Praise for
Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door
"I was struck by how well Emmanuel captured the exploratory nature of a chef’s life and experience. He does a fantastic job of portraying some of the “blind faith” that seems to be a prerequisite for pursuing a career in cooking. This book vividly captures the inherent curiosity of the cooks who became chefs and offers a guide for both the younger generation of chefs as well as the ‘curious’ home cooks.”
Chef and restaurateur Jose Garces,
James Beard Award-winning Iron Chef
"Emmanuel has interviewed dozens of acclaimed chefs on his podcast flavors unknown and gives you a front-row seat to their intriguing life experiences. You learn what motivates them to create incredible dishes that trigger new memories. By reading this book, the culmination of all his conversations, you are given the essence into the common denominators at the heart of so many seemingly disparate flavors"
Gabriel Kreuther,
Chef/Owner from the two-Michelin star Gabriel Kreuther restaurant in New York City
"Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door brings the author, Emmanuel Laroche, and the evolution of the culinary world together. I enjoyed getting to know Emmanuel through his retelling of personal stories, and I loved the way he brought the ideas and passions of fifty chefs into this book.”
Chef and restaurateur Jamie Bissonnette,
Boston
"Conversation Behind the Kitchen Door is a modern-day gastronomic travelogue across America bringing to light everything that drives today's culinarians. the book artfully and whimsically weaves a tale about some of the chefs and their food in America that is reminiscent of Twain's writings about the foods he loved most. With wonderfully visual portrayals of his own personal culinary adventures as a foundation for exploration, Emmanuel brings us something way more valuable and eye- opening than any cookbook that I've read. An absolute must read for any curious culinarian looking for inspiration told via an epic story."
Chef Jeremy Umansky,
Larder Deli & Bakery in Cleveland and author of Koji Alchemy
“I’ve witnessed Emmanuel’s appreciation for food firsthand and his rich culinary background stirs engaging conversation. His book provides a refreshingly intimate perspective of how chefs and like minds navigate the food world and maintain inspiration. It’s a way to vicariously experience food culture through the eyes of many remarkable and highly revered personalities.”
Pastry Chef Sam Mason,
the wizard behind all of Odd Fellows' ice cream creations
"Emmanuel Laroche's passion and curiosity are evident on every page of this book. From his experience as a youth in France to his dining as an adult around the globe, he has a unique way of approaching conversations about food and technique that bring out the inner foodie in everyone, from amateur chefs to seasoned culinary professionals. Truly a book for everyone."
Chef and Restaurateur Kelly English
Memphis
“Emmanuel has a curiosity for food, culture, and understanding that captivates listeners on his podcast, flavors unknown. In this book, we get an opportunity to come along for the ride in his discovery of how chefs think and create. In the dialogue between Emmanuel and the chefs you get to watch the creative process unfold and see his understanding of food grow in real time as mine did as well. If you are interested, curious, and seeking insight, this book is a must-read.”
Andre Natera,
Former Executive Chef from Fairmont Hotel in Austin, Texas
"As a Marketing professional in the food business, Emmanuel Laroche takes us on a fascinating ride behind the scenes from American restaurants and bars. He knows what questions to ask chefs so they will reveal more of the secrets about their food and the restaurant business. This book is full of culinary insights for both the amateur and professional foodie."
Jeremy Gutsche,
CEO of Trend Hunter and New York Times Bestselling Author
“Emmanuel's passion for the culinary world is infectious. Packed with colorful personal anecdotes from his extensive food travels and chock full of insights from some of the world's most thoughtful chefs, Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door is an essential guide for how to appreciate food and cooking through the lens of a chef."
Will Blunt,
Managing Director at StarChefs
"Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door offers Emmanuel’s personal and revealing insights into the minds of top creative chefs, their motivations, and their approach to exploring and experimenting with flavors. Anyone interested in cooking and trying new flavors will be inspired. Readers will learn how kitchens can be a metaphor for life. This “must-read” book shows how using top chefs’ methods will change your outlook and passion for life."
Peter Krainik,
Founder, The CMO Club
"Emmanuel Laroche has the access, curiosity, and insight that anyone interested in professional cooking would love to have. His conversations and gustatory adventures with leading chefs are fascinating and inspire envy"
Matt Starwell,
Managing Partner at Kitchen Arts & Letters
“From nacho cheeseburgers and burnt onion ice cream to candied amaranth and malted maitake mushrooms, Emmanuel Laroche provides an insightful look at the inspiration and innovation behind modern cuisine.”
Matt Siegel,
author of The Secret History of Food: Strange but True Stories About the Origins of Everything We Eat