This book highlights a year in the life of Chef Lauren Shockey as she performs unpaid stages(like internships) in four separate distinctive restaurants, in four different culturally rich cities, located in four starkly individual countries.
Shockey begins her journey at wd~50 in New York City. She then makes her way to Hanoi, Vietnam to apprentice at a restaurant called La Verticale. Next she travels to Tel Aviv, Israel to work at Carmella Bistro. Lastly, Shockey finds herself at Senderens in Paris France. From molecular gastronomy to 2 Michelin Star classic French Cuisine, these four restaurants could not be more diverse.
Shockey is an exceptional writer. While reading this book I looked up photographs, on the wd~50 website, of some of the dishes she described in her book. The similarity between what I had pictured in my head from her descriptions and what I actually saw in the photographs was astonishing. I would describe this book as a good solid read. Every time I opened it back up after putting it down it was like coming home, like coming back to somewhere I missed. I enjoyed finding myself among its pages. And when it ended I was sad, I wanted to know what was next for Lauren.
I have worked in restaurants so I really loved her honest descriptions of her experiences in all four of these.
I actually found this book at my local library. But while I was reading it I had to go buy it because it is packed with many amazing recipes unique to each of the restaurants Shockey worked at. Included is a Doritos consomme recipe, and yes, I am talking about the snack chip.
If you have ever worked in a restaurant, or if you want to be a chef, or if you are just plain interested in the stuff that feeds our bodies and souls you will enjoy this story.