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Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef
With rare intensity and candor, world-renowned, Michelin-starred Chef Curtis Duffy shares his epic journey from child of an outlaw biker father to famed culinary iconoclast. Fans of no holds-barred stories such as Motley Crue’s The Dirt, memoirs by celebrity chefs, and brutally honest personal memoirs will love this raw and inspiring true story.
“Chef Curtis Duffy's Fireproof is like Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential meets Sons of Anarchy.”
—Peter Blauner, New York Times bestselling author of The Intruder
Fireproof charts Chef Curtis Duffy’s rise in spite of trauma, to being mentored by and recognized among the world’s top chefs. Amid childhood chaos in rural Ohio, a young Duffy first found refuge in Home Ec class, then at one of Columbus’s best restaurants, where he honed his skills. His passion ignited, Duffy was dead set on leaving Ohio and breaking the Duffy family curse.
But the tragic deaths of his parents jeopardized his promising trajectories. Summoning extraordinary fortitude, Duffy ate pain, graduated culinary school, and moved to Chicago to work in Chef Charlie Trotter’s kitchen—a hotbed of talent that produced prominent alumni such as Grant Achatz, Graham Elliot, and Homaro Cantu. Inspired by stellar peers and staging for Thomas Keller at the French Laundry, Duffy’s drive only grew.
His meteoric rise would cost him a marriage—the price of ambition, focus, and Grace restaurant. Grace earned three Michelin stars four years in a row, solidifying Duffy’s place as one of the world’s greatest culinary artists. But in a heartbreaking act of defiance, Duffy walked out after disputes with Grace’s owner.
Unstoppable, Duffy created Ever restaurant—a launch nearly derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Duffy persisted where many others would have resigned their craft, and Ever earned two Michelin stars from 2021-2024. Duffy was ranked one of the “50 Most Powerful People in American Fine Dining” in 2024 by the Robb Report.
“Chef Curtis Duffy's Fireproof is like Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential meets Sons of Anarchy.”
—Peter Blauner, New York Times bestselling author of The Intruder
Fireproof charts Chef Curtis Duffy’s rise in spite of trauma, to being mentored by and recognized among the world’s top chefs. Amid childhood chaos in rural Ohio, a young Duffy first found refuge in Home Ec class, then at one of Columbus’s best restaurants, where he honed his skills. His passion ignited, Duffy was dead set on leaving Ohio and breaking the Duffy family curse.
But the tragic deaths of his parents jeopardized his promising trajectories. Summoning extraordinary fortitude, Duffy ate pain, graduated culinary school, and moved to Chicago to work in Chef Charlie Trotter’s kitchen—a hotbed of talent that produced prominent alumni such as Grant Achatz, Graham Elliot, and Homaro Cantu. Inspired by stellar peers and staging for Thomas Keller at the French Laundry, Duffy’s drive only grew.
His meteoric rise would cost him a marriage—the price of ambition, focus, and Grace restaurant. Grace earned three Michelin stars four years in a row, solidifying Duffy’s place as one of the world’s greatest culinary artists. But in a heartbreaking act of defiance, Duffy walked out after disputes with Grace’s owner.
Unstoppable, Duffy created Ever restaurant—a launch nearly derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Duffy persisted where many others would have resigned their craft, and Ever earned two Michelin stars from 2021-2024. Duffy was ranked one of the “50 Most Powerful People in American Fine Dining” in 2024 by the Robb Report.
360 pages, Hardcover
Published August 5, 2025
38 people are currently reading
5057 people want to read
About the author
Curtis Duffy
2 books35 followersWorld-renowned, James Beard Award-winning, Michelin-starred chef, Curtis Duffy, was raised in Ohio. Duffy moved to Chicago to work for legendary chef Charlie Trotter before becoming Chef de cuisine at Alinea. As head chef at Avenues, Duffy earned two Michelin stars. Duffy later opened Grace restaurant, earning three Michelin stars four years in a row. Duffy since opened the Michelin-starred restaurant, Ever, and After lounge. Netflix released For Grace—a documentary about Duffy creating Grace, the tragic loss of his parents, and becoming a critically acclaimed chef. Duffy and Ever restaurant have been featured heavily in Hulu’s hit series, The Bear.
Duffy volunteers for Chicago's Banchet Awards, the Grand Chef’s Gala, and sits on the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts advisory board, where a $25,000 scholarship in his name is awarded. Duffy lives between Chicago and Miami with his wife, Jennifer Duffy and their children. Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef is his first book.
Duffy volunteers for Chicago's Banchet Awards, the Grand Chef’s Gala, and sits on the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts advisory board, where a $25,000 scholarship in his name is awarded. Duffy lives between Chicago and Miami with his wife, Jennifer Duffy and their children. Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef is his first book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 1, 2025
I received an uncorrected proof/advance reader's copy via Goodreads Giveaways.
I could have done without all the foul language sprinkled throughout the book, but apparently Chef Duffy just speaks that way and if so, the text is true to the man. The only other "complaint" I have is that due to the conversational nature of the text (meandering back and forth through time and occasionally digressing and going off on tangents) there were a couple of details on which I remain unsure of their chronological order. They were minor details, though, so not a real problem.
That said, Chef Curtis Duffy has an amazing story to tell. He encountered many roadblocks to his success throughout his life, and yet, he has taken the necessary detours and found his way back every time.
I could have done without all the foul language sprinkled throughout the book, but apparently Chef Duffy just speaks that way and if so, the text is true to the man. The only other "complaint" I have is that due to the conversational nature of the text (meandering back and forth through time and occasionally digressing and going off on tangents) there were a couple of details on which I remain unsure of their chronological order. They were minor details, though, so not a real problem.
That said, Chef Curtis Duffy has an amazing story to tell. He encountered many roadblocks to his success throughout his life, and yet, he has taken the necessary detours and found his way back every time.
October 22, 2025
I have a soft spot in my heart for Curtis Duffy after seeing “For Grace” debut at the Chicago Film Festival. He has a wild life story, and it’s amazing that he was able to break a cycle of abuse and poverty to become who he is today.
That said, the book is not very well-written. It meanders through points in time and has a repetitive, overly casual nature to its prose that feels very amateur (despite having a professional co-writer). One also has to wonder at a certain point if chef truly is a victim who wanders into this many altercations with true assholes who want to beat him up and cut ties with him (family members aside), or if the problem is him.
That said, the book is not very well-written. It meanders through points in time and has a repetitive, overly casual nature to its prose that feels very amateur (despite having a professional co-writer). One also has to wonder at a certain point if chef truly is a victim who wanders into this many altercations with true assholes who want to beat him up and cut ties with him (family members aside), or if the problem is him.
November 17, 2025
me 🤝🏻 a chef memoir
super interesting story!
super interesting story!
August 19, 2025
Fireproof follows Chef Duffy as the powers through the hardship of a tragic childhood and lands in the kitchen. Through some amazing mentoring, Duffy finds his sense of self in both his personal life and how he runs his kitchen. Though, as the title suggests, things are not always easy, but no matter that difficulty, Duffy emerges, Fireproof.
*Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 25, 2025
I have a soft spot in my heart for first generation college students and children that come from less than supportive homes. I have basically built my career on this love. Duffy is first gen, comes from an impoverished background and definitely a less than supportive home. His childhood was both physically and verbally abusive. His father suffered from mental illness, his biological mother gae him away in infancy, and his stepmom tried to be supportive but saw tough love as the answer. It is a wonder that Duffy made it at all. He did have the support of some rock star teachers and mentors along the way. These supportive adults were vital to him as he struggled with overcoming generational trauma. When he was in his late teens, his father murdered the only mother-figure Duffy knew and then committed suicide.
Duffy continually struggles with this trauma but leaves Ohio to intern with the likes of Charlie Trotter and the aforementioned Achatz. It is Achatz that I think Duffy most resembles even though he carved out his own culinary path in the brutal restaurant world of Chicago.
I really don’t know where to begin with Duffy’s life. He triumphs over a harsh childhood and family trauma to open his dream restaurant, Grace. He achieves greatness there but has truly made a deal with the devil by partnering with an unscrupulousness financier. His dream restaurant dies a sudden death when his manager and friend is fired and lawsuits are brought against them both. He sits out of the industry because of a no-compete clause and finally opens another dream restaurant, Ever. During COVID, he opened Rêve Burgers for takeout to keep his staff employed. Later he opened After (but I am not sure he is still associated with that establishment).
Duffy speaks highly of his chef mentors like Charlie Trotter even though their parting was less than amicable. He goes on for a paragraph or two on Trotter’s genius with vegetables. He also outlines Trotter’s credo of fine dining. He truly respects Chef Achatz and gives him lots of credit and praise.
I loved Duffy’s meeting with Anthony Bourdain where they basically bonded over the love of cheese.
The first part of Fireproof was just tragic and heart wrenching. Equally tragic was the partnership at Grace with what can only be described as the devil-man (the fat cat who financed it). But, around chapter forty, I felt like the way was lost. The chapters didn’t flow and at one point Duffy just recaps a chronological list of the events that led to the success of Ever. He then goes back to revisit the trauma of his childhood but that too almost reads like a recap.
I am glad I read this book and it was intriguing to see Duffy’s drive for excellence, in himself, his restaurants and his employees.
Duffy continually struggles with this trauma but leaves Ohio to intern with the likes of Charlie Trotter and the aforementioned Achatz. It is Achatz that I think Duffy most resembles even though he carved out his own culinary path in the brutal restaurant world of Chicago.
I really don’t know where to begin with Duffy’s life. He triumphs over a harsh childhood and family trauma to open his dream restaurant, Grace. He achieves greatness there but has truly made a deal with the devil by partnering with an unscrupulousness financier. His dream restaurant dies a sudden death when his manager and friend is fired and lawsuits are brought against them both. He sits out of the industry because of a no-compete clause and finally opens another dream restaurant, Ever. During COVID, he opened Rêve Burgers for takeout to keep his staff employed. Later he opened After (but I am not sure he is still associated with that establishment).
Duffy speaks highly of his chef mentors like Charlie Trotter even though their parting was less than amicable. He goes on for a paragraph or two on Trotter’s genius with vegetables. He also outlines Trotter’s credo of fine dining. He truly respects Chef Achatz and gives him lots of credit and praise.
I loved Duffy’s meeting with Anthony Bourdain where they basically bonded over the love of cheese.
The first part of Fireproof was just tragic and heart wrenching. Equally tragic was the partnership at Grace with what can only be described as the devil-man (the fat cat who financed it). But, around chapter forty, I felt like the way was lost. The chapters didn’t flow and at one point Duffy just recaps a chronological list of the events that led to the success of Ever. He then goes back to revisit the trauma of his childhood but that too almost reads like a recap.
I am glad I read this book and it was intriguing to see Duffy’s drive for excellence, in himself, his restaurants and his employees.
August 28, 2025
Every once in a while, a memoir comes along that completely takes you by surprise. Fireproof by Michelin-starred chef Curtis Duffy (with Jeremy Wagner) is one of those books. It is not simply a chef’s story about creating exquisite dishes or running acclaimed restaurants. Instead, it is a powerful journey of survival, resilience, and the way one man transformed unimaginable trauma into a life of artistry and purpose.
From the very first chapter, Duffy grips you with raw honesty. At just nineteen, he faced the unthinkable: identifying his parents after a tragic murder-suicide. That moment sets the tone for a memoir that doesn’t shy away from darkness. His childhood was turbulent, marked by instability, violence, and abandonment. Yet, amid the chaos, there were lifelines - teachers and mentors who saw his spark, nurtured his interest in food, and ultimately set him on a path that would change his life.
As the narrative moves into Duffy’s culinary journey, the memoir balances grit with beauty. His descriptions of flavors, textures, and the creative process are breathtaking. You can feel his passion come alive in every dish he describes, from the meticulous construction of a tasting menu to the delicate layering of umami flavors. These moments aren’t just about food - they’re about healing, expression, and the pursuit of perfection.
Along the way, you get unforgettable glimpses of restaurant life - from the awe of a cheese-filled cooler to the razor-sharp discipline behind every station.
His reflections on Charlie Trotter’s mentorship are fascinating, equal parts inspiring and intense. His encounter with Anthony Bourdain is moving, especially now, and his flavor experiments - from sea bass guacamole tacos to smoked cherry ice cream - make the pages come alive. I simply loved the details and "behind the scenes" glimpses.
What makes Fireproof so compelling is its honesty. Duffy doesn’t sugarcoat his struggles or present himself as flawless. Instead, he lays bare his insecurities, his mistakes, and the long road it took to become the man - and chef - he is today. That vulnerability makes his story not just inspiring, but deeply human.
By the end, Fireproof leaves you with more than admiration for Duffy’s culinary achievements. It leaves you with a profound respect for his resilience and his refusal to let the fire consume him. This is a memoir about finding strength in ashes, and it will stay with you long after you close the book.
Verdict: Fireproof is raw, unforgettable, and inspiring—a must-read for food lovers, memoir enthusiasts, and anyone who believes in the power of second chances.
From the very first chapter, Duffy grips you with raw honesty. At just nineteen, he faced the unthinkable: identifying his parents after a tragic murder-suicide. That moment sets the tone for a memoir that doesn’t shy away from darkness. His childhood was turbulent, marked by instability, violence, and abandonment. Yet, amid the chaos, there were lifelines - teachers and mentors who saw his spark, nurtured his interest in food, and ultimately set him on a path that would change his life.
As the narrative moves into Duffy’s culinary journey, the memoir balances grit with beauty. His descriptions of flavors, textures, and the creative process are breathtaking. You can feel his passion come alive in every dish he describes, from the meticulous construction of a tasting menu to the delicate layering of umami flavors. These moments aren’t just about food - they’re about healing, expression, and the pursuit of perfection.
Along the way, you get unforgettable glimpses of restaurant life - from the awe of a cheese-filled cooler to the razor-sharp discipline behind every station.
His reflections on Charlie Trotter’s mentorship are fascinating, equal parts inspiring and intense. His encounter with Anthony Bourdain is moving, especially now, and his flavor experiments - from sea bass guacamole tacos to smoked cherry ice cream - make the pages come alive. I simply loved the details and "behind the scenes" glimpses.
What makes Fireproof so compelling is its honesty. Duffy doesn’t sugarcoat his struggles or present himself as flawless. Instead, he lays bare his insecurities, his mistakes, and the long road it took to become the man - and chef - he is today. That vulnerability makes his story not just inspiring, but deeply human.
By the end, Fireproof leaves you with more than admiration for Duffy’s culinary achievements. It leaves you with a profound respect for his resilience and his refusal to let the fire consume him. This is a memoir about finding strength in ashes, and it will stay with you long after you close the book.
Verdict: Fireproof is raw, unforgettable, and inspiring—a must-read for food lovers, memoir enthusiasts, and anyone who believes in the power of second chances.
April 24, 2025
I received a free advance readers copy (uncorrected proof) from Deadsky Publishing through Goodreads giveaways.
I love memoirs and food books, and chef's memoirs are the perfect combination. Duffy's memoir in particular is fast-paced and kept my interest the whole time, and it touched on so much more than food, cooking, and his journey as as chef. Although, every detail of his life pertains to eventually becoming a chef. I love when he dives into the scientific details of why some ingredients do what they do under heat or cold, and how he works with that to create a dish.
While the story was engaging, the casual, "I'm in conversation with the reader" writing was a little too casual and tiring at times. I had to stop making note of how frequently the words "I think" and "know what I mean?" were used. The text also had a high school feel that lacked specificity. There would be talk of ingredients that ended with, "and you can use it with other things." 'Things' came up a lot. What things? Dishes? Medicinal healing? I don't want to assume or guess.
There were also several completely unnecessary portions of the book, sometimes several paragraphs long, that didn't need to be there at all. If Duffy is particularly passionate or thoughtful on a subject, the writing meanders and becomes repetitive. Half a chapter is devoted to speculation on why some people (people he's never met) committed suicide. We don't really need Duffy's thoughts on that. Other such stories were tacked onto the ends of unrelated chapters as though he wanted to include information on what time of night he works best, but wasn't sure where to put it or if it was worthy of its own chapter.
Duffy's life has been extremely difficult, but at one point he compares himself to a Vietnamese chef whose entire family fled the country and had to relocate to the US. Another time, Duffy subtly places blame on his ex-wife for not being accommodating when it came to his erratic child support payments. As often as he described himself a tough man who can get through anything, there was just as much victimization of himself or his situation. Perhaps this is an even split we all deserve in our memoirs, but it often tapered into being whiny.
I'm excited to read the corrected edition, as the story is as strong as Duffy's unique voice, but it does need some tidying up.
I love memoirs and food books, and chef's memoirs are the perfect combination. Duffy's memoir in particular is fast-paced and kept my interest the whole time, and it touched on so much more than food, cooking, and his journey as as chef. Although, every detail of his life pertains to eventually becoming a chef. I love when he dives into the scientific details of why some ingredients do what they do under heat or cold, and how he works with that to create a dish.
While the story was engaging, the casual, "I'm in conversation with the reader" writing was a little too casual and tiring at times. I had to stop making note of how frequently the words "I think" and "know what I mean?" were used. The text also had a high school feel that lacked specificity. There would be talk of ingredients that ended with, "and you can use it with other things." 'Things' came up a lot. What things? Dishes? Medicinal healing? I don't want to assume or guess.
There were also several completely unnecessary portions of the book, sometimes several paragraphs long, that didn't need to be there at all. If Duffy is particularly passionate or thoughtful on a subject, the writing meanders and becomes repetitive. Half a chapter is devoted to speculation on why some people (people he's never met) committed suicide. We don't really need Duffy's thoughts on that. Other such stories were tacked onto the ends of unrelated chapters as though he wanted to include information on what time of night he works best, but wasn't sure where to put it or if it was worthy of its own chapter.
Duffy's life has been extremely difficult, but at one point he compares himself to a Vietnamese chef whose entire family fled the country and had to relocate to the US. Another time, Duffy subtly places blame on his ex-wife for not being accommodating when it came to his erratic child support payments. As often as he described himself a tough man who can get through anything, there was just as much victimization of himself or his situation. Perhaps this is an even split we all deserve in our memoirs, but it often tapered into being whiny.
I'm excited to read the corrected edition, as the story is as strong as Duffy's unique voice, but it does need some tidying up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2025
The aptly named Fireproof starts with a first chapter that will leave you gutted—the trauma Curtis Duffy endured at nineteen is horrific, and quite simply unfathomable. From the ashes of his turbulent childhood, Duffy discovered a passion for culinary artistry, transforming pain into purpose and the kitchen into his sanctuary.
Duffy's compelling memoir charts his extraordinary journey, showcasing his relentless drive to rise above unimaginable challenges and achieve greatness. His story is one of triumph born of sacrifice, a powerful reminder of the resilience required to reach the highest levels of success in the unforgiving world of fine dining.
Fireproof offers an intimate look at the man behind the accolades, revealing the heart and grit that fuelled his ascent. Chef Curtis Duffy’s story is as inspiring as it is unforgettable. Fans of culinary memoirs and tales of perseverance will find themselves riveted by this remarkable account.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dead Sky Publishing for providing me with an eARC of Fireproof prior to its publication.
Duffy's compelling memoir charts his extraordinary journey, showcasing his relentless drive to rise above unimaginable challenges and achieve greatness. His story is one of triumph born of sacrifice, a powerful reminder of the resilience required to reach the highest levels of success in the unforgiving world of fine dining.
Fireproof offers an intimate look at the man behind the accolades, revealing the heart and grit that fuelled his ascent. Chef Curtis Duffy’s story is as inspiring as it is unforgettable. Fans of culinary memoirs and tales of perseverance will find themselves riveted by this remarkable account.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dead Sky Publishing for providing me with an eARC of Fireproof prior to its publication.
May 12, 2025
I was gifted a copy of Fireproof through a giveaway. I also started young in kitchens and followed a path in Culinary Arts, so I was intrigued and excited to read Mr. Duffy's memoir. I've delayed righting this review as it just didnt' sit right with me---but this is all about giving honest opinions right? So here we go:
Right out of the gate, the horror he endured and the tragedy that he endured in his teens hit me HARD! But, truthfully, after that, the book is a little discombobulated--I had to keep referencing back as the author jumps around so much in his life that I kept getting lost. Also, the conversation narratives are really redundant- it almost felt as if it was being used as a filler to get longer chapters or a longer novel. I wanted so badly to love this book, and unfortunately, I just didn't. His story is truly mesmerizing--his hardships are raw and real, the novel just didn't hold that up in my opinion.
Right out of the gate, the horror he endured and the tragedy that he endured in his teens hit me HARD! But, truthfully, after that, the book is a little discombobulated--I had to keep referencing back as the author jumps around so much in his life that I kept getting lost. Also, the conversation narratives are really redundant- it almost felt as if it was being used as a filler to get longer chapters or a longer novel. I wanted so badly to love this book, and unfortunately, I just didn't. His story is truly mesmerizing--his hardships are raw and real, the novel just didn't hold that up in my opinion.
September 6, 2025
Do you want to eat 400 meals planned, cooked, and served by a respected, talented, successful author who has never cooked before, doesn't get any expert help or follow any recipes, but has an ego so big they think whatever gets plated must be worth eating? That's what 400 pages of this book felt like to me. No need for extensive detailed criticism; this book is not for anyone who values good prose, interesting character development, coherent story arc, quality editing, etc... It is for those who want to hear a guy tell you how, through hard work, drive, obsession, and talent, he overcame a difficult and tragic start in life to achieve success. No shade on that, or his cooking, food, story, etc.... It's just terrible reading.
May 1, 2025
I was granted an advanced, uncorrected copy of this book. I was excited to read it as I’ve followed Chef Duffy’s career.
The book is haphazardly structured. It reads like a brain dump from Duffy with him jumping back and forth between periods of his life, or providing lists at random (ie. his favorite restaurants or foods). I found myself lost in the timeline of his life because he’d start with one moment, then Duffy would quickly jump back or forward in time leaving me (the reader) confused.
The tone of the book is highly conversational. After about 100 pages the use of “man” and “you know” got old and boring.
Overall, this book could benefit from some strong editing.
The book is haphazardly structured. It reads like a brain dump from Duffy with him jumping back and forth between periods of his life, or providing lists at random (ie. his favorite restaurants or foods). I found myself lost in the timeline of his life because he’d start with one moment, then Duffy would quickly jump back or forward in time leaving me (the reader) confused.
The tone of the book is highly conversational. After about 100 pages the use of “man” and “you know” got old and boring.
Overall, this book could benefit from some strong editing.
August 1, 2025
I listened to Duffy's interview on Armchair Expert, and that's what made me interested in the book. (Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!) What he's been through in his personal life as far as his family is concerned is unthinkable, and I am glad he came out on the other side in one piece. I am one of those "food channel junkies," and it was very interesting to get to know more about what happens behind the scenes in a restaurant, not just in the kitchen, but also on the administrative side and everything that goes into opening one. It was a little over my head at times, but overall I really enjoyed this book.
November 1, 2025
This is Duffy's memoir starting from when you was young and how he got interested in being a chef up until current times. I had no idea who this guy was, but he was on Armchair Expert and his story was really interesting to me, so I decided to pick up his book. He has a very interesting life story and then hearing the behind the scenes stuff of how he got to where he is and what it takes in creating a restaurant was fascinating to me. I listened to the audiobook, which was good. I would love to eat at his restaurant one day. I do wish that there were more nitty gritty details of what working in the business was like.
I give it 4.25 stars
I give it 4.25 stars
October 4, 2025
The key question I have for this book is: where the hell was the editor? This book went down all sorts of rabbit trails, forward-backward-forward in time, meandered to chapters that were merely name-dropping or restaurant reviews, and really needed some editorial help. That aside, I appreciate the vulnerability that Curtis portrayed in telling his life story and some of the descriptions of his food creations. But overall, it was painful at time to get through and 100 pages longer than it needed to be.
August 3, 2025
This was goood! I was a little worried in the beginning. Duffy starts by eating one of the most disgusting desserts I’ve ever heard described. I’m not a big fan of those overly pretentious chef memoirs. This happily turned out to not be one of those.
Duffy lays it out on the page. He doesn’t pull punches and doesn’t seem to care much about how he comes off. This makes for a great book.
Is it perfect? No. There’s a lot of weird timeline jumping, but it didn’t ruin the book for me.
I’d recommend it highly.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Duffy lays it out on the page. He doesn’t pull punches and doesn’t seem to care much about how he comes off. This makes for a great book.
Is it perfect? No. There’s a lot of weird timeline jumping, but it didn’t ruin the book for me.
I’d recommend it highly.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 23, 2025
I thought I knew Curtis Duffy’s story after seeing Grace, following him for years, dining at Ever. I was so wrong. If you are a fan, read this book. Devour this book. Incredible story of survival, perseverance and true grit.
Phenomenal read.
And now I’ve got to get back to Ever! I will be experiencing through new eyes. Waiting on bated breath for the new documentary.
Bravo Curtis and Jeremy. Well done.
Phenomenal read.
And now I’ve got to get back to Ever! I will be experiencing through new eyes. Waiting on bated breath for the new documentary.
Bravo Curtis and Jeremy. Well done.
August 24, 2025
I won an ARC copy of this book. I did not know who Curtis Duffy was before reading and now I totally want to go to his restaurant! although there were times the style felt a little too casual to me, the afterword explains that they really wanted to do this in their own style, which I think this accomplished. I liked that this has some personal and some professional balance in what aspects of his life it focuses on. an overall quick and easy read.
November 1, 2025
Fireproof by Curtis Duffy with Jeremy Wagner where shares his personal gut wrenching story to reach his goals of becoming a Michelin Star, world-renowned chef. Curtis overcame the trauma of living with his outlaw biker father to the death of both his parents. He could have succumbed to alcohol or drugs but said no and his inner strength and determination carried him through. I found this to be captivating, poignant and emotional. These opinions are strictly my own. I rated it a five.
November 14, 2025
The author, Chef Curtis Duffy, shares his personal biographical story of being raised as the child of an outlaw biker father to becoming a famed culinary chef, enduring throughout the transitions required by COVID-19, to persist where many others would have left the field of culinary endeavors. He was determined to carry on, and his story is one of great passion, grit, and an unending drive for excellence. Very illuminating read about the world of first class chefs ~
April 21, 2025
This is a really good book. Curtis Duffy is an inspiration. His homelife when he was younger was horrific and it seemed that even though it seemed desperate he always had dreams and kept on track to make those dreams come true. It gives you something to think about. I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend.
July 25, 2025
Curtis Duffy is amazing! Against all odds he made a happy and successful life for himself. He had a horrible childhood and terrible abusive parents. But he went on to open his own restaurants in Chicago and earn Michelin stars and many awards, marry the love of his life, and be a great father to four children. I loved this book.
September 7, 2025
This book is about the journey of Chef Curtis Duffy from childhood to owning Ever, a two Michelin star restaurant in Chicago. His life was fraught with violence , financially desperate years , loss ,love and ultimately support from people who believed in his talent.
Jeremy Wagner, a close friend of Curtis, writes the story with respect, honesty and love.
It is fascinating to read about how Chef Curtis creates amazing dishes and his philosophy on running a successful kitchen and restaurant .
I loved this book and can’t wait to experience Ever for myself.
Jeremy Wagner, a close friend of Curtis, writes the story with respect, honesty and love.
It is fascinating to read about how Chef Curtis creates amazing dishes and his philosophy on running a successful kitchen and restaurant .
I loved this book and can’t wait to experience Ever for myself.
December 20, 2025
The man, the myth, the legend. Lucky enough to have dined at Ever in Chicago. Such a phenomenal experience. Have followed Curtis’ journey for a long time. The book was a great portrait of his growth and determination. I think k it was write very well. Will always cheer him on in his endeavors.
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September 3, 2025WOWOWOWW!!
This guys childhood was actually insane - I’m so impressed by all that he accomplished. I learned so much about the culinary world and had no idea it was that cutthroat and intense.
Loved this read and loved this book! Would def recommend if you’re a foodie!
This guys childhood was actually insane - I’m so impressed by all that he accomplished. I learned so much about the culinary world and had no idea it was that cutthroat and intense.
Loved this read and loved this book! Would def recommend if you’re a foodie!
October 4, 2025
3.5 stars.
The arrangement of the book was a little scattered, and it could've used a good line-by-line edit (some sentences had extra words or duplicate words side-by-side).
Overall, an enjoyable and captivating read.
The arrangement of the book was a little scattered, and it could've used a good line-by-line edit (some sentences had extra words or duplicate words side-by-side).
Overall, an enjoyable and captivating read.
October 9, 2025
Jeremy Wagner handles the story and voice of Chef Curtis Duffy with tremendous skill. It’s a book that gets you into the kitchen, and into the head, of Duffy. An inspiring book for all creative people, not just aspiring chefs.
April 23, 2025
This book is different than any memoir I’ve ever read. It’s shockingly traumatic and completely inspirational at the same time.
April 27, 2025
I couldn’t put this book down! I was hooked by the first page! So incredibly moved by Curtis Duffy’s early life and what he was able to accomplish in his professional career! Very motivating! My husband is reading it now 🤩
June 30, 2025
A story of perseverance. My review is based on the ARC edition. Plenty of sizzle, a bit choppy in spots. I think this memoir could be more refined.
August 6, 2025
Captivating story
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