Good Taste

A Life of Food and Passion

Alain Ducasse author Polly Mackintosh translator Jay McInerney editor Clare Smyth editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Pushkin Press

Published:14th Sep '23

Should be back in stock very soon

Good Taste cover

This memoir and manifesto by Alain Ducasse explores his culinary journey, reflecting on inspirations and the essence of 'good taste' throughout his remarkable career.

In Good Taste, renowned chef Alain Ducasse offers a unique blend of memoir and manifesto, providing readers with an intimate look into his culinary journey. With introductions by celebrated writer Jay McInerney and acclaimed chef Clare Smyth, Ducasse reflects on his extraordinary rise from a twelve-year-old boy who had never dined in a restaurant to becoming one of the most decorated chefs in history, holding twenty-one Michelin stars.

Ducasse invites us into his world, sharing heartfelt stories from his childhood in Les Landes, where he foraged for mushrooms with his grandfather. This book is not just about the accolades; it delves into the inspirations and passions that shaped his philosophy on food and cooking. Through Good Taste, readers will discover the significance of humble ingredients and the culinary masters who influenced Ducasse's career, spanning cities like Paris, New York, and Tokyo.

As he prepares to pass on his knowledge to future generations, Ducasse contemplates the essence of 'good taste.' This exploration is both personal and universal, making Good Taste a compelling read for anyone interested in the art of cooking and the meaningful connections that food can create.

'Good Taste is a fascinating read' Esquire

'[Ducasse's] memoir will provide inspiration to readers in any walk of life' Booklist

'Alain Ducasse is the stuff of culinary legend, and paved the way in championing local and healthy eating long before it became trendy. His stars are testament to his brilliance, much of which is shared in this book, in which he has effortlessly combined his own inspirations, philosophies and vision to create a heartfelt memoir. There is so much to learn from Chef Ducasse, and I hope that this book is used as a manual to inspire chefs for generations to come.' Michel Roux Jr. 

'How best to introduce you to Alain Ducasse? He is a legend in the culinary world - as Björn Borg is to tennis and Billie Holiday to jazz. To me he is so much more. He is a master, who taught me the meaning of farm-to-table, the value of using locally sourced ingredients and establishing trusting relationships with artisans and producers. And he is a friend. He showed me how to be both respectful of the past and contemporary, and all these lessons at Louis XV were incredibly valuable and played a crucial role in guiding my decision to open Osteria Francescana.' Massimo Bottura 

'Chef Ducasse’s impact on the culinary world is exceptional. He has been a tireless advocate for French cuisine and l'art de la table all around the world. In this book, he shares his invaluable wisdom, experience, and talent with us.' Eric Ripert

'Alain Ducasse transformed the role of the chef in public consciousness – allowing it to be seen not just as a profession but as an art form. He made a whole generation of us proud to pursue this craft. Most importantly, though, he has been so generous with sharing his recipes and wisdom. To me, this makes him the greatest chef of our time.' Daniel Humm

'Unlike those of us who first entered a kitchen with dull knives and half baked ideas, Alain Ducasse appears to have arrived fully formed, with a Jedi-like command of technique and a preternatural gift for deliciousness. Good Taste is a peek behind the magic - including the excruciatingly hard work, the risks and the failures. You will come away with an even deeper respect and sense of awe for the greatest chef of our generation' Dan Barber

'Having lunch with Alain Ducasse in one of his beautiful Parisian restaurants is like playing golf with Tiger Woods, or discussing politics with Winston Churchill, or attending a reading by Mark Twain in a crowded bookstore.' John Grisham

'I am still learning from Chef Ducasse. He is just as inspirational to me now as he was at the beginning of my career, and I’m certain that this book, with all the knowledge it contains, will guide and inspire generations of chefs to come.' Clare Smyth

'M. Ducasse's evolution as a chef is extraordinary: From his years learning to master and perfect the classics, then a creative approach to traditional gastronomy through to his more recent celebration of vegetarian dishes that combine finesse with beautiful flavours. He's a man for all seasons.' Richard Vines

ISBN: 9781913547677

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

176 pages