Last Shot
A coming-of-age memoir of addiction, ambition and redemption
Published on 28. July 2021
Book
Hardback
384 pages
978-1-76110-191-5 (ISBN)
Description
A coming-of-age memoir of addiction, ambition and redemption in the high-stakes world of Michelin star kitchens.
From reckless drug addict to one of Australia's top chefs and television stars: MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo's powerful life story will shock and inspire.
Jock's life spiralled out of control when he tried heroin for the first time as a teenager while growing up in 1980s Glasgow. For years he balanced a career as a rising star amongst legendary chefs with a crippling drug addiction that took him down many dark paths.
Fired from his job at a Michelin star restaurant in Chester, England, after a foul-mouthed rant, Jock made his way to London looking for work and found himself in front of the legendary Marco Pierre White. He credits White for saving his life, but Jock continued to struggle with addiction in a world of excess, celebrity, and cut-throat ambition.
On New Year's Eve 1999, Jock shot up his last shot of heroin before boarding a plane to Sydney, where he would find passion and new meaning in life in the most unexpected places. There would be more struggles ahead, including two failed marriages, the closure of his prized restaurant during COVID-19, his time on-country, and some very public battles.
This is his unforgettable story.
From reckless drug addict to one of Australia's top chefs and television stars: MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo's powerful life story will shock and inspire.
Jock's life spiralled out of control when he tried heroin for the first time as a teenager while growing up in 1980s Glasgow. For years he balanced a career as a rising star amongst legendary chefs with a crippling drug addiction that took him down many dark paths.
Fired from his job at a Michelin star restaurant in Chester, England, after a foul-mouthed rant, Jock made his way to London looking for work and found himself in front of the legendary Marco Pierre White. He credits White for saving his life, but Jock continued to struggle with addiction in a world of excess, celebrity, and cut-throat ambition.
On New Year's Eve 1999, Jock shot up his last shot of heroin before boarding a plane to Sydney, where he would find passion and new meaning in life in the most unexpected places. There would be more struggles ahead, including two failed marriages, the closure of his prized restaurant during COVID-19, his time on-country, and some very public battles.
This is his unforgettable story.
Reviews / Votes
"Last Shot is Trainspotting meets Kitchen Confidential. Jock's ability to not sugarcoat the truth and his brutal honesty about his struggle with his inner demons will resonate with so many people. That coupled with his absolute passion for food, his commitment to highlighting the culture and food of Australia's First Nations People and his pure love for his family makes this a truly stunning book. I loved it." -- Actress, Rebecca Gibney "Oh my goodness what a book. I've just finished it, devoured it in under four hours. I laughed and cried and marvelled at him." -- News Corp's National Entertainment Writer, Lisa WoolfordMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Australia
Illustrations
2 x 4c 16pp pic sections
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 153 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-76110-191-5 (9781761101915)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Jock Zonfrillo was a beloved chef, television presenter and restauranter best known as a judge on MasterChef Australia and as the host of Nomad Chef. Born in Glasgow to an Italian father and Scottish mother, Jock's formative years were heavily influenced by his respective cultures. Attracted to the dynamic and competitive kitchens of London, he worked alongside top chefs like Marco Pierre White, Gordon Ramsay and David Cavalier.
On a year-long sabbatical in Sydney, Jock became curious about the taste and origins of Australia's Indigenous cuisine. He subsequently moved to Adelaide and opened Restaurant Orana in 2013, a fine-dining experience designed to acknowledge Indigenous culture through food. Jock was also a devoted father of four and married to businesswoman Lauren Zonfrillo author of Till Death Do Us Part. Sadly, he passed away in April 2023, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire the culinary world.
On a year-long sabbatical in Sydney, Jock became curious about the taste and origins of Australia's Indigenous cuisine. He subsequently moved to Adelaide and opened Restaurant Orana in 2013, a fine-dining experience designed to acknowledge Indigenous culture through food. Jock was also a devoted father of four and married to businesswoman Lauren Zonfrillo author of Till Death Do Us Part. Sadly, he passed away in April 2023, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire the culinary world.