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 Dončic 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!
About the Author: Working as a junior sous chef at the India Sheraton at the early age of thirteen, Samir Dhurandhar was already making a name for himself throughout the Juhu neighborhood of Mumbai. However, it was a chance meeting with legend Julia Child that set his culinary destiny into action. After attending the Culinary Institute of America, Samir cooked at and created recipes and menus for New York establishments like Sfuzzi, John Harvard's Brewhouse, the Heartland Brewery Restaurant, and Tribecca Grill, among others.
Samir's career eventually led him to Dallas, where he, along with industry legend Phil Romano, created Nick & Sam's, which opened in 1999. Samir won the American Institute of Wine and Food's 2000 Upcoming Chef Award and has continued to capture many other honors in his twenty-four years at the restaurant. The ultimate industry award was the invitation to cook at the prestigious James Beard House in 2016.
The chef, who in 2021 launched the gourmet catering service Savor by Samir, has been profiled in Haute Living, D Magazine, Texas Monthly, the Dallas Morning News, and dozens of other publications and websites, plus has made countless network and regional television appearances.
In his spare time (which is rare) Samir can be found cheering on his Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Cowboys. Samir and his wife, Lori, live in Dallas with their children, Mia and Cole.
