Culinary Leverage - by Douglas Keane

Book Synopsis

"...raw, humble, and darkly funny."-Chef Jacques Pepin

"Honest. Eye-opening. Harrowing. Brilliant." -Neal Katyal, former acting solicitor general of the United States

"...a framework for living that applies equally to the pro kitchen, the boardroom, and the family table." -Gail Simmons, food expert, TV host and author of Bringing It Home

Culinary Leverage: A Journey Through the Heat is about exposing the dysfunction of an industry through the eyes of a highly decorated chef who, through hard-won experience, resilience and grief, soul searching and moments of reckoning, finds a healthier way forward, not just for himself but for the restaurant business as a whole. Travel with Chef Keane as his passion for hard work and cooking is ignited as a young kid growing up in Dearborn, Michigan. Cheer for him as he follows his dream to the gritty but seductive streets and kitchens of New York City and realizes his vocation. Empathize with him as he encounters and confronts bullies and egos hell-bent on destroying the dream. And root for him as he charges forth with a revolutionary new approach and strives to create an unparalleled magical journey at Cyrus for his guests and team, one based on style and substance with a conscience and connection.

Review Quotes

"Chef Doug Keane has written an inspiring tale of dreaming big, succeeding against all odds, and upending an industry in the process. His voice on the page is raw, humble, and darkly funny. He reminds us that a more decent world is possible. Culinary Leverage is riveting, courageous, and honest. I think you will enjoy it." -Chef Jacques Pepin

It is a rare gift to know someone as talented, humble and self-aware as Chef Doug Keane. In the two decades since I met him, he has not only proven himself a master innovator in our industry, but, perhaps more importantly, a thought leader, pushing us gently and purposefully towards a higher standard of kindness, empathy and resilience. With Culinary Leverage, he lays bare not just his emotional personal history but a framework for living that applies equally to the pro kitchen, the boardroom, and the family table. His story will forever change the way I think about our food system and the extraordinary community of people who have dedicated their lives to the craft of cooking, at all costs.-Gail Simmons, food expert, TV host and author of Bringing It Home

"Honest. Eye-opening. Harrowing. Brilliant. Douglas Keane's Culinary Leverage is a deeply grabbing look at the travails and high points of one of the world's best chefs. Anyone who thinks perfection comes easy, in any domain from food to law, business to music, should read this book. An homage to grittiness and sheer will, Douglas' story will stay with you for years."-Neal Katyal, former acting solicitor general of the United States

"Yo, my man Douglas has a powerful story to tell and has proof of concept every night at his amazing restaurant Cyrus. Through his true honesty, passion and love- he is one of the best. Every industry could learn something about doing it better by reading Culinary Leverage."-Randy Jackson, musician, television personality