Tom Colicchio: "Think Like a Chef"

Chef, restaurateur, and television personality Tom Colicchio celebrates the 25th anniversary of his first cookbook with a stunning anniversary edition featuring a new author's note

A groundbreaking volume when it was first published in 2000, Think Like a Chef is the perfect manual for a new generation of culinary professionals and passionate cooks everywhere. In this beloved classic, Tom uses simple steps to deconstruct a chef’s creative process, making restaurant-style meals easily accessible to any home cook.

Think Like a Chef starts with the essential techniques that form the basis of any chef’s repertoire: roasting, braising, sautéing, and making stocks and sauces. Tom introduces building-block ingredients, like roasted tomatoes and braised artichokes, and shows how to use them in a variety of ways, from an easy vinaigrette to a caramelized tomato tart. In a section called Trilogies, Tom combines three basic ingredients to present several recipes, with one dish that’s quick and other dishes that are increasingly more involved. As he says, “Juxtaposed in interesting ways, these ingredients prove that the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts,” and you'll agree once you've tasted the Ragout of Asparagus, Morels, and Ramps or the Baked Free-Form 'Ravioli'—both dishes made with the same trilogy of ingredients. The final section of the book offers simple recipes—from Zucchini with Lemon Thyme to Roasted Endive with Whole Spices to Boulangerie Potatoes—for components that can be used in endless combinations.

Illustrated with glorious photographs, Think Like a Chef offers a master class from one of America’s most celebrated chefs.

Tom Colicchio will be joined in conversation by Tom Hall, host of WYPR's Midday.

About the Author:

Tom Colicchio is an 8-time James Beard Award-winning chef and the owner of Crafted Hospitality, which includes New York City’s Craft, Temple Court, and Vallata; Las Vegas’ Craftsteak; and Small Batch in Garden City, New York. Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Tom made his New York cooking debut at prominent restaurants including The Quilted Giraffe and Gotham Bar & Grill before opening Gramercy Tavern in 1994 and Craft in 2001. A vocal and outspoken social justice advocate, Tom executive produced the 2013 documentary A Place at the Table, and through extensive work in our nation’s capital, he has established himself as the leading “Citizen Chef” advocating for a food system that values access, affordability, and nutrition over corporate interests. Tom is the head judge and executive producer of the Emmy-winning Bravo hit series, Top Chef, and he is a frequent contributor on several television shows and networks. Tom lives in Brooklyn with his wife and their three sons.

About the Moderator:

Tom Hall is the host of WYPR's Midday (Monday-Friday from noon-1p), the highly rated news and public policy program that features interviews with elected officials, community leaders, as well as thought provoking authors, artists, researchers, journalists, and scholars from around the world.

About the Program:

• Doors will open to registered attendees at 6 pm.
• Seating for registered attendees in Central Hall is first come, first served.
• All registered in-person attendees will receive a free copy of the book.
• There will not be a book signing following the program.
• Free parking vouchers are available to program attendees who park at the Franklin Street Garage (15 W. Franklin Street) after 4pm. Ask Pratt event staff for your parking voucher prior to or after the program.
• All bags, backpacks, briefcases, etc. entering and exiting the library will be subject to inspection by security personnel. No large bags.

Host or Publisher Enoch Pratt Free Library