Life, on the Line: A Chef's Story of Chasing Greatness, Facing Death, and Redefining the Way We Eat Paperback – Illustrated, 6 Mar. 2012

I didn't really have any expectations for this book, apart from my natural curiosity about the roots of chefs.This is a great memoir, because it interweaves the life narrative of Grant Achatz and his Alinea co-owner, Nick Kokonas.We get clued in on all the culinary experiences of Achatz and of Kokonas that would result in Alinea and it being crowned best restaurant in the US after only 18 months of opening. It's specially interesting to read Achatz's time at The Franch Laundry being mentored by Thomas Keller.I had not been aware that Achatz had had cancer of the tongue. Achatz & Kokonas do not shy away from dealing and expressing themselves on the subject. After all, Achatz is lucky to be alive and that Alinea is still as innovative as it has always been.A great read for anyone remotely interested in chefs and food. An important insight for aspiring chefs.

Excellent

Great read, highly engrossing from beginning to end!From his humble start cracking eggs in his grandmaS diner, through to working in the best restaurant in America, to going it alone and finally the heart wrenching story of him facing-and beating-a life threatening disease, this is a great story through and through.Some may not like the change of pace when the naration changes from Achatz to Kokonas, stick with it and you won't be dissapointed.Awesome!

Fascinating tale of someone who aspired to work at the very highest levels of fine dining, and of course the challenges he met along the way. The book is co-authored with his business partner and they take turns in writing chapters, which turns out to be an effective narrative device.

Highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a real look into the life of a chef and overcoming adversity in pursuit of your dreams

What an incredible book. Not because he beat cancer or because of his cooking but because true success comes to people who persist, don't make excuses and work hard. A truly inspiring book, on so many levels. Life, on the Line: A Chef's Story of Chasing Greatness, Facing Death, and Redefining the Way We Eat

After watching tnis man on the chefs table this was a must read 📖 for me!

I didn't know of either Grant Achatz nor of Alinea but I enjoy reading books about chefs and kitchen nightmares . Grants drive , dedication since a teenager and battle with cancer makes a great read . I loved his dream trip to France which left him very disappointed with fine dining . I loved his humour , what a great book . Then around half way we are introduced to business partner Nick Kokonas and I am afraid I wasn't interested in his story. the chapters about business and finance for me just got in the way and I began to skip much of the story . Rather like how a bad coffee can spoil a meal I was left wanting something different .