I'm Not Trying To Be Difficult

Stories from the Restaurant Trenches

By: Drew Nieporent

Narrated by: Drew Nieporent

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.

Critic reviews

“Drew Nieporent is a born storyteller. Lively and inviting, he brings the frenzy and excitement of the New York dining scene to life with the same energy and warmth he’s brought to his restaurants throughout his incredible career.”
—Harlan Coben

"I've always enjoyed listening to Drew talk about his New York. I admire his ability to be honest about what he's going through. His opinions, insights, successes and failures are never a secret. Through his experiences, young restaurateurs can gain some great insights into the world of restaurants."
—Rich Melman

"I devoured Drew Nieporent’s delicious memoir, I’m Not Trying to Be Difficult, the page-turning story of a restaurateur’s restaurateur, whose insatiable appetites for food, hospitality, showmanship, and winning have fueled one of our industry’s most legendary characters and careers."
—Danny Meyer, Author of Setting the Table, the Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business

"Everyone who cares about food knows that Drew Nieporent is one of the people who changed American restaurants. In this startlingly honest memoir he takes you behind the kitchen door to show you how the business really works. If you go out to eat, you need this book."
—Ruth Reichl

At times Interesting. Often depressing.

I finished the book feeling depressed rather than uplifted…Not often the feeling reading these type of restauranteur books. I think Drew’s credentials are more impressive than he exuded. Everything felt surface level and a bit thin. And the most troubling part is how disliked he seems to be by just about everybody.

Fantastic book

This is a wonderful narrative of the author’s journey as a restaurateur in NYC. The narration is perfect and genuine. The author shares enough detail yet moves the narrative efficiently. Loved the story

It was great to hear all of the stories read by the author himself.

An amazing tour of the life of one of the greatest restaurateurs of the past fifty years. Thank you for everything, Drew!
A true tour de force.

A great story, poorly told

As a business consultant who has traveled constantly for 45+ years, I'm fascinated by the restaurant business. This is a good story, from a very talented restaurant owner. It provides a unique perspective from the 'front of the house'. I recommend "Your Table is Ready" as a companion piece.

But, his performance, runs between annoying and quirky. He has an uncanny ability to place the emPHAsis on the wrong word in a sentence. He would have done well to listen to old newscasts from Walter Cronkite (or Charles Kuralt. Et al).

Great restaurant industry tale.

Really enjoyed the behind-the-scenes industry accounts, told with depth and color. Tough business!