Owner and executive chef at two high-end eateries in New York City (Recette and the Gander), Jesse Schenker has accumulated quite a few awards in the industry, landing a spot on top-young-chef lists in both Forbes and Details magazines in 2011. He won a battle on the hit TV show Iron Chef America and continues to astonish foodies and fellow chefs alike with his approach to fine dining and comfort food.
His autobiography tells the harrowing story behind the success. Schenker has been anxious and uncomfortable in his own skin since he was a young teen living with his well-off family. At first, he turned to marijuana and alcohol to help manage these feelings, but then followed the classic addict's path to rock-bottom homelessness, using cocaine, heroin and other drugs on his way down.
He gained a passion for the culinary arts from his grandmother, taking refuge in the kitchen from the stress and worry of his regular life. Each time he found some respite from the horrifying downward spiral of his addiction, he was able to secure jobs in high-end restaurants in Florida and New York, where he honed his skills and ultimately became motivated to start his own haute-cuisine empire.
From the depths of despair, Schenker rose above his dependency to become a well-respected young chef, successful business owner, doting father and loving husband. His tale of woe may not be unusual, but his eventual victory over his demons is told with authentic warmth and honesty. --Rob LeFebvre, freelance writer and editor