FIREPROOF: Curtis Duffy in conversation with James Schend

Name: FIREPROOF: Curtis Duffy in conversation with James Schend
Start: 2025-12-03T19:00:00-06:00
End: 2025-12-03T21:00:00-06:00
Location: Kemper Center, Inc.

Schedule

Wed Dec 03 2025 at 07:00 pm to 09:00 pm

UTC-06:00

Location

Kemper Center, Inc. | Kenosha, WI

“Curtis Duffy’s story is one of tragedy and triumph, the art of perfection and perfecting the art, and what it means to be one of the country’s best chefs. His journey is deeply personal, yet universally resonant.” - Grant Achatz, The Alinea Group
Join world-renowned Chef Curtis Duffy at Kemper Center on Wednesday, December 3rd, at 7 p.m. as he discusses his new book, "Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef". Chef Duffy will be talking about his book with Kenosha native and former editor of "Taste of Home", James Schend. This is sure to be a one-of-a-kind experience for foodies, chefs, and memoir enthusiasts. Get your ticket today!
This event is ticketed, check out the details and grab your ticket here: https://www.blue-house-books.com/events/3661220251203
Please note that previously purchased copies of "Fireproof" will not be allowed into the event without a Blue House Books receipt.

About FIREPROOF: MEMOIR OF A CHEF:
With rare intensity and candor, world-renowned, Michelin-starred Chef Curtis Duffy shares his epic journey from child of an outlaw biker father to famed culinary iconoclast. Fans of no holds-barred stories such as Motley Crue’s The Dirt, memoirs by celebrity chefs, and brutally honest personal memoirs will love this raw and inspiring true story.
“Chef Curtis Duffy's Fireproof is like Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential meets Sons of Anarchy.” —Peter Blauner, New York Times bestselling author of "The Intruder".
"Fireproof" charts Chef Curtis Duffy’s rise in spite of trauma, to being mentored by and recognized among the world’s top chefs. Amid childhood chaos in rural Ohio, a young Duffy first found refuge in Home Ec class, then at one of Columbus’s best restaurants, where he honed his skills. His passion ignited, Duffy was dead set on leaving Ohio and breaking the Duffy family curse.
But the tragic deaths of his parents jeopardized his promising trajectories. Summoning extraordinary fortitude, Duffy ate pain, graduated culinary school, and moved to Chicago to work in Chef Charlie Trotter’s kitchen—a hotbed of talent that produced prominent alumni such as Grant Achatz, Graham Elliot, and Homaro Cantu. Inspired by stellar peers and staging for Thomas Keller at the French Laundry, Duffy’s drive only grew.
His meteoric rise would cost him a marriage—the price of ambition, focus, and Grace restaurant. Grace earned three Michelin stars four years in a row, solidifying Duffy’s place as one of the world’s greatest culinary artists. But in a heartbreaking act of defiance, Duffy walked out after disputes with Grace’s owner.
Unstoppable, Duffy created Ever restaurant—a launch nearly derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Duffy persisted where many others would have resigned their craft, and Ever earned two Michelin stars from 2021-2024. Duffy was ranked one of the “50 Most Powerful People in American Fine Dining” in 2024 by the Robb Report.

About CURTIS DUFFY:
World-renowned, James Beard Award-winning, Michelin-starred chef Curtis Duffy was raised in Ohio. Duffy moved to Chicago to work for legendary chef Charlie Trotter before becoming chef de cuisine at Alinea. As head chef at Avenues, Duffy earned two Michelin stars. Duffy later opened Grace restaurant, earning three Michelin stars four years in a row. Duffy has since opened the Michelin-starred restaurant, Ever, and the After lounge. Netflix released "For Grace"—a documentary about Duffy creating Grace, the tragic loss of his parents, and becoming a critically acclaimed chef. Duffy and Ever restaurant has been featured heavily in Hulu’s hit series, "The Bear".
Duffy volunteers for Chicago's Banchet Awards, the Grand Chef’s Gala, and sits on the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts advisory board, where a $25,000 scholarship in his name is awarded. Duffy lives between Chicago and Miami with his wife, Jennifer Duffy, and their children. "Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef" is his first book.

About JAMES SCHEND:
After a delicious decade at "Taste of Home", James hung up his editor's hat for a well-deserved retirement, bringing his culinary adventures full circle right back to Kenosha! His journey with "Taste of Home" began as a food editor, where he quickly became a familiar face in the Test Kitchen. Through the years, he moved up the ranks, ultimately reaching the pinnacle as the editor of "Taste of Home". In this role, he had the privilege of leading the culinary editorial teams, orchestrating major recipe contests, and steering the direction of "Taste of Home's" food content.
This thrilling ride is built on a career that started after he left Kenosha to pursue a culinary degree and exciting jobs across the US. His experience included serving as Content Director at the Williams-Sonoma corporate office in San Francisco and working as a food editor and culinary specialist at "Southern Living" in Birmingham, Alabama. And now the aprons are off, but James's passion for exceptional cuisine is stronger than ever!
While his professional kitchen days are behind him, his global quest for incredible flavors has just begun. He's excited to explore the world's culinary landscapes, all while enjoying the vibrant community and familiar comforts of his hometown.