Book Review: Cooked by Jeff Henderson

Cooked: From the Streets to the Stove, from Cocaine to Foie Gras From Publishers Weekly
How one of San Diego's most successful cocaine dealers became an award-winning chef [...] is the question that drives this sporadically inspired memoir. Henderson got his start dealing when his family moved to San Diego and he fell in with two street thugs. At age 25, after amassing a small fortune in drug money, Henderson was arrested, convicted and sentenced to 19 years in prison; once there, he discovered a love for cooking that gave him much-needed direction. After serving nine years, Henderson got an early release and began a series of grueling, occasionally demeaning jobs in kitchens, eventually working his way up to leading roles in Caesars Palace Hotel and elsewhere. Unfortunately, Henderson's story rings truest before he turns to the culinary; the fascinating level of detail in his description of the drug trade dissipates when it comes to the intricacies of working in and running a kitchen, lending his redemption a hollow feel. In addition, Henderson's casual reference to methods and equipment particular to the industry may leave amateur foodies nonplussed. While Henderson's achievements deserve recognition, this rushed retelling makes it difficult to fully appreciate his hard work.
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I had first of Chef Jeff Henderson on the Food Network, he did a short 30 minute spiel about his life and how he aspired to be a Chef. So I was so inspired by his story that I decided to buy his Autobiography for myself and my dad.

The story is so intriguing. I could not put the book down! It was so easy to escape into and easy to read. I read the book, I think less than two weeks. My Partner also read the book and enjoyed as well. My dad is still slowly reading it.

Its a true rags to riches story that shows no matter where you are in life you can always change it and live for the better. I think Chef Jeff is really inspiring out there for those that are struggling and still trying to take control of their lives. The point is, it CAN be done. The saying goes: "If your mind can conceive it; your heart can believe; then YOU can achieve it".