Chefs are today’s rockstars. In Chefs, Drugs and Rock & Roll, the prolific and award winning chef writer, Andrew Friedman, chronicles the compelling story of the first generation of American chefs set in the 1970’s and 1980’s before “fame and fortune” was on their horizons. He interviewed more than 210 people over the span of five years to capture this retrospective and revolution of American chefs who were finding their own voices while breaking free from the French toques and redefining the stature of cooking for a living. Some of these culinary legends include Alice Waters, Jeremiah Tower and Jonathan Waxman.
Recently, he joined Chef Jaime Laurita and me in the Viking and La Cornue showroom in the Merchandise Mart for a Kitchen Chat. Friedman shares fascinating insights into the past, present and the future of chefs in America. He also discusses the role and impact of social media in the restaurants.
Here are just a few of the many restaurants in NYC where Andrew Friedman likes to frequently dine:
- Lilia by Chef Missy Robbins
- Frenchette by Riad Nsar and Lee Hanson
- Empellon in midtown by Chef Alex Stupak; and
- Barbuto by Chef Jonathan Waxman
Andrew Friedman’s book, Chefs, Drugs and Rock & Roll provides perspectives and stories that will give you a greater appreciation about the food culture in America and the chef pioneers who launched it. Below is a link to order his book. Please visit his website Toqueland and also subscribe to his podcast Andrew Talks to Chefs.
Foodie friends, thank you for continuing to join me on my midlife culinary journey with Kitchen Chat. Today’s podcast with Andrew Friedman was indeed a highlight for me. I am beyond grateful to have this opportunity to honor my late father in my quest to understand his joy of food and cooking. In addition, I am truly honored to meet legendary chefs, aspiring chefs and people who love to share their joie de cuisine. As Andrew Friedman discusses, Alice Waters is one of the legendary chefs and restaurateurs who helped shape today’s food culture and who launched some of the famous chefs from her kitchen in Chez Panisse, including Chef Jonathan Waxman and Chef Jeremiah Tower. It was a milestone in my journey to sit down with Alice Waters at Chez Panisse to hear her story. I hope you will download that podcast with her.
Which American chefs inspire you?