- Published: 15 September 2020
- ISBN: 9781529110340
- Imprint: Square Peg
- Format: Hardback
- Pages: 304
- RRP: $42.99
Eat A Peach
A Memoir
The celebrated chef behind Momofuku and star of Netflix's Ugly Delicious gets uncomfortably real in his debut memoir.
'David Chang writes about a chef's life in a way that feels completely fresh. The recipes, including those from the ginger-scallion noodles and roasted pork belly served at Noodle Bar, are almost perks; this would be a great read even without them.' The New York Times'Ever since I slurped my first Momofuku ramen bowl, I knew David Chang was a special chef. Now, with this soulful memoir, David has added another feather to his cap: brilliant writer. David is a personal hero - funny, wise, humble, and self-aware. With Eat a Peach, he puts words to so many of the things we all feel, sharing generously of his own journey so we can all benefit in the process.' Chrissy Teigen, New York Times bestselling author of Cravings
In 2004, Momofuku Noodle Bar opened in a tiny, stark space in Manhattan's East Village. Its young chef-owner, David Chang, worked the line, serving ramen and pork buns to a mix of fellow restaurant cooks and confused diners whose idea of ramen was instant noodles in Styrofoam cups. It would have been impossible to know it at the time, but he was about to become one of the most influential chefs of his generation.
Chang grew up the youngest son of a deeply religious Korean American family in Virginia. Graduating college aimless and depressed, he fled the States for Japan, hoping to find some sense of belonging. While teaching English in a backwater town, he experienced the highs of his first full-blown manic episode, and began to think that the cooking and sharing of food could give him both purpose and agency in his life.
Full of grace, candour, grit, and humour, Eat a Peach chronicles Chang's journey. He lays bare his mistakes, wrestles with his lifelong feelings of otherness and inadequacy, explores the mental illness that almost killed him, and finds hope in the shared value of deliciousness. Along the way, Chang gives us a penetrating look at restaurant life, balancing his deep love for the kitchen with unflinching honesty about the industry's history of brutishness and its uncertain future.
An intimate account of the making of a chef, the modern restaurant world that he helped shape, and how success can be much harder to understand than failure.
- Published: 15 September 2020
- ISBN: 9781529110340
- Imprint: Square Peg
- Format: Hardback
- Pages: 304
- RRP: $42.99
Ever since I slurped my first Momofuku ramen bowl, I knew David Chang was a special chef. Now, with this soulful memoir, David has added another feather to his cap: brilliant writer. David is a personal hero--funny, wise, humble, and self-aware. With Eat a Peach, he puts words to so many of the things we all feel, sharing generously of his own journey so we can all benefit in the process.
Chrissy Teigen, New York Times bestselling author of CRAVINGS
If you’re looking for a cookbook, this is a terrible choice. Herein, you will find the recipe for one of our brightest, energetic, talented and inspiring Americans (who also happens to be a chef). David Chang is a great storyteller with a great story to tell.
Jimmy Kimmel, host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
David Chang is one of the most beloved chefs on earth, but his inspiring memoir is not just for foodies. He’s one of the most audaciously open-hearted and honest humans you’ll ever find. This book is for anyone who has ever felt like an underdog or an underachiever—or aspires to become an entrepreneur or a more decent person.
Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of ORIGINALS and GIVE AND TAKE, and host of the TED podcast WorkLife
Eat A Peach is not merely an autobiography of a great creative; rather, it’s a compelling philosophy of a man who believes in a beautiful life beyond reach. It is profoundly gratifying to witness Chang marching uphill, step by step, toward his sublime vision. As Chang suffers, rages and fights for his quest, we can’t help but admire his vulnerability, courage and conviction.
Min Jin Lee, author of FREE FOOD FOR MILLIONAIRES and PACHINKO, a Finalist for the National Book Award
Dave Chang’s writing is honest and vulnerable. As a child of immigrants, the DNA of his story spoke to me. Now I just have to keep up with his drive and tenacity!
Hasan Minhaj, host, Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj
David Chang is one of the world’s most creative chefs, but it wasn't obvious he would become that. I was absolutely enthralled by his underdog story, which he tells with passion, humor, and skill. Don’t miss this incredible memoir!
Brian Grazer, New York Times bestselling author of A CURIOUS MIND and co-founder of Imagine Entertainment
