Restaurant Books

I've had the older edition of this book for years and brought it on every road trip we've ever taken. Certainly it doesn't have every wonderful place you've ever stayed at -- but it has so many that are good it would be foolish not to follow the recommendations it provides.

My only complaint is that some of the wonderful places (which, granted, we never would have found had it not been for this book) have become so difficult to get reservations at that we find this book sometimes does not help for those last minute weekend trips out of town.

That said, if you live in the Northwest, consider this your bible -- from Portland to Vancouver, the Islands, and everywhere in between -- you will always find a reliable recommendation for a good table and a warm bed in the pages of this book.

In this contemporary edition of a truly outstanding and specialized restaurant guide, "Bon Appetit's" Wine & Spirit editor Anthony Dias Blue reviews more than 150 of New York City's finest restaurants and describes their specialties, atmosphere, and decor. Also provided for the New York resident or visitor is reservation information (including toll free numbers and websites for making reservations on the sport) and acceptable payment methods. Best Restaurants In New York: 2001 is enhanced with a map pinpointing the location of each restaurant reviewed and features a bi-lingual (French & English) text, utilizing symbols to represent such features as valet parking, wine cellars, and whether a coat and tie are required. If you are interested in fine New York dining, begin with a thorough perusal of the Best Restaurants In New York: 2001!

I picked this book up expecting the recipes to be a bit out of my humble culinary grasp, and to mostly get a feel for everyday French foods and how the flavors and textures interact. I love to read books like Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence and to enjoy new experiences and places through writing.

This book surpassed my expectations. The recipes are simple, yet are not things I would have ever come up with on my own. The steps to create the dishes here are very simply laid out, and require everyday ingredients that I can get at my local supermarket, yet use combinations that are intriguing and fascinatingly foreign.

Each recipe has the French name written below the dish's title, and then has a paragraph or more describing how the flavors mingle and work together, with tips for substitutions, and background information on how/ where/ by whom the dish is usually enjoyed.

I was thrilled by this book - I expected it to be a fun diversion with a few inspirations, but the simple appetizers and small meals in this book are just the kind of easy to make but quality fare I most like to cook. This has earned a permanent place on my shelf.

This book is amazing - it hightlights all the best, quirkiest and unusual restaurants/hot spots in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. It goes region by region, so you can look specifically for sections about Santa Monica, Hollywood, Downtown, West L.A., San Fernando and San Gabriel Valley (and more!) easily, and it includes detailed maps of all aforementioned areas. It includes prices and even the best times to visit certain eateries. I will definitely be picking up Black Books for San Francisco, New York and Vegas!

The mega class-action discrimination suit against Shoney's in the 90's appears to have been overshadowed by the better publicized case against Denny's occuring about the same time. But the flagrant and pervasive discrimination shown by Shoney's management toward its own staff is shocking stuff (Supervisiors were told to blacken the "o" in "Shoneys" to identify job applications from minority applicants). Terrific book - it reads like a detective novel and is hard to put down. Well-written and highly recommended.

P.S. Note that this book was first promoted at the top of a well-known commercial publisher's list, but inexplicably dropped before going to press -- presumably due to legal threats from an offended source. It's out of print now; get it if you can!

Out of several L.A. guides I picked up, this one is one of the most informative ones when it comes to dining. Excellent choice of restaurants, good, concise info. Hardly any "must see" establishments are missing. Besides, book is really compact and easy to carry around.

Also included is the list of hotels. Although fairly concise, it offers some very good choices (by category/price/style).

Only, keep in mind that given the dynamics of L.A. dining and bar scene, you'd probably need to get updated version every year. For example, a recently opened, renovated and renamed (formerly The Bel Age Hotel) London Hotel in West Hollywood is nowhere to be found, although probably one of the best new hotels in town in 2008.

Extremely helpful in planning my trip. Whoever wrote this has great taste and really knows how to have a good time. There is great variety and it's first class all the way. Presently purchasing the rest of the BlackBook Guide collection.

This has become one of my favorite children's books. It touches so many different levels and topics. I read it to a second grade class and we discussed everything from diner lingo, to a grand train station such as our Union Station in KC, to polio and immunizations, to the president, to growing up and being whatever you dream to be. They loved it and I think you will too.

I first came across the '92 version of this book and have had many years of excellent use out of it. The updated 97 version was found by accident in a local book store.

The new version has been updated somewhat though sadly with the omission of an interesting Abbey in Wales. It does however still retain a captivating selection of unusual Hotels to stay in.

What seperates this book from crowd for me is the simple yet accurate descriptions of the Hotels. I have given it to many a visiting friend to help enhance their journey across this green and pleasant land.

Highly recommended.

I am going to Europe in June and I am not sure what I will be doing yet. The BTG Europe guide is really good, its got lots of info for planning my trip and its really light and compact for when I start traveling (its got the hostels listed in there as well as how to get around). I highly recommend it!