A Chef's Lament: A Private Chef Goes Public [Paperback]

E. M. Harris (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 6, 2006

A man, a chef by trade, tires of working in hotels and restaurants and at the urging of his wife interviews for a private chef position. He gets the postion and the next year of his life begins. He is slowly pulled into a world where he sees great wealth on a daily basis but is not treated as an equal by those he works for. He has many run-ins with the other employees in the mansion, never really connecting with any of them. Favorite recipes of the lady of the house are included along with menus from some of the most outlandish parties given by the couple. The chef is used and abused throughout the spring, summer and fall, finally culminating with the winter party. To save his marriage and his soul, the chef realizes that he can no longer work in that blood-sucking environment and leaves the position.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

E.M. Harris has worked all over the country in the food business for 20 years. Although no longer a chef, he continues to create magic in the kitchen for family and friends.

Product Details

• Paperback: 154 pages
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing (July 6, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1412057434
• ISBN-13: 978-1412057431
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,209,650 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Witty combination of good humor and wealth of culinary information., November 10, 2006

By 

ChefMK (CA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: A Chef's Lament: A Private Chef Goes Public (Paperback)

Totally hilarious! As a serious Foodie, I enjoyed reading the anecdotes of the gastronomical meals that the private chef passionately prepared for his ungrateful employers. I was constantly laughing hysterically at the author's interaction with his jealous co-workers and the uptight Mr. & Mrs. B. I didn't realize until the end that this book is all fiction since the author was so clever in his writing and storytelling.

This book is definitely a witty combination of good humor and wealth of culinary information. I would give it as a gift to friends who love good food and could use a good laugh!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's Like The Nanny Diaries, but better!, August 16, 2005

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Book Luvah (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Chef's Lament: A Private Chef Goes Public (Paperback)

I purchased this book on a whim when I was at the Jersey shore... this nice man was selling them at a show and so I figured what the heck, I'll support a local author. I am so glad I did. I read it in 3 days. It was a very funny and at times shocking account of how the super-wealthy can be such abusive jerks to the "hired help." I hope they make it into a movie. It includes some great recipes which I plan on trying out too.

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Cooking Descriptions, February 16, 2011

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Anuschka Cicero "Nuschka16" (Normal, IL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Chef's Lament: A Private Chef Goes Public (Kindle Edition)

I found this book well written. The author writes about his job as a private chef for a rich New York family . . . Personally i think the book ended too soon and would have enjoyed reading more.