Review of ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE
by Johny McFliggen, PhD Literature & Business, Oxford
Kristen Kish’s "Accidentally on Purpose," co-authored with Stef Ferrari, is a delightful mélange of memoir and culinary muse, an offering that takes its readers on a journey not merely through Kish's life but also through the philosophy of cooking as an art form defined by serendipity. Kish, who made a name for herself as the first female chef to claim victory on "Top Chef," uses this platform to weave a narrative that is as much about embracing the unpredictability of life as it is about mastering the precision of gastronomy.
In a world where chefs are often portrayed as titans of perfection, wielding knives with the precision of a surgeon and delivering dishes with the flair of a Broadway performance, Kish's book is a refreshing reminder that even the most polished chefs are forged in the crucible of their mistakes. Her narrative is akin to that of Gabrielle Hamilton in "Blood, Bones & Butter," yet Kish stakes her own territory by emphasizing how accidents can be a powerful force for creativity and reinvention. This isn't just another kitchen confessional; it’s a manifesto for those who dare to let life spill over the edges.
Kish's story begins in South Korea, and like a Zelig of the culinary world, her journey whisks her from Michigan to Le Cordon Bleu in Chicago, and eventually to the esteemed Menton in Boston. Her tale of adoption and identity is not merely an addendum to her professional narrative but an integral part of it, offering depth and authenticity that resonates far beyond the kitchen. For those familiar with Marcus Samuelsson's "Yes, Chef," Kish's exploration of her roots and identity offers a parallel yet distinct narrative, one that is deeply personal and resonant.
The inclusion of recipes interspersed throughout the text serves not only as an invitation to engage with her culinary ethos but also as a testament to her belief that cooking is both art and accident. The dishes echo her diverse influences, a culinary passport stamped with experiences from around the world. It’s not unlike stepping into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory—each recipe is a golden ticket to understanding the mind of its creator.
While Kish’s honesty is commendable and her insights inspiring, it might not satisfy those hunting for a conventional cookbook or memoir. Her tale is not about neat conclusions or perfectly plated courses; it’s about finding beauty in chaos and purpose in accidental moments. For those willing to forego predictability, "Accidentally on Purpose" offers a narrative as complex and rewarding as any Michelin-starred dish.
In the end, Kish has crafted more than just a memoir; she’s created an ode to life's beautiful unpredictability. Her book is a siren's call to all who have ever stood at a crossroads, spatula in hand, pondering where the next step might take them. It’s an invitation to embrace the accidental and find purpose in the unexpected—a philosophy that might just be Kish’s most savory creation yet.
Purchase Link: ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE on Amazon
