The incredible story of food television pioneer Friedemann Paul Erhardt—who brought cooking into forty million homes long before The Food Network existed.

Culinary television programming has become a mainstay in the American home—from the reality competition of Top Chef to how-to style shows of The Food Network, and everything in between. But before big names like Gordon Ramsay and Bobby Flay ruled prime time, one young German American chef became America's biggest food TV celebrity, boasting numbers that matched the legendary Julia Child's.

Friedemann Paul Erhardt, also known as Chef Tell, went from Philadelphia bad-boy restaurateur to nationally renowned superstar. Now, for the first time, Chef Tell offers a glimpse of his inspiring and turbulent life story. Here we not only meet the man who charmed and educated audiences across America, but also the quick-witted perfectionist who experienced professional highs and lows, won admirers and enemies, and challenged the industry as a whole.

Filled with personal accounts from friends and colleagues, color photographs, and a seven-course dinner menu for home cooks to try, this is a must-read biography for fans of food, cooking, television, and believers in the American dream.

With forewords by Regis Philbin and Chef Walter Staib.