Where I Come From

By: Aarón Sánchez

Narrated by: Aarón Sánchez

Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's Summary

America’s most prominent Latino chef shares the story behind his food, his family, and his professional journey

Before Chef Aaron Sanchez rose to fame on shows like MasterChef and Chopped, he was a restless Mexican-American son, raised by a fiercely determined and talented woman who was a successful chef and restaurateur in her own right - she is credited with bringing Mexican cuisine to the New York City dining scene. In many ways, Sanchez, who lost his father at a young age, was destined to follow in his mother Zarela’s footsteps. He spent nights as a child in his family’s dining room surrounded by some of the most influential chefs and restaurateurs in New York. At 16, needing direction, he was sent by his mother to work for renowned chef Paul Prudhomme in New Orleans. 

In this memoir, Sanchez delves into his formative years with remarkable candor, injecting his story with adrenaline and revealing how he fell in love with cooking and started a career in the fast-paced culinary world. Sanchez shares the invaluable lessons he learned from his upbringing and his training - both inside and outside the kitchen - and offers an intimate look into the chaotic and untraditional life of a professional chef and television personality. This memoir is Sanchez’s highly personal account of a fatherless Latino kid whose talent and passion took him to the top of his profession. 

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Roux, Inc. (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Excellent Articulate Author

I enjoyed this book immensely. I would have liked to have fewer ‘f’ words but realize sadly that it must be ‘chef’ talk.
I hated to have the book end, but the positive message came through.
I am excited to see what the future holds for Sánchez.

3 people found this helpful

Swearing unnecessary

Did not appreciate random “F” bombs that ruined an other wise good story. Total unnecessary. As a result I did not get past the 2nd chapter.

1 person found this helpful

GREAT LISTEN

Loved it. I found heart warming common grounds with the Aaron as a “Chicano”. Give it a shot.

All Heart

Great read, straight from the heart. Brilliant storytelling and communication skills. His mother did a fine job of surviving and lifting her children up to the higher ground. He did a fine job of making the impossible, possible. A lot of magic runs in that family. Next vacation my family and extended family in the North West are heading to Louisiana. To eat at Johnny Sanchez in New Orleans. For a week.

Fantastic and brutally honest!

As a fellow El Pasoan, and former restaurateur, I can totally relate to Aaron's story. His brutally honest and transparent approach to this story is both fascinating and captivating. I couldn't stop listening and was even late to an appointment one time because I couldn't turn it off. Great job Aaron!

lovely, romantic and informative

I loved listening to this book. I own a hard copy but haven't had the time to read it. when I saw it on Audiobook instantly I got it.

as a green chef I found this book informative while falling deeper in love with his ideals and the fact that Sanchez supports the Me Too movement. I'm completely thankful and appreciative for his support.

I listed in the kitchen where I work at. thank you Aaron, if you do read these reviews. I am grateful to have read about your life struggles, where you come from and what you plan to do in the future. as a single mom, I share the same views.

Beautiful and raw

Chef Aaron Sanchez hits on so many truths in the restaurant business and especially as a Mexican restauranteur. He isn’t afraid to tell the truth about his depression and his failed marriage. He keeps it interesting, at times funny, and real. It kept my interest.

Amazing!!!

Love this book. I’m gonna give it a second listen. Chef Sánchez gives us his Life lessons, biography, tells us about his passions, and teaches us about multiple cultures. So worth it. Give it a listen.

The mirror of my life / el espejo de mi vida

I can’t explain and review this book more closely than a mirror of my life. It is a really good book with memories and stories that connect the reader to the real life (chef) scenarios. I have been through several of the scenarios that Aaron presents. Unfortunately for me, life took different turns and I’m away from the kitchens, mainly because of what people think, because of family judgement and because I didn’t want to “disappoint” my parents. However, this book made me realize that my passion and my happiness is with food, culture and kitchens. I can’t wait to go back to the kitchens and cook for the world.
Aaron, thanks for your life lessons they marked my path for a brighter and happier future.

No se cómo explicar y categorizar este libro mejor que un espejo de mi vida. Este libro me hizo darme cuenta de muchas cosas q me hacen falta en mi vida, que llegue a tenerlas en algún tiempo pero q ahora no están. Las historias q cuentas y los sentimientos y dificultades que tuviste q pasar para llegar a donde estás me hicieron identificarme mucho con ellas. Yo era un chef antes pero deje de serlo por ser juzgado por mi familia y mis padres. Pero tú libro me hizo darme cuenta q la felicidad para mi esta en la cocina, en la cultura y en la comida. Espero volver a las cocinas muy pronto y cocinar para el mundo.
Aaron, muchas gracias por tus enseñanzas, me dejaron marcado de por vida.

love it

I love the book. Makes me want to start cooking again and learn more about my Mexican roots.