Restaurant Books

Enhance your dining pleasure by reading this most enjoyable and entertaining book about the restaurant business. It has added another dimension to our frequent visits to our favorite eateries.

John Galloway excels in the area of sardonic wit. His writing is stunningly succinct and his snappy writing style infuses this book with an impressive energy. His astute observations are deliciously poetic and he seems to have a photographic memory. His descriptions either infuse your mind with vivid pictures of complete chaos or shock you with laughter. He claims slavery still exists in America and at times this book does border on a study of human debauchery. John Galloway has a finely tuned sense of justice and not only has the ability to analyze his past work environments; he is at times almost expressing a calculated view of modern life.

In the first section we read about John Galloway's induction into culinary hell and then he delves into the topics of tipping, memorable waiters, celebrities and his views on patrons galore. Nothing escapes his shrewd observations skills or his critical review.

Everything from his sage advice to restaurant owners, to his views on the environment and veal leads me to believe that his reasons for writing this book are at the heart, healing. I was amazed at how many of the unspoken rules members of my own family have broken while dining out. I now understand why waiters are not especially interested in worrying about large parties and why they hate it when people fight over checks or despise the "can we have separate checks" question.

The hilarious, yet wicked revenge tactics and kitchen adventures might make you wonder how any cooking is ever accomplished. It did occur to me that the world John Galloway so despised was also one he actively helped to create. There are moments when a call for solidarity and the complete lack of regard for patrons clashes sharply with the obvious undercurrent of concern John Galloway wants to show to the world. His writing may dissuade a few innocents from entering the food service industry and then again it might even encourage the adventurous to take up a new challenge.

This book is filled with tales of inebriation as a survival mechanism, not so tantalizing descriptions of food preparation, drunken crazed chefs enduring overwhelming stress levels, descriptions of waiters, extreme chemical addictions, insensitive patrons and all the true thoughts waiters never reveal in glowing detail (swearing included).

I loved the idea of just putting a pepper mill on every table! Salad lovers unite. I also love the fact that throughout this book the reader is scathingly admonished to the extent that even I may never eat bread again before ordering my meal. Although, normally the bread is served after we order. I'm definitely not drinking the water anymore unless it is in bottled form.

John Galloway sheds light on various levels of society who seem to lack all consideration for human dignity. Although, I have to say I've heard of chefs who were voted husband of the year (I've also sampled their cuisine at the restaurant), waiters and waitresses who actually enjoy their job (some relatives and friends) and take pride in their appearance and have a definite work ethic.

I think John Galloway focuses on a extreme environment in which "the love of money" truly does become the root of all evil.

On the other side of the world, over here in the other Washington, chefs enjoy cooking with organic ingredients, support recycling efforts and contribute recipes to cookbooks that help to feed the hungry. There is another side of the story and this book presents the extreme comedic view of "dining out" as it dishes up all the dirt about the negative side of human nature.

"I would like" to say that if you enjoy reality shows or all the negative reviews for movies you disliked, then this might be your book. The writing in this book is impressive for a first-time author. I hope he will take on American culture in general and bring to light many of the issues that need to be addressed in a refreshingly honest and yet somewhat brutally candid way. He does address the issues of animal cruelty, gluttony, food waste and pertinent issues of homeless situations.

I can almost guarantee you that some parts of this book will cause the warrior in you to rise from the dust, but overall it is a humorous read. If you have a good sense of humor, you will be able to overlook the obvious arrows hurtled in all directions.

Since we all eat out, know someone who has worked in the food industry, or may have worked in the food industry at some point in our lives, this book contains information that will be of interest to almost everyone. As long as you have a strong stomach and a willingness to wade through a few moments of extreme revelation you can gain an entirely new perspective on culinary culture.

~The Rebecca Review
Author of Seasoned with Love: A collection
of best-loved recipes inspired by over 40 cultures

Truth, Humor, Edge, and Energy, December 17, 2004
Reviewer: FurSanhomera "furjomharnen" (United States) - See all my reviews
This book was simply outstanding, for a first work. The only book I liked better, was John Galloway's phenom new effort-
FINE DINING MADNESS ((Universe, January 2005),a 5-Star masterpiece which is maybe the best nonflction book I've ever
read {I purchased an advance copy at an Alzheimer's fund-raiser dinner in NYC}. With the rules of restaurant engagement
clearly laid out, FINE DINING MADNESS is turbo-charged, Vegas-centered new edition of his last book,"Dry, Up, with a
Twist." "Dry, Up, with a Twist" never attained it's full best-seller potential because Galloway's original publishing house
[Gardenia Press] went out of business after the death of its president, P. Elizabeth Collins <who herself authored "Wild
Gardenias" and "Secrets Unbecoming";.. Galloway knows his stuff,and and his words have edge and energy. His "rules of
fine dining" not only apply to restaurants, but to/for life. There will be much noise made about FINE DINING MADNESS
I'm sure all of it will be positive. '

John Galloway, Jr. has led an incredible life in the business of fine dining... He has brought that journey to life in his book Dry, Up, with a Twist. The stage is set by his autobiographical story, where he speaks of the personal tragedy and victory which lead to his career in the food service industry.

John then leads us through the characters, personalities and celebraties he has befriended and served in his travels. He tells the story of life as a waiter from a very open an honest point of view, sparing no words and no one. This book is a must read if you want to know how to "get in touch" with your server and enjoy the best dining experience possible.

It is also inspiring to watch as John struggles with tragedy, matures and rises above those around him who settle for their given lot in life. Read it for your self, give it to a friend. It will inspire you as well.

This memoir was good, but unpolished. FINE DINING MADNESS, Galloway's subsequent book, which was made from the ashes of this one, is best seller caliber.

The recipes includes are a bit difficult in my opinion (especially finding the right ingredients), but Bourdain's aim is to challenge you and not to dumb down everything, which I appreciate.

His writing style is very approachable and unlike with most cookbooks you feel like he's talking to you as he warns you to not overfill the blender when you are making soup and hold the top down tight unless you want soup all over you.

I've made one thing so far which was mushroom soup and it was delicious, so I can imagine the the rest of the food is equally so.

Classic cooking done in classic Anthony Bourdain style. If you like his TV show, you'll love this book.

I was quite pleased to receive this cookbook as a gift, but disappointed once I started cooking the recipes. Mr. Bourdain's talents as a writer are not to be denied, but it must be said that these recipes are a bit anemic and wanting. While I definitely appreciate his passion for good food, that passion doesn't seem to extend into making the actual food himself. Which is totally fine -- Bourdain's advocacy for top-quality cuisine is definitely appreciated -- but it means I'll look elsewhere for the nuts and bolts of good recipes.

This is a bible and a foundation for anyone interested in seeing good results from their efforts in undertaking french cooking. These recipes are durable and refined for someone who wants to illicit "oh wow" responses from their guests. I can't overstate the social value of enlisting your friends and local grocers and butcher for this journey. This is a book for someone with some time and love to dedicate.

I have a great many cookbooks with informative, good recipes, and a lessor number that are also enjoyable just to read, (Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking", for example) but none that is this much fun to use. "Les Halles" combines accurate, superlative recipes, with an extremely entertaining and personal writing style. As one of the press release decriptions for the books states, it does indeed put Mr. Bourdain right next to you in your kitchen, coaching you as you cook. The recipes are clearly written, potential pitfalls pointed out, and you truly cannot go wrong if you follow his directions. Anthony Bourdain's style might not be to everybody's liking,(though I enjoy his irreverent attitude), but you can't help but love his food. He is a terrific chef, and this is terrific cook book.

Of all the cookbooks I've used this is one of my top two favorites. I picked this up when I first became vegan and was a novice cook, and it made me into an accomplished chef for myself and my family! It's written so well, in an easy to follow manner and offers great tips (how to roast veggies, blanch veggies, etc), has a glossary for vegan terms, and nutritional information on different legumes, grains, and so on.

I think I've cooked nearly 1/2 of the recipes and they're all delicious! I love the wealth and variety of recipes (from broccoli bisque to enchilada casserole to that's amore tofu cacciatore). Not only does it give you the recipes for the titled dishes but each recipe also includes 2-4 variations you can make on it, switching out vegetables, adding/mixing different spices to recreate the dish, etc.

The recipes are healthy without being bland or inaccessible, and the pictures are gorgeous. I love it, my family loves and we give it our highest recommendation.

This is a beautiful and useful book. Eating at the Blossoming Lotus in Kauai is truly an experience. I have eaten there many times and am always delighted. I love their food. This book lets me continue the experience in my own kitchen. It has easy to follow, delicious recipes. The photography is stunning and the book is a pleasure to merely read.

I am neither vegan nor vegetarian but due to my visits to both the Blossoming Lotus and this cookbook I find I like this way of eating and that this type of cuisine can be delicious.

I highly recommend this cookbook.

We bought this cookbook after visiting the Blossoming Lotus Restaurant in Kauai. The Green Goddess dressing is a new staple in our house, a must have for our daily salads. Moreover, the book offers creative, healthy, and delicious vegan recipes that will impress even the staunchest omnivore. I'll admit some of the recipes take a bit of practice to master like the sauces and gravies, but they are well worth the effort once this is accomplished. We are trying to include more vegetarian meals in our diet, and this cookbook has been a useful tool in attaining our goal. We cannot wait to experiment with even more recipes from it. The beautiful pictures make Vegan Fusion World Cuisine a delight to look at. This book is a must have for any cook. We have our own copy and have already given it as a gift to several friends. We highly recommend this wonderfully thought out and beautifully crafted cookbook.

I find the recipes in this book incredibly tasty...and so appreciate the broad use of delicious herbs and spices which truly give these dishes their unique and oh so ONO (delicious) appeal. The fact that the book is beautifully designed and artfully created is a complete bonus. I can feel the "aloha" and love in this cookbook...every one of my senses is stirred when using one of the recipes.


I noticed a reviewer that wasn't satisfied w/the cookebook. This shocks me. To this reviewer I would pose: Perhaps you haven't tried enough of the choices? Have you tried at least 3 of the recipes from each section of the book? Maybe you can give it another try...look for the recipes (there are PLENTY of them in there) that don't require a large amount of prep time and allow your senses to be turned on!

This cookbook is and will always be one of my all time favorites. I actually have two copies! One that can get messy with me in the kitchen while I'm creating the oh so yummy recipes...and one that can stay very pretty so that I can show it off to my friends...it is so very beautiful!!

In case you haven't guessed it...I HIGHLY recommend this cookbook! :0)

This is one of my favorite cookbooks and it's a MUST HAVE for your library of cookbooks.

It's filled with mouth-watering, delicious recipes for healthy vegan food (it also has a great collection of Raw, living food recipes that make this book worth every penny on their own).

My mom always taught me that if you can get one good recipe out of a book, it's worth buying it. Well, I'm here to tell you that this book is filled with so much more than just that. You will be so glad you bought this and find yourself using it time and time again!

Great Place to eat. The book is great. Very well written.
Eat there alot. Great atmosphere. The BEST BBQ . Great family place.

I wasn't aware that this bar and grill even existed. While In Syracuse NY we stopped and had lunch. WOW!!!! It was awesome..... Esp liked the sweet potatoe pie. If you buy it for just the recipe (pie) you'll love it.Would recommend this book!!

Drunkin Shameless Shrimp, Sausage Bread, Mac N Cheese Sheperds pie....
Our dear friends cook from this book all the time. Book is user friendly and creative. Found the above mentioned are just a few that are now, staples in our lives....Yum! Thanks L & L!

As a recent graduate of Syracuse University, the one thing I'll miss most about the 'Cuse is the Dinosaur. They don't take reservations and they barely let you finish your meal before handing you the check and wisking you off, but that's some cookin I'll never find down south.
This cookbook allows me to have my bbq without a $300 plane ticket. And that's not too bad.
Love the sauce too. I should buy in bulk!

My husband and I used to go to Dinosaur BBQ in Syracuse when I was in graduate school there. It's one of the only things I miss about Syracuse. We were given a copy of the cookbook as a wedding gift, and have made many recipes from it; all of them have been wickedly tasty, and there is not a single one I would not make again. Our particular favorites are the mojito marinade, the cornbread, the tomato soup, the spicy drunken shrimp, and my husband is a big fan of the ribs. We have made the ribs for friends and family and the recipe is now being circulated throughout the Pacific Northwest, quite happily (even by my mother-in-law to random people in [...]). We have bought four copies of the cookbook now to give as gifts. This is a great addition to your cookbook collection.

The best pecan pie recipe in this book that I have ever found, and I have looked for one for years! It can be doubled to fit my Watkin's 10" deep dish pie pan without burning the pecans or the filling! I love it!

I love to cook and as a cook, I love people who enjoy cooking as well. I feel like I know Mama Dip. I love this cookbook!!

If you like down home southern cookin this is the book for you!! I bought this and her other cookbook. Love Them!

The recipes in this cookbook are fantastic. They are simple to make and absolutely delicious. Mama Dips has changed our long standing Thanksgiving tradition...her roated turkey recipe is so delectable we use this recipe now instead of the one that's been in use for the last 50 years. You won't go wrong with this cookbook. Highly recommended!!!

I would recommend this cookbook to anyone searching for some real down home soul food. The recipes are simple and easy. The food is beyond delicious. This is my firt mama dip's cookbook but it won't be my last. I look forward to ordering her other cookbooks soon. The other night I cooked the creole shrimp with rice, and my husband and I loved it. He is a LOUISIANNA native so it was home for him. There are so many great things that I can say about mama dip's cook book, but what i want to say to people who are skeptical and not sure if they want to purchase her book, GET IT, you will not be dissappointed at all.

As a local to Philadelphia, this came to my mother via the restaurant/ catering affiliations of Steve Poses, now of which I think there may only be Le Bus? Anyway, this has been a family staple for many years and the first book I grab for when I am serving company. Not light on calories, but guaranteed to be delicious... and I mean EVERY recipe. Awesome.

Absolutely crammed full of wonderful, flavorful recipes from beginning to end. I've owned this book since about 1988 and still use it more regularly for entertaining than any other. My favorites are the chicken satay, orzo salad, siamese chicken curry, grilled marinated swordfish, roast duck with Thai curry glaze, oatmeal sunflower seed pancakes, and pecan pie. Wait! I forgot the stir fry sauces and all those little suggestions at the end of chapters, and the broccoli and the gratin and the cookies and the ... You get the picture. Buy it.

I've had this cookbook since it was first published. I still turn to it for new recipes and I have adopted some as "my own"........I weed out periodically those cookbooks that I thought I would love but just don't.......this one will never get "weeded".........it's still great after all of these years......it's a classic.

This is my favorite cookbook. I haven't found a bad recipe yet and every time I serve one of these recipes, I get requests. The carrot cake is awesome, siamese chicken curry, curried chicken salad, hazelnut greenbeans...love, love this book!

This is my all-time favorite cookbook! It is a constant reminder to me of the restaurants that I loved to frequent during the restaurant renaissance in the mid-60's in Philly. The Frog was my personal favorite. I use this cookbook all the time and have given it many, many, many times as a gift.

Simply, yes, if you let it touch you.

At a time in my life when I needed help, clarity of vision, and hope, this book opened my eyes and my heart in a way I needed it most. I first read this book in 2005, and have since come back to it, time and again for the pure pleasure of it.

The prose is well paced and refreshing, not so fast that you feel like you've been caught in a whirlwind, not so slow that you put it down and never finish. It's just right, gripping, inspiring and amazingly real and down to earth. It is, in so many ways, an escape for the reader that leads them right back to themselves. Almost a meditation on life, this book helped me see the forest for the trees, and step outside my own life long enough to inspire me to make the changes I needed to in my own.

This was my Greyhood to Papermoon Montana, and such a yummy, pleasurable read. Without question not to be missed I'd have to say this book, and it's sequel are brilliant! This book isn't about boundaries, it's about freedom and self respect for one's self in balance and a certain amount of harmony with the the rest of the world.

Why don't they make books like this one required reading in school? Had I read this twenty years ago who knows, I might not identify with Jaunita so much at this point in my life. This book is about vision, and truth, with ourselves.

I love it!

This book is a short, quick read but a great story of a middle aged woman with the courage to pack her bags, leave her grown butt kids and put herself first for once in her life. In the process she finds herself. Great story.

I loved it. If you ever thought about breaking away to a fresh start...read this book. Dancing on the Edge of the Roof takes hold of the reader and never lets go. You can't wait to see what Juanita gets into next. Ride along with her on each adventure and take a moment to enjoy nature the way Mother Nature intended. What a romance! The ending leaves you feeling completely satisfied, yet ironically waiting anxiously for a sequel. I highly recommend this book for the mature and exciting women of today.

[...]

This story was well written, and I enjoyed the characters very much. I would like to have seen more love scenes and interactions though.

I am sure many of us have heard this Dr. Phil-ism. I believe it is true in all its forms--self-fulfilling prophecies and such. DANCING ON THE EDGE OF THE ROOF is a simple, straight-forward book, and readers will benefit from its eloquence. Exaggerated, overblown writing may have its place, but Sheila Williams' first book will have a place in your spirit. Strip away the main character's (Jaunita Louis') skin color, occupation, neighborhood--all of the superficial things that can separate us from her story, and we will see ourselves. Facing the same challenges. On the same journey toward fulfillment.

What I got from DANCING ON THE EDGE OF THE ROOF was a lesson: Do everything you fear to do. Get locks or a long weave, if you must. Learn to merengue. Take a trip to northern China. Study at an institution for culinary arts or interior design. Take your vacation in Fiji. Have a baby at 40. Get your MBA at 54. Do it all, because this is the only life we get. Even those who believe in a second life cannot be sure, so we ought to make the best of this world, this life's opportunities.

I was reminded that I cannot blame anyone but me if I don't take those chances in life that will, in the end, make me the best form of myself that I can achieve.

Good For The Soul.

One of the best cookbooks I've purchased all year! A wealth of information--from growing and caring for your own herbs, to harvesting, storage and usage. There's even a section dedicated to edible flowers and a list of herbs used in desserts. The recipes are fool proof and delicious! My only wish is there were more photos, but that's not enough for me to knock off a star!

This book has everything. A terrific herb identifier with info on how to take care of and grow fresh herbs. Great seasonal recipes! Substitutions are suggested for when you can't find an ingredient. Lot's of info as well as good cooking ideas!

I keep coming back to this cookbook again and again. It's probably not for your average cook- I've attending culinary school and have studied cooking for over 10 years- I want to mention this because some of the recipes are time-consuming and require more skill than average. There is a duck with cherry sage sauce recipe that is to die for in this cookbook- a true show stopper that guests talk about years later. It takes all day though because you end up making stock with the duck carcass. It's so well worth it!!! There is an EXCELLENT fall mushroom soup I've made over and over again. I highly recommend the quality recipes here.

Great for novice and expert alike! Good food & easy recipes, no more need be said.

The author of this book has a great talent with words. He truly writes stories that tell you the background of the recipes, bringing you the sights and smells and sounds. You can tell that he absolutely loves food in all its forms.

I have really enjoyed this cookbook and have tried several recipes. While some of them have been more "gourmet" than I usually cook, most of the recipes have actually sounded fancier than they are (which is a good thing - I meant they weren't as difficult to prepare as it might appear).

I love to read this book just as much as I enjoy cooking from it. I feel transported to the herb gardens of Seattle when I settle down to read it.

A great book that describes how to create customers for life, with "enlightened hospitality", creating an outstanding customer experience, based on a dialog with the customer. As he puts it "picking up the rocks" (to find the info) and "connecting the dots", a process that could and should be copied for every business.

His passion for food comes across the written page, its contagious.
I'm not a wine drinker but his passion made me want to give it a try.

I never been to one of his restaurants but I now see a trip to New York to visit his restaurants.

Highly recommended not only for restaurateurs, but for every business that has contact with customers.

This is one of the best books I have ever read on the hospitality business. Given that it is the industry that I am in, I probably found it more entertaining and insightful than many may who are NOT in the industry. Either way, a great read.

I was about to leave for vacation, and was looking for a beach read. Danny Meyer had been generous enough to supply an endorsement for my book, The Art of Client Service, so the least I could do was buy his book.

I am very glad I did.

Setting the Table certainly is a book on how to provide superior hospitality to customers, but it's more than that: it's the best book I've read on what it means to provide service to clients in ANY business. Its candor, humility, and generosity of spirit are reflected in all the lessons Danny learned, applied, and now recounts as he grew to be a leader.

My only quibble, and it is a small one, is that the book lacks an index. I assume this was a conscious decision on Danny's part, possibly because he does not view Setting the Table as a "how to" guide. But the reality is, the book is loaded with practical advice on how to build and sustain enduring client relationships. An index would help readers refer to lessons that inspired or motivated them.

My one regret is that I failed to include Setting the Table in my book's annotated bibliography of the 20 titles advertising people should read. I will, however, add it to the Art of Client Service website. And most important of all, I will recommend the book to all my advertising industry colleagues.

Love it, love it, love it. Finally an empowering business book for those of us who don't believe you have to be a soulless, emotionally retarded cheeseball prick to succeed in the business world. Danny Meyer's financial results give ample validity to his approach, so while you can still get rich the "traditional" way, his experience supports the fact that you can also get rich AND make the world a better place. Gets a little blah towards the end, but all of my stars, underlines and dogears throughout the beginning and middle parts more than make up for that. Others will do a better job of dissecting and analyzing the book in detail, so that's it for me. If you're tired of getting the beat-down for having the gall to have "feelings" at work, you'll love this book.

Danny Meyer's "Setting the Table" is a very enjoyable and informative read. It's a nice combination of things: there's the interesting story of how Meyer got his start and grew his business, one restaurant at a time; and then there are the lessons he passes on from the running of his organization. Most impressively, Meyer penned this himself...not a ghostwriter or "with" to be found on the cover.

There are heaps of good lessons in here that are applicable in every walk of life. The other reviewers do a good job spelling out some examples. My favorite is making sure you get to write "the last, great chapter." In Meyer's world, not only do you solve a problem, you look to put a memorable and unique close to the event. Meyer references some wonderful instances.

Danny Meyer's success in the nation's toughest market is no fluke. The evidence of his hard, well-thought-out work abounds in "Setting the Table."

This is a wonderful cookbook for beginners or more experienced cooks of Turkish food. The ingredients are all in customary American style (no liters, ounces, or "Turkish coffee spoonfuls"). Instructions are clear and concise. Best of all there are closeup photos of many of the finished products - very helpful for those who don't know how the dish should look when served up. I like the Turkish serving utensils and other kitchenware (pepper grinder, wooden spoon) that add to the local scene. I also like the way the book gives the Turkish name of the food and then the American version in each recipe heading. Ozan has done an excellent job of giving all the information one needs to make these delicious dishes.

An excellent book for lovers of traditional Turkish food-easy to understand and beautifully illustrated.I have travelled many times to Turkey and have never found an English language Turkish cookbook like this.

Wife loves it and I love the results. Very interesting reading and excellent photography make this a real deal. Worth more...we're looking forward to visiting his restaurant, as we live next to Boston.

We just returned from Turkey, and I'm already craving the great food we had there. "Sultan's Kitchen" will help me satisfy all my cravings. It's well-organized, easy to follow, and has what seem to me to be authentic Turkish recipes.

Whether you are seeking "the real deal" or just looking for a taste of a wonderful, complex cuisine, "Sultan's Kitchen" is sure to meet your needs.

An excellent cookbook that is as wonderful to browse as it is to create from. Recipes from this book will delight the senses.