I'm Not Trying to Be Difficult: Stories from the Restaurant Trenches

Brief Description:
"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.

Review Quotes:
"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

Review Quotes:
"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

Review Quotes:
"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

Review Quotes:
"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

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

Review Quotes:
"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

Review Quotes:
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

Review Quotes:
"Drew Nieporent is a true legend of the restaurant world, a visionary whose passion, perseverance, and deep love for hospitality have shaped the dining landscape for decades. In this compelling memoir, he shares the extraordinary journey that took him from waiting tables to becoming one of the most influential restaurateurs of our time. For anyone who loves food, restaurants, or simply a great tale of ambition, this book is a must-read."-- Eric Ripert

Biographical Note:
Drew Nieporent, one of America's most respected and celebrated restaurateurs, is the founder and inspiration behind the Myriad Restaurant Group, which opened and operated Nobu New York, Nobu London, Tribeca Grill, Rubicon, Corton, Bâtard, Daily Burger at Madison Square Garden, and many more. Nieporent's groundbreaking first restaurant, Montrachet, earned three stars from The New York Times and kept that rating for twenty-one years. He has partnered with Robert DeNiro, Robin Williams, and Francis Ford Coppola, among others. He has also won multiple James Beard Awards.


Review Quotes:

"Foodies and celebrity watchers alike will enjoy Nieporent's culinary adventures and misadventures."

Review Citations:

• Kirkus Reviews 07/15/2025 (EAN 9781538765579, Hardcover)
• Shelf Awareness 09/28/2025 (EAN 9781538765579, Hardcover)