Mission: Cook!: My Life, My Recipes, and Making the Impossible Easy

by Robert Irvine, Brian O'Reilly

Robert Irvine has led a one–of–a–kind life. He joined the merchant marine as a teenager, and would go on to become a cook in the Royal Navy where he happened to befriend a man named Prince Charles. Since then, Chef Robert has gone on to cook for presidents, prime ministers, royalty and celebrities. It's been a remarkable life and career, ranging from cooking on the beaches of Yemen for thousands of refugees to making a seven–course meal for First Lady Laura Bush and her friends on an aircraft carrier. Trained by the best European chefs, Robert also shares his cooking philosophy, his best recipes and tips on how to add that special twist to any dish.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Reference, Biography, Nonfiction, Food, Culinary

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Auntie Raye-Raye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Chef Robert Irvine. He's what I call a "real cook". This is a man that I would love to work for. I have a lot of respect for him. Mr. Bunny and I absolutely adore watching "Dinner: Impossible".

So, I was a bit surprised by all the low stars and lackluster reviews of this book. After reading it, I realize why. This book is geared more towards Chefs and professional cooks, like myself. It is not for the typical home cook. A lot of the techniques, and ingredients would go over their heads.

I was quite impressed with the recipes. Some people may think they are "too fancy", but I found a little over a dozen recipes that I would cook at home. The others I would definitely tweak and use professionally at a fine dining restaurant. It's not often that I find a cook book that has a lot of recipes I'd use.

I enjoyed the background stories. Chef Irvine comes off as rather cocky and full of himself, but that's normal. A lot of chefs/cooks have that attitude. It's weird if they don't.

Anyhow, my only issue with the book was that Chef Irvine thinks of himself as "an anomaly" in the culinary industry, since he did not go to culinary school. This is not true at all. I've worked with many cooks/chefs that were not professionally educated. In my experience, it's more of an anomaly to have said education.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this more for the memoir portion of the book than the recipes which were, for the most part, out of my league or interest. The popular Food Network personality relates his background and personal touchstones from teenage merchant marine to television iconic chef. Along the way Irvine cooked for the British Royal Family, was hired by Donald Trump, and served as advisor to the White House culinary staff. Throughout the volume Irvine's passion for everything food related is evident.

In addition to recounting his career Irvine adds a multitude of informative sidebar "Notes" on ingredients, techniques, preparations and presentations.

[Alissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

My sweet sweet bf ryan bought me this a month or so ago. He was deathly sick but took his mother to see him at a book signing and got me a copy as well. inside reads "Alissa! keep on cooking with passion. All the best, Your friend Robert Irvine (signature) :) smiley face. Enjoy__ .."
Robert Irvine seems like a dude i would want to work for. He's a genuine dude and keeps it professional at all times. I could seriously learn a lot about life/cooking from him.
That said i have a rad boyfriend for buying this gem for me.

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, the man writes well which is lovely since this is his biography along with some recipes. I admit I got the book because 1. it was on sale and 2. I like cookbooks and 3. he has become a personal hero due to his show. At first I was taken aback by his manner but after watching 2 or 3 episodes, I was hooked.It was a marathon showing which was good since I was in a hotel watching cable which I don't have at home. The recipes while clear are a bit intimidating. There are a couple I might undertake nonetheless.

See: My Life in France by Julia Child, Kitchen Confidential

[Cynthia caprise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's very similar to a biography, and now I know a little bit more about Chef Irvine. John met him at the Birchwood one day, probably while I was home cleaning the house. He constantly reminds me of this and I'm quite jealous that I didn't get to meet Chef Irvine. I plan on making his Maryland Crab Cakes with Mango Salsa and Short Ribs Braised with Mushrooms, Pearl Onions and Bacon.

[Michelle Kirk · Rating 2 out of 5]

My husband and I met the author at a book signing last night. He is very personable and spent several minutes talking to us as well as each person in line (about 250 people). It's charming but a little choppy at times.

[Cassandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good gems in there.... like the ribs wrapped in plastic wrap and baked!! Lots of seafood, if you like that. My only complaint is a lot of the recipes were to fancy pants for me, and I like the fancy stuff! But it was even too much for me.

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love this guy and his show. I think he should come and cook at OTR!! Will have to see if he can write as well as cook.

After reading - ok, no he can't write as well as he cooks.

[Adrian · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dinner Impossible is a great, entertaining show...This book is neither.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Recipes are easy to follow.