy reading it this much, I guess I’m just trying to say that the time I spent waiting for the chance to read this memoir was worth it!
The first thing I was struck by was the camaraderie I felt while learning about the author’s rough childhood. I had it bad myself, so I always feel a connection when I learn of others’ experiences with abuse and neglect. Maybe it explains why I always felt drawn to Chef Ramsay through his TV shows, even though he always comes across as someone I’d never want to meet in real life (I don’t feel as wary of him after reading this book, though). Roasting in Hell’s Kitchen showed that he’s only human, but still someone who actively considers his actions and choices. Overall, I think he’s a good person who wants to do the right thing.
Learning about the different aspects of the author’s life, especially the ones related to his cooking career, was spellbinding. I was never once bored while reading; everything came across as the author’s true voice and seemed perfectly honest and open. I had harboured a worry that, since it had been years since I’d watched him on TV, I’d find I wasn’t actually interested in Chef Ramsay anymore. I’m very happy to say that wasn’t the case. I finished this book in a single weekend, which for me is saying something.
My only disappointment is that this book was published in 2006 (2007 for the paperback version I read) so there were a lot of new ventures mentioned at the end which must have come to pass by now, for good or ill, and there’s no way to know from the book alone what happened there. If Gordon Ramsay publishes another memoir in the future, I’ll definitely want to read it. I’m sure it’ll be just as interesting, fun to read, and will answer the questions that now linger in the back of my mind about New York and Chef Angela.
The first thing I was struck by was the camaraderie I felt while learning about the author’s rough childhood. I had it bad myself, so I always feel a connection when I learn of others’ experiences with abuse and neglect. Maybe it explains why I always felt drawn to Chef Ramsay through his TV shows, even though he always comes across as someone I’d never want to meet in real life (I don’t feel as wary of him after reading this book, though). Roasting in Hell’s Kitchen showed that he’s only human, but still someone who actively considers his actions and choices. Overall, I think he’s a good person who wants to do the right thing.
Learning about the different aspects of the author’s life, especially the ones related to his cooking career, was spellbinding. I was never once bored while reading; everything came across as the author’s true voice and seemed perfectly honest and open. I had harboured a worry that, since it had been years since I’d watched him on TV, I’d find I wasn’t actually interested in Chef Ramsay anymore. I’m very happy to say that wasn’t the case. I finished this book in a single weekend, which for me is saying something.
My only disappointment is that this book was published in 2006 (2007 for the paperback version I read) so there were a lot of new ventures mentioned at the end which must have come to pass by now, for good or ill, and there’s no way to know from the book alone what happened there. If Gordon Ramsay publishes another memoir in the future, I’ll definitely want to read it. I’m sure it’ll be just as interesting, fun to read, and will answer the questions that now linger in the back of my mind about New York and Chef Angela.
June 11, 2011
Celebrity autobiographies are always a mixed bag. They're equal parts self-promotion and self-medication more often than not. But sometimes they're revealing in ways they don't intend, and occasionally the author (or, frequently, the ghost writer) is pleasant to read.
So let's take it in reverse order.
The writing is not objectionable. There is an over-reliance on the simple declarative sentence. I'm not sure if that is pandering to the perceived audience or if it is a style choice/author ability statement.
For me not much was revealed. But, to be fair, I've seen most episodes of every one of his TV series (ones from Channel 4 in Britain included) except for the British version of Hell's Kitchen, and only about half of the Master Chef episodes. So I have a sense of the public persona that is Gordon Ramsay, and occasionally there are hints of who the man is Tana married, and who the kids call Daddy. If you've only seen Hell's Kitchen that only a slice--authentic, but just a slice. All this book did for me was fill in some chinks of what I already knew.
So--self-promotion and self-medication. Yes. But that's alright. Poor boy makes better than good, and wrestles some formidable demons along the way. And maybe the writing of it, the publishing of it, allows him to put some of the demons to bed, and have his say on some of the more scurrilous bits the British tabloids have been tossing about for the last decade and a half.
To be honest, I'd rather read his cookbooks, and watch the shows (particulary The F Word and the British version of Kitchen Nightmares than pick up the inevitable next volume in the Gordon Ramsay written word oeuvre. But, then, for me, it's all about the food.
So let's take it in reverse order.
The writing is not objectionable. There is an over-reliance on the simple declarative sentence. I'm not sure if that is pandering to the perceived audience or if it is a style choice/author ability statement.
For me not much was revealed. But, to be fair, I've seen most episodes of every one of his TV series (ones from Channel 4 in Britain included) except for the British version of Hell's Kitchen, and only about half of the Master Chef episodes. So I have a sense of the public persona that is Gordon Ramsay, and occasionally there are hints of who the man is Tana married, and who the kids call Daddy. If you've only seen Hell's Kitchen that only a slice--authentic, but just a slice. All this book did for me was fill in some chinks of what I already knew.
So--self-promotion and self-medication. Yes. But that's alright. Poor boy makes better than good, and wrestles some formidable demons along the way. And maybe the writing of it, the publishing of it, allows him to put some of the demons to bed, and have his say on some of the more scurrilous bits the British tabloids have been tossing about for the last decade and a half.
To be honest, I'd rather read his cookbooks, and watch the shows (particulary The F Word and the British version of Kitchen Nightmares than pick up the inevitable next volume in the Gordon Ramsay written word oeuvre. But, then, for me, it's all about the food.
December 14, 2007
This was a marvellously entertaining and fast-paced version of Gordon Ramsay's life and work, from his own perspective.
Now, as a matter of course. I checked out a biography written about him by someone else for comparison's sake. I found both stories remarkably similar, for the most part, so I think Gordon's pretty good about talking about himself. (And I don't mean that in an egotistical way; he goes on in the book about deploring liars - something he & I share as a character trait - so it's clear he's pretty honest about things.)
Yes, he's cantankerous. Yes, he's got high standards. Yes, he swears like a sailor who has dropped a 20 lb weight on his foot. So what? He's very talented, rather entertaining and hardworking. He's also extremely successful. It takes being a bit of a bastard to get all of that done, doesn't it? And no holds are barred.
It's not particularly deep; he doesn't care for therapy, or to go into his motivations for everything he's done. In fact, it's probably pretty obvious where he gets his fire from early on. No, this book feels like you're having a beer with him, and he's just talking. Great feeling, isn't it? And usually hard to capture.
All in all, I enjoyed this read and devoured it in about 48-36 hours. Pun (firmly) intended.
Now, as a matter of course. I checked out a biography written about him by someone else for comparison's sake. I found both stories remarkably similar, for the most part, so I think Gordon's pretty good about talking about himself. (And I don't mean that in an egotistical way; he goes on in the book about deploring liars - something he & I share as a character trait - so it's clear he's pretty honest about things.)
Yes, he's cantankerous. Yes, he's got high standards. Yes, he swears like a sailor who has dropped a 20 lb weight on his foot. So what? He's very talented, rather entertaining and hardworking. He's also extremely successful. It takes being a bit of a bastard to get all of that done, doesn't it? And no holds are barred.
It's not particularly deep; he doesn't care for therapy, or to go into his motivations for everything he's done. In fact, it's probably pretty obvious where he gets his fire from early on. No, this book feels like you're having a beer with him, and he's just talking. Great feeling, isn't it? And usually hard to capture.
All in all, I enjoyed this read and devoured it in about 48-36 hours. Pun (firmly) intended.
August 10, 2010
let me start by saying that i love love love Chef Ramsay! i watch Hell's Kitchen, Master Chef and Kitchen Nightmares. He awakened my passion for cooking.
But he's a chef, and i wasn't expecting too much from his book. Boy was i in for something!
i was totally fascinated by this book. he seems like such a jerk on tv (but ive heard that his students love him!) and it was interesting to read why he is the way he is and how he came to be that way.
this is the story of his insanely bad childhood, how he escaped it by playing soccer, then had to find a new passion because of his injury. he turend to cooking to escape and it ended up becoming his savior.
chef ramsay literally got himself out of a bad place and is now this incredibley talented, famous chef. he could have settled many many times in one place, but always expected more of himself. he was always moving up- learning everything he can from everyone he could. once he learned all he culd he was on to the next, never content to be mediocre.
he went through a lot of shady stuff and when he got out of it he took eveyone he could with him, which is really extraordinary.
such a great man, with an amazing story. definite must for all of his fans.
But he's a chef, and i wasn't expecting too much from his book. Boy was i in for something!
i was totally fascinated by this book. he seems like such a jerk on tv (but ive heard that his students love him!) and it was interesting to read why he is the way he is and how he came to be that way.
this is the story of his insanely bad childhood, how he escaped it by playing soccer, then had to find a new passion because of his injury. he turend to cooking to escape and it ended up becoming his savior.
chef ramsay literally got himself out of a bad place and is now this incredibley talented, famous chef. he could have settled many many times in one place, but always expected more of himself. he was always moving up- learning everything he can from everyone he could. once he learned all he culd he was on to the next, never content to be mediocre.
he went through a lot of shady stuff and when he got out of it he took eveyone he could with him, which is really extraordinary.
such a great man, with an amazing story. definite must for all of his fans.
January 11, 2014
Its often difficult to rate someone's autobiography and especially of someone who is around... It does not give you a sense of reading a complete story. Because of that very feeling, I did not know whether to rate this book a 3 or a 4.
I have rated it a 4 because when you compare the Gordon Ramsay on TV (and more than just Hell's Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmare) with the words and tone of the book its all the same. That to me speaks that he may be brash and rude and what not but atleast he is honest and he has not tried to gloss his life over.
By the time you end reading the book, you know all about what makes him angry and the unhappy people of his life - his father, not making it in football, Marco and his brother's problems with drugs - but you don't really get to know much about what makes him happy, what makes him tick - his wife and family, his restaurants or any other such thing! That is something that I don't understand much! Why should he talk to openly about the unhappy things but not about the happier aspects or in case if his intention was to inspire other people then talk a little bit more about how he made it big in the world of food!! Not for nothing has it been named Roasting in Hell's Kitchen!!!
I have rated it a 4 because when you compare the Gordon Ramsay on TV (and more than just Hell's Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmare) with the words and tone of the book its all the same. That to me speaks that he may be brash and rude and what not but atleast he is honest and he has not tried to gloss his life over.
By the time you end reading the book, you know all about what makes him angry and the unhappy people of his life - his father, not making it in football, Marco and his brother's problems with drugs - but you don't really get to know much about what makes him happy, what makes him tick - his wife and family, his restaurants or any other such thing! That is something that I don't understand much! Why should he talk to openly about the unhappy things but not about the happier aspects or in case if his intention was to inspire other people then talk a little bit more about how he made it big in the world of food!! Not for nothing has it been named Roasting in Hell's Kitchen!!!
June 21, 2008
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/5...
Having read Hell’s Kitchen I now feel that I understand Gordon Ramsay’s personality a little better. His fanatical pursuit of perfection seems to be as a result of his difficult childhood. However I wonder if his constant use of the f word is entirely necessary as all it really shows is lack of vocabulary. This makes me feel that maybe nowadays he continues to use it for effect in print and on the small screen.
He is obviously very passionate about his restaurants and the meals they produce. He admits that the UK is still a long way behind the rest of Europe in terms of decent places to eat outside the big cities, a depressing but true fact. He hopes that things will improve slowly and that he has a part to play in improving the future eating habits of the British.
An enlightening read if you are interested in learning about how Gordon Ramsey came to be the man he is today, a successful chef and businessman.
Having read Hell’s Kitchen I now feel that I understand Gordon Ramsay’s personality a little better. His fanatical pursuit of perfection seems to be as a result of his difficult childhood. However I wonder if his constant use of the f word is entirely necessary as all it really shows is lack of vocabulary. This makes me feel that maybe nowadays he continues to use it for effect in print and on the small screen.
He is obviously very passionate about his restaurants and the meals they produce. He admits that the UK is still a long way behind the rest of Europe in terms of decent places to eat outside the big cities, a depressing but true fact. He hopes that things will improve slowly and that he has a part to play in improving the future eating habits of the British.
An enlightening read if you are interested in learning about how Gordon Ramsey came to be the man he is today, a successful chef and businessman.
November 10, 2010
A very in depth look at the iconic cook that we all know and love to hate from 'Hell's Kitchen' and 'Kitchen Nightmares'.
I walk away from this book with a renewed respect for Gordon Ramsay. It was surprising to me to find out that he came from such meager beginnings, and rough family life. Ramsay worked his way from the very bottom to where he is now. Ramsay is a story of someone that actually goes from rags to riches, but works his bum off to get there.
From the very beginning of the book, it's evident that Ramsay is a tough fighter willing to take on the world to get what he wants.
Throughout Gordon's writing, he seems brutal, bullheaded and arrogant, but there are also times that you can see that he has soft spots. Keep in mind that these 'soft spots' are few and far between and hidden in the deepest recesses of his larger than life ego.
Overall, it was a very informative book. I liked Gordon Ramsay before I read this book, and I like him still, arrogant bastard and all.
I walk away from this book with a renewed respect for Gordon Ramsay. It was surprising to me to find out that he came from such meager beginnings, and rough family life. Ramsay worked his way from the very bottom to where he is now. Ramsay is a story of someone that actually goes from rags to riches, but works his bum off to get there.
From the very beginning of the book, it's evident that Ramsay is a tough fighter willing to take on the world to get what he wants.
Throughout Gordon's writing, he seems brutal, bullheaded and arrogant, but there are also times that you can see that he has soft spots. Keep in mind that these 'soft spots' are few and far between and hidden in the deepest recesses of his larger than life ego.
Overall, it was a very informative book. I liked Gordon Ramsay before I read this book, and I like him still, arrogant bastard and all.
January 2, 2019
I admit to having a bot of a celebrity crush on Gordon Ramsay. I've always loved his 'brutish' no-nonsense way of running his kitchens, as it's depicted on TV. When I saw this autobiography I though it would be a great opportunity to see how much of the bravada we see on screen is real and what is not. Reading this book showed me that, at the end of the day, Gordon Ramsay is really just like you and me. I never knew the tough life he had growing up and how he quite literally clawed his way to the top of his field through nothing but hard work and determination. What we see on TV may seem cruel (albeit entertaining), but what's behind that mean-looking facade is a man who wants his proteges to give 110% because he's never given anything less in his whole life. I respect Gordon Ramsay even more after reading this book and I would gladly read more of his stories if he ever decides to put them out.
May 21, 2013
okay I have to admit I've never seen a single episode of Hell's Kitchen or Kitchen Nightmares or anything else involving Gordon Ramsay. I was too focused on Anthony Bourdain...so I picked this up to find out how these two potty-mouthed chefs differ from each other in their backgrounds, views on cooking, and life in general.
I don't know if I'd read this again but wow, I learned a lot. Even if you despise the guy (I have no idea why you would but apparently lots of people do) give it a try. It's a quick read and while his writing isn't extremely polished, it's very natural and flows well which makes for good storytelling.
I would have preferred something a bit less linear with more insights though - I hate comparing this to Tony's writing but what he did in Kitchen Confidential was perfect and I would've liked to see a bit of that here.
3.5/5 - might read again, probably wouldn't buy.
I don't know if I'd read this again but wow, I learned a lot. Even if you despise the guy (I have no idea why you would but apparently lots of people do) give it a try. It's a quick read and while his writing isn't extremely polished, it's very natural and flows well which makes for good storytelling.
I would have preferred something a bit less linear with more insights though - I hate comparing this to Tony's writing but what he did in Kitchen Confidential was perfect and I would've liked to see a bit of that here.
3.5/5 - might read again, probably wouldn't buy.
May 3, 2016
For starters, there are no surprises there, so anyone looking for buried secrets in Ramsay's life might come out of the book disappointed. That said, the book is definitely interesting.
The way the book has been compartmentalized, it finely projects the important aspects of Ramsay's point at that point of time. And when the culinary pursuits begin, the food lover in you cannot help but experience a thrill.
Ramsay is what he is, and he doesn't apologize for that. But you do get to have a glimpse at a rare softness to his temperament, which is fleeting but makes its presence known.
The autobiography might not have established him as the tyrannical foul-mouthed chef that we have all come to know him of; on the contrary it delineates an acceptable side of him. But this book does reveal another devil in the form of Marco Pierre White. Whatever was written of him in this book is enough to ignite interest in his autobiography-if there is one at present.
The way the book has been compartmentalized, it finely projects the important aspects of Ramsay's point at that point of time. And when the culinary pursuits begin, the food lover in you cannot help but experience a thrill.
Ramsay is what he is, and he doesn't apologize for that. But you do get to have a glimpse at a rare softness to his temperament, which is fleeting but makes its presence known.
The autobiography might not have established him as the tyrannical foul-mouthed chef that we have all come to know him of; on the contrary it delineates an acceptable side of him. But this book does reveal another devil in the form of Marco Pierre White. Whatever was written of him in this book is enough to ignite interest in his autobiography-if there is one at present.
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