Gordon Ramsay’s Playing with Fire: The no-holds-barred autobiography of the star chef

As usual Gordon doesn't hold back his feelings, or the details of his life. He puts it out there and the reader can form their own opinion of him. I was quite surprised that he was so willing to write about the downside of his family life. Yes, he does swear in the book, but that is Gordon.This book was written before his breakup with his father-in-law and business partner. His father-in-law receives much of the credit for Gordon's financial success, Gordon readily acknowledges this thru-out the book.So involved was his father-in-law on the financial part of the business that I have to wonder how Gordon is faring without him.If you own a restaurant, or you follow Gordon through his carious Tv shows, I recommend his book.

one book was not enough. it left me hungry for more. some of the main themes are repeated, in terms of the authors childhood. but overall it gives a more in depth account of the ins and outs of the restaurant industry in england, as well as the perils and challenges of expansion abroad. more than anything it humanizes the mythical figure created by the media. we see another side of a beloved star, one that is kind, compassionate, heartwarming and endearing. it is as if he cannot believe his luck and the amount of success he has had and is constantly thinking up ways to give back what he received... as long as you are prepared to work for it of course!

I quite enjoyed this book, and not just because I like food, or am a fan of Ramsay (I confess to both). As a small shop owner, I found much information in this book useful even though I am not a restauranteur, and have referred to it often over the past year and some months I've had it. I recommend it to anyone who is either thinking of starting a business, or who feels their business is in a bit of a rut. I can't say you will find direct examples, but if you keep your mind open you'll see the larger points he is making re: business. It has helped me do a great deal of brainstorming about the fundamentals of my business, including challenging my own biases and preconceptions about my shop.The only reason my review is not 5 stars is that it does repeat itself a bit at the end. This is also the fault of a great many business books, most of which do this to a much greater degree.

Been to his restaurant last year for my birthday. Food was good, service was excellent. BUT the music was too LOUD!!!! I couldn't hear my server. Will I go back.? No I am a local and it took a year to save all the money for three people. I know this year we are going to Lawery's. Their prices are a little more reasonable and I can take four people and not spend the money but still have an great time. I wouldn't recommend Ramsay's place to my friends, because all you're doing is buying a name. Linda J. Bodrero

This book is a fantastic insight to the world of Mr. Ramsey and how he got his business up and running. If you are interested in the restaurant business, this is a fantastic read. Even if you want nothing to do with the industry, the book is still full of many good life lessons that can be applied to anyone's life and career.

If you are a fan of Gordan Ramsay, you should enjoy this book. However, I found this book to be more of a first person narrative on how Gordon built his collection of restaurants over the span of his early career. I found it interesting but became a tad bored in later chapters when his practices appeared to repeat themselves on restaurants in England that I know nothing about.If you're a fan, you will probably enjoy. If you're looking for a great read and not much of a fan of Gordon Ramsays, then I don't recommend, hence the 3 stars.

Chef Ramsay (with an a, not an e) always has something to say. Having read his previous memoir, I was excited to delve into the joys and troubles of the business world he runs. The narrative flows quickly, with verbal punches from the author on topics mundane and large. You have to be agile as a reader as he takes you through one dustup after another. Its a great trip and so far, with no ending! Enjoy.

It reads exactly as Gordon Ramsay speaks, which, for those of delicate sensibilities, means lots of swear words. But as someone who enjoys the creative use of profanity, it didn't bother me at all. It's always good to read a real life story of someone building something amazing from the ground up, and this is one of those books. There are a few spots where it seems to drag a little, but overall the light and down- to-earth tone carry it through. I would say there are definitely a few gems in here for anyone looking to go into business for themselves, given from someone who's shown that he has what it takes to achieve big success by overcoming past missteps to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves. Overall, a good read.