Michelin-starred chef Iliana Regan chronicles her difficult path to success, from her troubled upbringing in rural Northwest Indiana and battle with addiction to the bootstrap development of her career in urban restaurants.
Regan’s struggles and eventual triumph make Burn the Place a riveting read ... Regan’s work is essential reading for people who love cooking, and for everyone who appreciates stories of courage and creative spirit.
Being harsh, prickly and foulmouthed is nothing new when it comes to chefs, but Burn the Place is anything but a typical chef’s memoir ... It’s fascinating to get a glimpse of the creative and scientific process behind her unusual dishes, but, regrettably, this segment of her story isn’t just too short but undermined by a slapdash style. Her book would have benefited from some of the obsessive polish she brings to her food preparation.
Regan's debut memoir is an unusually poetic journey ... From tales of picking raspberries as a child to crafting eclectic and foraged cuisine at her two restaurants, it's clear that food is one of Regan's passions. She warmly tells about her life ... A well-written and honest chef memoir, both rough and charming.
