Why I Cook

by Tom Colicchio

Get an unprecedented look inside the mind and kitchen of America’s top chef in this memoir and cookbook by Tom Colicchio, the multiple-James Beard and Emmy Award-winning chef, restaurateur, and television personality.

Tom Colicchio cooked his first recipe at 13 years old—a stuffed eggplant from an issue of Cuisine magazine that he picked up out of boredom—and it changed his life. Now for the first time ever, Tom recounts the extraordinary personal journey that brought him from his working-class Italian background in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to the award-winning kitchens of New York City’s best restaurants, to the set of Top Chef and the stage of the Emmy Awards. Through 10 memoir chapters and 60 recipes, Why I Cook shares Tom’s personal reflections of more than 40 years behind the stove. From pre-dawn fishing excursions with his grandfather to running the flat-top at the snack shack of the local swim club, to finding his way as a young chef in New York City, Tom chronicles the dishes and memories that make up the course of his extraordinary life. Along the way Tom reveals his struggle growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, his earliest mistakes in professional kitchens, stories from his time on Top Chef, and so much more. The recipes, which reconnect Tom to home cooking—his first love—are a combination of current Colicchio family favorites, such as Warm Eggplant Salad with Ginger, Chilis, and Fresh Herbs, and heirloom recipes passed down from Tom’s parents and grandparents, like his mother’s Crab Rice and his grandfather’s Beet Salad. Through these meaningful dishes, gorgeous recipe shots, and images from Tom’s childhood, Why I Cook is the most personal look into Tom’s life yet.
 

Genres: Memoir, Food, Nonfiction, Cookbooks, Audiobook, Biography Memoir, Cooking

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2024

Reviews

[Anita Pomerantz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting “inside baseball” look at how one man got interested in a career in food and made it into a hugely successful career. This book is part memoir, part cookbook. The recipes look good, but not accessible for all. The final chapter about all the author’s charitable endeavors fell a little flat for me. The whole book is a little self aggrandizing, but I guess you do need a strong ego to make it in a cutthroat industry. Definitely wished there was more about Top Chef.

[Herbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

1/3 memoir and 2/3 cookbook. I like how Tom Colicchio put this book together: personal essays generally following his life + career chronologically, paired with recipes divided by season. The recipes vary between complicated, high-end fare inspired by his professional experience and much more rustic, home-focused dishes that feel approachable and doable.

I loved the memoir portions of this book -- and I think I wished it was only a memoir. I wanted a little bit more reflection on his time on Top Chef (which is certainly mentioned, but not as in-depth as I would expect.)

And, I always love when someone writing a memoir has the good sense to call themselves out - Tom isn't afraid to make himself look bad.

[Joseph Adelizzi, Jr. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don’t you just love those drivers who, when they need to make a left turn from one major thoroughfare on to another but encounter a long line of waiting traffic in the left turn lane, forego that turn lane until they reach the intersection where they need to turn then make that left turn from the center lane, cutting out all those folks who patiently waited in that left turn lane through three or four light changes?

Don’t you just love those solipsists who ignore all the “lane ends in one mile… one half mile… one quarter mile… 1000 feet… 500 feet” signs and then drive on the shoulder until squeezing in front of all the folks in the proper lane who had the good sense to act accordingly when first asked to do so?

Don’t you just love those shoppers with 38 items who tie up the express checkout lanes at the supermarket intended for folks with 10 or fewer items?

Don’t you just love coworkers who get appointed to a team and then tell everyone they singlehandedly accomplished all the team’s achievements?

Well, after reading Why I Cook I’m thinking its narrative voice echoes the voice of those obtuse drivers/solipsists/shoppers/coworkers. I’m also thinking that narrative voice would be convinced that yes, in spite of all its inconsiderate/inappropriate/rude/selfish decisions, we all still do love him and are parting as best of friends.

I could be wrong, maybe even projecting. After all, what does an insecure, unconfident, non-genius introvert like me, who would never consider pitying the “vast majority of people in the country (who) weren’t going to experience” my incredible gift that I was limited to bestowing on just “the fortunate few” know about living with a superpower? Like, I can’t comprehend that having such a gift would entitle me to screw up and screw over, chalk it up to a desire to grow, and move on from the carnage, convinced everyone I disrespected remains the best of friends with me, whereupon I can just screw up and screw over again, justifying it all as “I gotta grow again,” lather, rinse, and repeat. If only I had known.

As for the recipes, first off they are designed to accommodate upwards of 6 people, so get your calculator ready if it is just you and a loved one for dinner. Secondly, sure there are some I’ll consider cooking, but to be honest most feel inaccessible given that in my neighborhood supermarkets any cheese beyond Kraft singles, any deli meat beyond Dietz & Watson capicola, and any vegetable beyond frozen peas are not only hard to find but are perceived as kind of hoity toity. The recipe calls for Shishito peppers? Mortadella? Fresh English peas? Can’t I use red bell peppers, bologna, and Signature Select frozen peas instead? Unsophisticated palate, you say? Oh the horror, you say? Fahgedaboudid.

You don’t agree? I’m myopic? Stunted? Barbarous? Set in my ways? Unevolved? Parochial? Well, at least as I wipe your stultifying stains from my apron I know we are parting as the best of friends.

[Mark Clymer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A balance of memoir and detailed recipes, Chef Tom inspires the reader to answer the titular question. If you're a cook, how did you start, who influenced you, and how does it make you feel when you share the results with those you care about.

[Michele B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story. Recipes too high end for me.

[Maleah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book because I, like the author, have ADHD and often use cooking as an outlet to soothe symptoms. The synopsis of this book gives readers the impression that Colicchio's mental health journey woulf be a main ingredient. Instead it was an afterthought - a garnish on top of an otherwise finished meal, thrown in with very little attention.

I enjoyed the recipes and learning about his family history and cultural connection to food, but was hoping for something a bit more emotional to connect to.

[Michelle Tuite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading 2024
Book 228: Why I Cook by Why I Cook by Tom Colicchio

I have watched all the episodes of Top Chef and even rewatch some seasons when I see a chef on another show. When I saw Tom had a new book I had to listen to it. Wanted to load my reading with lots of memoirs for #nonfictionnovember.

Synopsis: Tom chronicles the dishes and memories that make up the course of his extraordinary life. Along the way Tom reveals his struggle growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, his earliest mistakes in professional kitchens, stories from his time on Top Chef, and so much more.

Review: Pluses and minuses on this audio book for me. One, wished I had a physical copy to follow along. Some of the narration traded chapters with full chapters of recipes. That detracted from the listening experience. Two, wished that Tom had narrated the whole book and not just the author’s note at the end. I got some insight in to Tom's world and that was great. Overall it was okay, 3.5⭐️.

[Joe Parker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointing. When I read that Tom had ADHD and cooking helped him, I thought I would find something to relate to, and to be driven by.

Nope. Just 300 pages of ego stroking, meandering and auto biographical “look how amazing I am” notes.

I knew his ego was huge. If you’ve ever seen top chef, it’s obvious. I expected it to come through on the pages. The level it’s displayed throughout this book is hard to stomach.

[Suzy Kopf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an enjoyable quick read. Like other chef memoirs with recipes (isn't that all of them?) I ended up wondering why certain aspects of Colicchio's life were emphasized and others were not. Top Chef and his entire TV career get about 20 pages at the end which will surely disappoint fans. All the recipes look quite simple and are Italian influenced so I might actually try some but it's somewhat repetitive of ingredients.

[Abby Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Equal parts memoir, and family recipe book "Why I Cook" is not about TC's success as a restauranteur though you will learn about his rise to glory.

This book, at its core, is a love letter to the insatiable desire to learn, grow, love. While I enjoyed reading of Tom's lauded career, I found solace in his description of the relentless pursuit of more, and how at various points and time served as both a blessing and a curse.

As one who has voraciously read cookbooks as novels since I was a little girl, reading of one of America's greatest chefs doing the same and explaining the transcendent nature of food, and reflecting on finding your place in the world this book is the validation I often need.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable look into the personal and professional life of a successful long-time chef, Top Chef judge, and advocate. I knew the broad strokes of Colicchio’s life, but it was interesting to hear from him what was going on behind the scenes. I found Colicchio to be humble enough to admit where he made poor choices and where in his life he could have done better. He did the work to grow in his profession as well as a person, and I very much respect him for that. This book also included a number of his favorite recipes that he cooks for his own family. I felt that added to the narrative of why he cooks.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most enjoyable book that I have listened to so far this year. The narrator was wonderful and seemed to capture the essence of the author. I also enjoyed the author’s comments after the book. The book itself was part memoir, part detailed recipes. It might seem odd to have found the recipes so much a part of the story, but I did. Possibly because I have eaten at Small Batch Restaurant here in my neighborhood, or maybe because I also spend a lot of time in Mattituck where he lives, but those things, and the way he grew up made it very easy for me to feel that I knew and understood him. I also picked up lots of good cooking ideas.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of many years, so I was primed to love every word of this memoir with recipes. It didn't disappoint - I found it as absorbing as a novel. Others have mentioned ego as a flaw but Colocchio addresses his own ego along with other aspects of his personal growth, with vulnerability and humility.

And recipes are written in that flexible easy style I love, too.

[Nicole Hancock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have liked more memoir and fewer recipes, but alas. Now I've read memoirs from Top Cheffers: Gail, Padma, Kristen and now Tom! He barely touched on his Top Chef experience, but I did enjoy reading about his upbringing and life in restaurants. Love his political activism around food. (and his blue eyes).

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book but it was a little jarring when you’re listening to the audio book and suddenly there’s a bunch of recipes tucked in between his personal essays. Was so happy for the surprise interview he did at the end of it though!

[KP · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded down to 3. This was a quick but tough read. TC was very honest about the ins and outs of his life and career but I didn’t like him as much as his media persona. Once I have time to think about him off the pedestal, I think I will have liked this book more. I appreciated the overall tone and that things weren’t easy for him, getting to this point in his life.

[Liz Dzwonczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable biography with lots of delicious recipes. We are trying a few this week.

[Grace Chen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it but too short, good mix if you are looking for recipes too. loved hearing about his journey and his social justice.

[Gwen Daniels · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Top Chef fan, I really enjoyed learning about Tom’s culinary journey firsthand — although I wish he’d devoted more space to Top Chef! Worth a quick read by anyone else who enjoys the show.

[Crystal Helcel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would love it if all cookbooks were in this format.

[Libraryassistant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably 3.5 stars. Overall really fascinating look at his life and the how, why, and what have you of becoming a great chef— in spite of things that held him back and confused him growing up. He’s very honest about the dumb things, as well as the glory.
And I totally want to make at least half of the seasonal recipes!

[Kendra Joyal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short but interesting insight into Tom's past. Will always be a fan!

[Sara Shepherd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was just ok. I was excited to listen as I thought Tom Colicchio would narrate, so it was a bummer when it was someone else. I am a huge Top Chef fan and did appreciate learning about Tom's childhood in NJ, what led to his amazing career as a chef, and his time as a head judge on Top Chef.

[Shalaka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the memoir and learning Tom's story, but it was a little too short especially in the coverage of his later years, marriage and fatherhood. And as others have mentioned there is not much about Top Chef, I think because it's a less important part of his life than his own restaurants and cooking. Or maybe he was told not to write about certain things or he's saving them for another book...
Some recipes seem beyond what a home cook would make but others look approachable.

[James Lovaas · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve spent any time watching food television, chances are you know Tom Colicchio. He’s a familiar face, often the calm, authoritative judge on “Top Chef.” So, when I heard he had a book out called Why I Cook, I was intrigued. It’s not just a cookbook – though there are plenty of recipes – it’s more of a journey, a look behind the stern television persona into the heart of what drives a chef. As someone who finds joy and connection in the kitchen, I was eager to see what insights he had to share.

Why I Cook takes you through Colicchio’s personal history, from his Italian-American upbringing in New Jersey, where food was clearly a cornerstone of family life, to his rise through the demanding kitchens of New York City and eventual television fame. He shares stories of fishing with his grandfather, learning the ropes (and making mistakes) as a young cook, and the evolution of his culinary philosophy. It’s part memoir, part reflection, and sprinkled throughout are recipes that feel both personal and achievable for the home cook – think comforting pastas, salads, and heartier main dishes that seem to echo the memories he shares.

What I particularly appreciated about Why I Cook was its honesty. Colicchio doesn’t just present a glossy image of chef life; he touches on the struggles, the drive, and the passion that has fueled his decades-long career. For me, the book isn’t just about his reasons for cooking, but it prompts you to think about your own. Why do we cook? Is it for sustenance, for creativity, for connection, or a little bit of everything? The stories and recipes together paint a picture of food as more than just fuel; it’s about memory, heritage, and the simple act of bringing people together around a table. It’s a reminder that even for a celebrated chef, the essence of cooking often comes back to those fundamental human experiences.

Are you a fan of culinary memoirs, or do you have a go-to book that inspires you in the kitchen? I’d love to hear what resonates with you!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a food memoir, and this one from Tom Colicchio of Top Chef fame caught my interest. It was pretty good but I had a few issues.

I thought the chapters about Tom's upbringing and burgeoning interest in food were wonderful. I also really enjoyed the stories about how his career got started and the bumps along the way. When beginning this book, I was most interested in the Top Chef portion but that was a quick chapter. I wish there were more in that section.

There were two things that I didn't love about this book: 1) The recipe chapters. I think this could have been incorporated better (similar to Taste by Stanley Tucci where there is one recipe after each essay). Here there were long chapters of recipes after a few stories, and I didn't realize this was going to be more cookbook than memoir. 2) At the end of the book, Tom gets so arrogant and starts name dropping celebrities. Either write a juicy memoir about celebrity interactions or write a memoir about your past, but don't just give me a list of celebrities that you met. I don't care. He also starts bragging about all the volunteer work he does in an off-putting way.

Finally, I wish Tom would have narrated the audiobook. After listening to his interview at the end, I can understand why he didn't but I think the book lacked warmth because of it. He is literally a TV personality. I don't think it's that much of a stretch to narrate an audiobook.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost didn't go past chapter 1 - my knowledge of Colicchio - based on his multifaceted public persona - is of a man in great talent, integrity & generosity to others including seeing women on an equal professional footing

However the first chapter grated a bit &, coming from a particularly galling national newsday, I wasn't having it

I tried again a week later in a different headspace & man am I glad - this book is a delight, especially if you're an experienced enough cook to be able to pants it in your own kitchen with mainly raw product

Just made his garlic comfit while listening to the last of the book - it'll free me from having to press or 30-slice-a-clove-it every day

This book is also interesting because it's simply a story of one person's journey through life - its honesty resonates

Of course he surely left out lots of detail for privacy, brevity & cohesiveness but it still feels like a true story that one can compare & contrast with one's own life not so much in career or wealth (unless you're a chef with several restaurants & 3 decades of professional cooking) but rather of how one's everyday pursuits, passions & process shapes one's internal life

This is a long-ass review & I don't love it but it's the closest I can get to how energized this book left me - I'm so glad he wrote this

[Natalie Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
As a huge Top Chef fan, I was super excited to dive into Tom Colicchio’s memoir. While I loved hearing his story, I was a bit surprised that the book was 1/3 memoir and 2/3 recipes. I’m an audiobook listener, and while I enjoy when authors narrate their own stories, I was a little disappointed that Colicchio didn’t narrate the book. Plus, with so many recipes, it felt a bit odd at first listening to the audio. But as a visual reader, I was able to imagine the ingredients and steps as the story unfolded. However, if you really want to dig into the recipes, I’d recommend the physical book.

That said, I really enjoyed how Colicchio weaved the recipes into different chapters of his life, making the memoir both personal and flavorful! I’d recommend Why I Cook to fans of Colicchio and those who love food memoirs. Just be sure to grab the physical copy if you want to fully experience the recipes!
#TomColicchio #WhyICook #BookReview #TopChefFan #MemoirReview #FoodLovers #AudiobookReview

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtfully and carefully crafted are Tom’s recipes as well as his memoir. Five stars for the recipes - I am very grateful they are included in this book with such gorgeous, inspiring photographs! Most recipes are quite easy to execute with easily accessible ingredients, simple instructions, creating new delicious flavors.

Also, five stars for the parts in the book talking about Tom’s background, family, his work as a chef, businessman, and his very meaningful work on “A Place at the table”, initiatives to stop hunger - to me, that was Tom’s most important straightforward and essential social cause.

At the same time, there are short passages in the book parroting tired mainstream talking points without providing substantial details to account for the complexities of the topics (e.g. sexism, me2, “clear and present threats to our democracy”). To me, that came across as scripted, unnecessary, and a bit of a turnoff in an otherwise interesting memoir.