I'm Not Trying to Be Difficult - by Drew Nieporent (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Drew Nieporent has been a staple of the New York dining scene for decades, establishing a host of iconic restaurants like Nobu, Tribeca Grille, and Montrachet. But his career started from much more humble beginnings-the grill at the local McDonald's. A middle-class kid from New York's East Side, Drew spent his childhood tagging along with his father to help restaurants get their liquor license, igniting a lifelong obsession with food. His passion took him on a winding, continent-spanning journey, crossing paths with legendary chefs, iconic athletes, and movie stars as he grew into one of the most influential names in the culinary world. From waiting tables on a cruise ship to getting his first three-star review; from squabbling with Cornell professors to partnering with Robert De Niro; this is more than a story of one man's extraordinary life-it's a story of an evolving industry. As culinary trends come and go and relationships blossom and combust, Nieporent navigates it all with a simple yet powerful philosophy: Give the customer what they want. Told in Drew's unforgettable voice, "I'm Not Trying To Be Difficult" is a rollicking memoir that feels like sitting across the dinner table from someone who has seen it all-one of the last great restaurateurs"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Drew Nieporent has been a staple of the New York dining scene for decades, establishing a host of iconic restaurants like Nobu, Tribeca Grill, and Montrachet. But his career started from much more humble beginnings--the grill at the local McDonald's.

A middle class kid from New York's East Side, Drew spends his childhood tagging along with his father to help restaurants get their liquor license, igniting a lifelong obsession with food. His passion takes him on a winding, continent-spanning journey, crossing paths with legendary chefs, iconic athletes, and movie stars as he grows into one of the most influential names in the culinary world. From waiting tables on a cruise ship to getting his first three-star review; from squabbling with Cornell professors to partnering with Robert DeNiro; this is more than a story of one man's extraordinary life--it's a story of an evolving industry. As culinary trends come and go, and relationships blossom and combust, Nieporent navigates it all with a simple yet powerful philosophy: give the customer what they want.

Told in Drew's unforgettable voice, I'm Not Trying To Be Difficult is a rollicking memoir that feels like sitting across the dinner table from someone who has seen it all--one of the last great restaurateurs.

Review Quotes

"Drew is the consummate restaurateur of our generation and one of the all time best storytellers. I'm Not Trying to be Difficult will give readers the "behind the scenes" we've all been waiting for."--Bobby Flay, chef

"Drew is the ultimate diplomat of the restaurant world. He's seen it all, the highs and lows of some of the greatest restaurants to ever exist--and here he's sharing it with the rest of us."
--José Andrés

There's no one quite like Drew Nierporent. In his deeply personal memoir, I'm Not Trying to Be Difficult, he offers an honest and uplifting look into his journey as a pioneering restaurateur in New York City. He shares the challenges and successes of building a culinary empire through engaging and nostalgic anecdotes, highlighting the resilience and personal growth required in the restaurant industry. With humor and insight, Nieporent's memoir is a tribute to his experiences and an inspiration for those pursuing their profession.
--Thomas Keller

"Everyone who cares about food knows that Drew Nieporent is one of the people who changed American restaurants. In this startlingly honest memoir he takes you behind the kitchen door to show you how the business really works. If you go out to eat, you need this book."
--Ruth Reichl

"I devoured Drew Nieporent's delicious memoir, I'm Not Trying to Be Difficult, the page-turning story of a restaurateur's restaurateur, whose insatiable appetites for food, hospitality, showmanship, and winning have fueled one of our industry's most legendary characters and careers."
--Danny Meyer, Author of Setting the Table, the Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business

"I've always enjoyed listening to Drew talk about his New York. I admire his ability to be honest about what he's going through. His opinions, insights, successes and failures are never a secret. Through his experiences, young restaurateurs can gain some great insights into the world of restaurants."
--Rich Melman

"Drew Nieporent is a born storyteller. Lively and inviting, he brings the frenzy and excitement of the New York dining scene to life with the same energy and warmth he's brought to his restaurants throughout his incredible career."
--Harlan Coben

About the Author

Drew Nieporent, one of America's most respected and celebrated restaurateurs, is the founder and inspiration behind the Myriad Restaurant Group, which operates Tribeca Grill, Nobu New York City, Nobu Fifty Seven, Nobu London, Nobu Next Door, Bâtard, Porsche Grille at Citi Field, and Crush Wine & Spirits. Nieporent's first restaurant, the groundbreaking Montrachet (1985), earned three stars from The New York Times and kept that rating for 21 years. He has partnered with Robert DeNiro, Robin Williams, and Francis Ford Coppola, among others. He's won multiple James Beard Awards.