Chef Curtis Duffy serves his story raw in live interview with Sylvia Perez

Chicago gets more than just a peek behind the kitchen door, it gets the whole story. On Monday, Aug. 4, Chef Curtis Duffy, one of the rare few to earn two and three Michelin stars in his career, is stepping into the spotlight in a different way. He’s traded his chef’s whites for a microphone, sitting down with veteran journalist Sylvia Perez for an intimate, in-person conversation about his new memoir, FireProof.

The live interview, hosted at Duffy’s After bar in Chicago’s West Loop, is shaping up to be anything but your average book launch. Perez, a respected voice in Chicago journalism and host of the Supper with Sylvia podcast, is known for coaxing compelling stories from her guests. But even she might need to brace herself—Duffy’s story is one of the most harrowing, and ultimately inspiring, to come out of the culinary world in years.

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FireProof traces Duffy’s journey from a childhood marked by abuse to an unthinkable tragedy. It’s not light reading, but it’s the kind of story that grips you and refuses to let go. And it’s exactly this emotional honesty that promises to come alive during the event.

Duffy isn’t just telling his story, he’s baring it. With Perez asking the questions, expect the conversation to go deep. This isn’t about celebrity chef gossip or food porn (though, let’s be real, there will be good food and drinks involved). It’s about how one man found purpose, peace and extraordinary success despite devastating pain.

Attendees won’t just hear Duffy’s words—they’ll feel them. The event will be recorded live as a podcast episode, adding another layer of immediacy. Guests will also receive a signed copy of FireProof, along with curated bites and beverages that are bound to reflect Duffy’s signature precision and artistry.

More than a memoir launch, this night is a celebration of resilience, community, and yes, culinary craftsmanship. And given the intimacy of the venue and the exclusivity of the experience, tickets are expected to disappear fast.

Ready to pull up a seat at the table? Grab your ticket now because this one-night-only event is sure to be unforgettable!