Cooked

From the Streets to the Stove, from Cocaine to Foie Gras

By: Jeff Henderson

Narrated by: Jeff Henderson

Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

This riveting memoir is the incredible story of Jeff Henderson's rollercoaster ride from high-stakes cocaine dealer, to prison inmate, to world-class chef.

Barely old enough to drink legally, Henderson was clearing $35,000 per week as one of the most successful cocaine dealers in San Diego. But when he was 23, he was indicted on federal drug trafficking charges and sentenced to almost 20 years. Hardheaded, Henderson held firmly to his gritty street morals, until the day he was assigned to wash dishes in the prison kitchen. He immediately took an interest in food preparation and eventually determined that when he was released, he would become a chef, no matter what.

An extraordinary tale of crime, punishment, and redemption, Cooked is a glorious testament to the power of the human spirit when faced with seemingly impossible odds.

©2007 Jeff Henderson (P)2007 Recorded Books LLC

Critic reviews

"Cooked is alive with the visceral energy of street life, the sober reality of prison, and the drama and intensity of working in top restaurant kitchens. With extraordinary poise and clever insight, Jeff relates the astounding obstacles he overcame to be recognized as one of the best young chefs in America." (BlackNews.com)

Motivating

Great story learn a lot from Mr Henderson jail experience an life during the streets, very motivating to see him have a vision an execute on it. Much Love an respect‼️

success story

Listening to the author tell his life story was like having him tell you in person. I was captivated listening to it not wanting to turn it off. I love success stories and how driven he was to learn and turn his life around.I liked the cooking stories.An excellent book.

Refreshing

A nice success story, well delivered and very interesting.

Certainly worth both the time and money.

Two thumbs up!

One of the best books I’ve read in a while. Entertaining, emotional, and educational - couldn’t stop listening. So happy the Author decided to narrate. I could visualize every moment and will listen all over again real soon!

Inspiring

Author narrated shares his story raw and real. Shared with my sun behind the wall. Thank you Chef Jeff!

Excellent Read!

This is the best book I’ve listened to in a long time. Like I wish my commute was longer to I can listen longer. Chef Henderson’s story is tremendous. Truly awe inspiring how this gentlemen overcame adversity. A great human interest story even if you have little interest in culinary or prison narratives.

Great

This is a great book. For anyone. Great message also. Really gives the insides and outs of the restaurant industry.

Excellent.

Your story is so inspiring. I use to have all my foster children read your book. So it could inspire them to change their lives. I used your story as a example for them to make changes. I bought your cook book and I watched your videos on youtube. I admire your determination to want to become a cook. You didn't even go to culinary school, but look how far you got. You were humble and you worked your butt off.
You was always honest about your past to the employer. You dealt with racsim but you never gave up. Hopefully my sons can read your book. My youngest wants to be a chef. He has so many goals. I had one foster girl who told me she hated reading. So I left your book one day near the couch. An she picked it up and she couldn't put it down. She read your whole book, she loved it. An she said it helped her become a better writer. Your book inspired her to read again. Mr. jeff your truly a awesome man.
I would love to cook with you one day. Like a cooking class. Thanks for sharing your story.

Great Story of Triumph

The best thing about this book may be Jeff's pronunciation of french dishes and cooking terms. His reading is a bit hard, uneven and "street" but I don't think the material would have worked so well without it.

Admittedly I skipped over some of the earlier stuff like his early childhood, but listened to every word once he got to prison and beyond.

I only gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because it is slow in spots, mostly in the beginning.

In the last third of the book, when he becomes the head chef at the Bel Air hotel (before Bellagio) you can't believe how much this guy has gone through and how hard he has worked to get there.

I'm tend to go for the "chick-flick" books like "Eat Pray Love" (the ultimate) but this coming of age tale has much of the same feel, even if it is about a man from LA's ghetto.

Bottom line: recommended

A real success story

I just loved Mr. Henderson's climb from the streets to the stove. His tenacity and proceed till apprehended attitude is awesome. This proves with goals and drive someone's life can be turned around. I think having a mentor and support from one's family & friends can help as well. Maybe one day I will have a meal prepared by Mr. Henderson.