Raising the Steaks: My Journey to Creating the Best Steakhouse in the World: Nick & Sam's in Bloomington, MN

In a whirlwind culinary tour, taking readers from his chef origins in India to celebrated Manhattan eateries to the famed Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse in Dallas, Samir Dhurandhar tells a singular, savory American success story. The author overcame daunting challenges to land a partner role in the Phil Romano–created restaurant Nick & Sam’s, earning him the nickname “celebrity chef,” despite his humble persona. Find out why A-listers from George Clooney, Shaq, and Diddy to NBA megastar Luka Dončić just had to meet Samir—and become lifelong customers. Read how a chance meeting with cooking legend Julia Child spawned lifelong opportunities: “Samir, you should go to the Culinary Institute of America.” Samir retraces the path to his “ultimate honor,” cooking as a guest chef at the venerable James Beard House in New York. “Pressure! I’d be taking my place at a kitchen shrine where Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse, Anthony Bourdain, and Charlie Trotter worked their magic.” Samir also offers handy kitchen tips and a bounty of Nick & Sam’s and personal recipes, including the full feast he crafted at the Beard House. Bon appétit!