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I'm Not Trying To Be Difficult

Stories from the Restaurant Trenches

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I'm Not Trying To Be Difficult

Written by: Drew Nieporent
Narrated by: Drew Nieporent
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About this listen

 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. Business Leaders Culinary Food & Wine Gastronomy Professionals & Academics

Critic Reviews

“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
"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
"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
"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
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