I always thought that good memoirists had to be willing to bare their souls to write a good memoir. I've changed my mind somewhat after reading Yes, Chef. Samuelson is not always open about what happened in his life, but he is also self-critical, socially aware and energetic, and wow, what a story he has to tell. An Ethiopian orphan adopted with his sister by a Swedish family who live near Goteburg, he is too small to become the successful soccer player he dreams of and as a so-so student, ends up joining the world of cooks. While the book narrates his adventures cooking in Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, France, the U.S. and Ethiopia, the more significant contribution, for me, was his developing analysis of how racism works in different countries and in the kitchens of good or great restaurants. There are parts near the end of the book where I cried while I was reading, so touching were some of the pictures the author and his co-writer created. For example, aware of the racism in great restaurants, Samuelsson was determined that local African American and Latino/a youth from the neighborhood get to be waiters. Having the vision to do this and enacting it are different, and Samuelsson's efforts are well-documented. Part of Samuelsson's stance is as an outsider, and while he explains the difficulties this social location generates, the reader, or me as a reader could see the benefits of this for his social commentary. I enjoyed this read and appreciated his approach to food and the balance of eclecticism and authenticity for which he strived. And I so enjoyed eating brunch at the restaurant!