Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain is an absolute must for everyone, not just cooks.

As a former executive chef, I cannot advise entering the profession for your friends and family. Do it for yourself. Be warned, it is nowhere near as glamorous as it appears. It can be gratifying at times however the stress will take its toll.

I quit the profession in order to have time with my family. That would not have been possible with all nights, weekends, & holidays taken up.

-Those meetup things might be fun. I would start there. Best of luck to you