The Raging Skillet: The True Life Story of Chef Rossi

Considering the fact that I am such a horrible cook, this book was just the inspiration I needed to get back into the kitchen and keep trying. Rossi has a very simple approach to writing that is both refreshing and energetic. Her words are clear-cut, concise, and direct, but that is what makes this such an enjoyable read. She lays it all out there for us to read without inhibition. Along with her hilarious anectodes and comments (Not to mention all the great recipes that are included which transition the course of her life tracking her growth from novice cook to award-winning celebrity chef) there are a few pictures included in the book that add a personal connection you would not get with just words. Being able to see how darling her mother looked, or to see how beautiful Adam really was, or how mischievous Rossi can actually be, makes you feel like you're riding shotgun in the story of her life. There was more than one instance where I was reading on the subway ride home, turning the page to see a picture or read a funny line, only to find myself laughing out loud and scaring half the subway car. That is how good this book is!

What a fun ride! Taking a tour of this crazy chef's life and career was like getting in a car with your best friends and saying Let's Just See What Happens Tonight! It's like peeling away layers of an onion - just story after story. Family camping in a drug store parking lot. Running away from home only to end up in Hasidic neighborhood. Ketchup comes in actual bottles? Ramada isn't a brand of soap?And I love hearing all those stories about her family - they're crazy, but you can tell the way she writes about them that she really loves them. She writes so well about her mother, I feel like I know her.This book is just so much fun - you can pick it up and just read a chapter to give yourself a little lift. I can't believe everything this woman has done and experienced in her life....so far. There's got to be a sequel - someone like Chef Rossi is bound to have years more of wisdom and fun to share.

Great story. Come see the Ragin Skillet play in Sedona AZ this October

This was a very entertaining read! I loved Rossi's writing and take on life in general.I was a bit disappointed in the recipes following her chapter on catering- the chicken recipe she included looks good- but was very much NOT the one she described in the chapter itself.Still, I am planning on trying some of the recipes here, particularly the NOLA inspired ones.Definitely a fun read, and with bonus recipes!

All too rarely does a book make me howl out loud in the solitude of my apartment, as this one did. Shockingly, it is as poignant as it is funny. Not only is it charismatically written, making me read more in one evening than my schedule should have allowed, it is an amazing capsule of a time in New York (and Provincetown) that no longer exist and a glimpse of it, that even most inhabitants at the time wouldn't have been privy to. It is a peak into an unforgiving world of food service, written forgivingly and with love. It is a Memoir, a cookbook, a history lesson and a stand up that would have made the Catskills proud. I want to know Chef Rossi, heck this book makes me want to BE Chef Rossi! Next step....when is the Audio Book!?!

It's been awhile since I've read a book that was such a page turner that it kept me up all night, which this book did! Rossi is an amazing writer. As I read her story I felt like I was catching up with an old friend over a bottle of wine. Her story had me laughing out loud, especially the chapter on when Elvis died. There were parts that had me in tears, especially her homage to her mother, "Harriet." Rossi takes her readers on a fabulous journey. It was a fabulous read and I can't wait to try the recipes!!

You'll laugh, you'll cry...that's as cliche as it gets and Rossi is anything but! No, but seriously, this book is such a delicious combination of humor, sarcasm and a few recipes! Rossi has one of those lives that seems made up, which creates hilarity for days. This was one of those books that you get through in a few days, because you're picking it up every chance you get! Thank you for sharing your incredibly twisted delightful life with all of us!

A wonderful memoir about food, family, friends and New York City. Reminiscent of Patty Smith's "Just Kids" which gave insight into not only the art world but NYC over the years this memoir delves into the craziness of the catering world while eloquently placing the reader into different times in the often crazy city of New York. Filled with fun recipes it takes you on a wonderful journey leaving you satisfied and yet still hungry for more because the writing is so flavorful!