Playing With Fire by Gordon Ramsay

Published by HarperCollins

ISBN  978-0-00-725988-5

I was pleasantly surprised by the content of this book.  Gordon Ramsay's reputation for swearing and aggressive behaviour precedes him, but the sincerity of the man comes through in this no holds barred biography.  From his first foray into the catering world, through his highs and lows in business, he takes us on the roller coaster journey that was his road to success.

After initially training in London and Paris, there came a spell at La Tante Claire with Pierre Kaufmann, followed by his first collaboration at the Aubergine in Fulham.  This was the springboard to other, more ambitious projects with various hotels, including the Connaught, Claridges and the Savoy.  The Middle East beckoned and a partnership was formed to open a restaurant in the Dubai Hilton.  Soon America was calling for Gordon's talents and The London in New York was established, followed by a project in Los Angeles.

The chefs that he trained in his kitchens would go on to become partners in restaurant or hotel ventures around the world, often becoming celebrities in their own right.

He talks us through his love of cars, his adventures whilst renovating a house which was to become the family home in Wandsworth, and then we get to the rough stuff.  The tax man cometh and rummages through his finances, then the manner in which tips are distributed in restaurants was given an overhaul, causing all sorts of headaches for the admin and finance departments.

Latterly, we hear of expansion into Europe, opening pubs and the catering at London Heathrow's Terminal 5.  He seems more settled as the book closes, but you are left with the feeling that he sees all of this as just the beginning.  He seems to be always on the move, on the lookout for the next venture, seeking to expand his business and himself.  This enjoyable book covers only a section of the Gordon Ramsay story, and I look forward to reading the next instalment.