Knives at Dawn: America's Quest for Culinary Glory at the Bocuse d'Or, the World's Most Prestigious Cooking Competition

KNIVES AT DAWN: AMERICA'S QUEST FOR CULINARY GLORY AT THE LEGENDARY BOCUSE D'OR COMPETITION comes from a journalist and author who follows the American team and other contestants through intense months of physical and psychological training as they prepare for five and a half hours of marathon cooking. This is the only book written with the full consent and cooperation of chefs Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller and the Bocuse d'Or USA committee: its insights are powerful and perfect for any library strong in culinary history, chefs and their evolution.

This is the most gripping non-fiction book I have read since The Hot Zone. Friedman captures the glamor, excitement and terror of competition on an international level. He managed to awaken empathy and envy at the same time. My only regret was that I read the book on my Kindle and there were no inserts. Reading this book was the closest thing to actually eating the amazing and delicious food portrayed in its pages.

Knives at Dawn actually made me want to be there--for the excitement of it as well as for the glory if America should win. The first chapter is pretty boring but needs to be read to understand the high stakes involved. I've begun saving up for next year's trip to France, along with my son who is a food writer in Boston. Catch the thrill!!!

A great read for serious foodies, but reader beware: DO NOT look at the last of the photos presented in the book. The last photo is of the 2009 winners accepting their awards! Ruins what would have otherwise been a suspensful story of the Team Bocuse D'Or USA's eventual finish.

Friedman has done it again, he brings the reader into the story and gives them an insight and understanding they would never get without his guidance and input. This behind the scenes look at one of the most arcane corners of the culinary world is a revelation to professional chefs, hobbyist cooks and anyone else who has any interest in food,people or the rigors of competition. As always Friedman has written in the voice of his characters, and the reader will get a true feeling and understanding of what is going on inside their head at each point of the story. I highly recommend this book and any others from this unique observer of the culinary scene. Walter, Great Falls Va.