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

By Drew Nieporent

Book Overview

A USA TODAY BESTSELLER

Drew Nieporent has been a staple of the New York dining scene for decades, establishing a host of iconic restaurants like Nobu, Tribeca Grill, 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 spends his childhood tagging along with his father to help restaurants get their liquor license, igniting a lifelong obsession with food. His passion takes him on a winding, continent-spanning journey, crossing paths with legendary chefs, iconic athletes, and movie stars as he grows 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 DeNiro; 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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1538765578
• ISBN13: 9781538765579
• Release Date: September 2025
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 3.1" x 9.1"