About the Books
The Forgotten Chef was born out of a long, honest conversation with the kitchen.
After three decades spent cooking, observing, listening, and mentoring, Phil D. May began to recognize a pattern—talented chefs losing their spark, questioning their path, and wondering if the life they were building was sustainable.
This book is for those chefs.
Written as both reflection and guide, The Forgotten Chef explores the realities of burnout, identity, and purpose in the culinary world. It challenges the idea that long hours, exhaustion, and sacrifice are simply “part of the deal,” and instead invites chefs to think more intentionally about the relationship between their craft and their life.
This is not a cookbook.
It is not a manual for restaurant success.
It is a conversation—one that asks better questions before offering answers.
If you’ve ever felt drawn to the kitchen but uncertain about where that road leads, this book was written with you in mind.
Blades & Battles: A Chef’s Path Through Heat and Hardship is more than just a memoir it’s an inspiring journey through kitchens, competitions, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Phil D May takes you behind the swinging doors of the culinary world, where passion meets pressure, and every plate tells a story. From long nights on the line to the fire of professional rivalries, he reveals the grit, growth, and glory that come with a chef’s life.
Whether you’re an aspiring chef, a food lover, or someone seeking motivation to push through life’s challenges, this book delivers a mix of raw honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom.