Undercooked - by Dan Ahdoot (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A collection of hilarious essays about how food became one man's obsession and coping mechanism, and how it came to rule--and sometimes ruin--his relationships, from the Cobra Kai actor, stand-up comic, and host of Food Network's Raid the Fridge ... Despite an impressive râesumâe as an actor and writer, Dan Ahdoot realized that food has been the through line in the most important moments of his life. Growing up as a middle child, Ahdoot struggled to find his place in the family until he and his father discovered their shared love for la gourmandise. But when the tragic death of his brother pushed his parents to strengthen their Jewish faith and adopt a strictly kosher diet, Ahdoot and his father lost that savored connection. To fill the absence left by his brother and father, Ahdoot began to obsess over food and make it central in all his relationships. This, he admits, is probably crazy, but it makes for good stories. From breaking up with girlfriends over dietary restrictions, to hunting just off the Long Island Expressway, to savoring his grandmother's magical food that was his only tactile connection to his family's home country of Iran, to jetting off to Italy to dine at the one of the world's best restaurants, only to send the risotto back, Ahdoot's droll observations on his unconventional adventures bring an absurdly funny yet heartfelt look at what happens when you let your stomach be your guide"--

Book Synopsis

A collection of hilarious essays about how food became one man's obsession and coping mechanism, and how it came to rule--and sometimes ruin--his relationships, from the Cobra Kai actor, stand-up comic, and host of Food Network's Raid the Fridge

"When most people say they have an unhealthy relationship with food, they mean they eat too much of it or too little. When I say I have an unhealthy relationship with food, I mean it's what gives my life meaning. That's a really dumb way to live your life, as the stories in this book will attest to."

Despite an impressive résumé as an actor and writer, Dan Ahdoot realized that food has been the through line in the most important moments of his life. Growing up as a middle child, Ahdoot struggled to find his place in the family until he and his father discovered their shared love for la gourmandise. But when the tragic death of his brother pushed his parents to strengthen their Jewish faith and adopt a strictly kosher diet, Ahdoot and his father lost that savored connection.

To fill the absence left by his brother and father, Ahdoot began to obsess over food and make it central in all his relationships. This, he admits, is probably crazy, but it makes for good stories. From breaking up with girlfriends over dietary restrictions, to hunting just off the Long Island Expressway, to savoring his grandmother's magical food that was his only tactile connection to his family's home country of Iran, to jetting off to Italy to dine at the one of the world's best restaurants, only to send the risotto back, Ahdoot's droll observations on his unconventional adventures bring an absurdly funny yet heartfelt look at what happens when you let your stomach be your guide.

Review Quotes

"Heartfelt and hilarious, Undercooked is a rumination on life through your belly. Dan Ahdoot has been my culinary guide and mentor over the years, and he hasn't led me to a single bad meal. A few bad decisions, sure, but some incredible meals. You're absolutely going to love his literary debut!"--Hasan Minhaj, Peabody Award-winning comedian

"Dan Ahdoot is hilarious. Whether he's describing hunting, stand-up, or soufflé, you'll get laughs and insights that are totally unexpected."--Steven Rinella, New York Times bestselling author of The MeatEater Guide to Wilderness Skills and Survival

"Dan Ahdoot is a man after my own stomach. I love this book because it combines my favorite things in life: food, laughs, and great stories. It made me even happier and hungrier. Undercooked overdelivers."--Phil Rosenthal, creator and host of Somebody Feed Phil

"Breaking bread with Dan Ahdoot is a very fun, slightly educational, wild ride. Undercooked made me laugh, cry, feel all the feelings, and hungry too! Do yourself a favor and have a nosh while you enjoy this read."--Michelle Buteau, author of Survival of the Thickest

"Reading Undercooked feels like getting a same-day reservation at the hottest restaurant in town, and the waiter just happens to be a professional comedian. We're all lucky to be a part of this food lover's journey--it's a beautiful book."--Jimmy O. Yang, author of How to American

"A hilarious adventure with surprisingly contemplative moments."--Book Riot

"Hilarious . . . Ahdoot peels back the layers through amusing anecdotes, seamlessly pairing his sharp-witted humor with an endearing self-awareness. Whether he is skewering food restrictions or lamenting relationship regrets, Ahdoot's rib-tickling collection will satiate culinary adventurers."--Publishers Weekly

"Ahdoot's coming-of-age memoir takes readers on an often hilarious ride through his many food-related adventures. . . . [He] is a skilled storyteller who will leave readers wanting more. . . . His personality pops off the page through clever writing, and . . . his all-too-human need for self-forgiveness and acceptance comes across as universal."--Booklist

About the Author

Dan Ahdoot is a stand-up comic, actor, writer, and restaurateur. He's appeared on Netflix's Cobra Kai, Showtime's Shameless, Disney's Kickin' It, and NBC's Bajillion Dollar Propertie$. Host of the Food Network show Raid the Fridge as well as the #1 food podcast in the country, Green Eggs and Dan, Ahdoot is also part owner of the acclaimed restaurant Estela in New York City.