Restaurant Books

I first got this cookbook when I was in college back in the early 90's in Rochester, NY. I made several recipes for my roommates and they loved them! I have never made anything from this book that turned out less than delicious. I seldom post reviews on anything, but I think this cookbook warrants my review. My favorites are the Cape Verde Vegetable Soup, Groundnut Stew, Moroccan Stew and the Rusks (with a cup of chocolate chips thrown in). I have a whole legion of rusk followers now who have asked for the recipe : ). I just called one of my old roommates and she told me that she wanted to make a batch of choc. chip rusks so bad last year and she lost the xerox, that she went to her public library and found the book in the stacks and made a new xerox! That's love : )

I've used this book so many times that the binding is cracked. There are post-it notes sticking up from too many pages to count. And the book automatically opens to my favorite recipe, Pasta e Fagioli. It is my idea of the ultimate comfort food, and I cannot count how many times we've enjoyed it.

This book is a classic. Really good food that is also really good for you.

Sundays at Moosewood is divided into chapters, each dedicated to a culinary taste. Its a bit overwhelming to read it straight through and then select a few recipes to make into a meal - however, they help you with a section in the back that mixes and matches recipes from different chapters. I think that is one of the book's best features.

I'm not a vegetarian, but a lot of my dinner guests are - and Moosewood guarantees a truly interesting dining experience without the addition of meat. Like other reviewers, I sometimes grill fish, chicken or steak to serve with the veggie-centered recipes.

This cookbook is INCREDIBLE! I got it for my birthday 10 years ago and have tried at least half of the recipes in it -- and my copy is battered enough to prove it. I especially recommend the Tapenade, Turkish Spinach & Lentil Soup, Sayra's Greens, Pasta e Fagioli, Pepperpot Soup, Mocha Pecan Pie, Galletas de Nueces, Polvorones de Canela, Mexican Hot Chocolate, Pulla, Ukrainian Almond Crescents (OK, so I have a sweet tooth). The best gift I've ever gotten!!

I purchased this cookbook about 15 years ago - - a little while before I moved out on my own. I purchased "The Joy of Cooking" and "The Silver Palate" at the same time. This is an excellent cookbook.

-Every single recipe turns out well and as it should. A rarity in any cookbook.

-It is well laid-out. One recipe per page, ingredients separate from method, limited cross referencing required, easy measurements.

-simple techniques.

-informs you ahead what can be made in advance.

-excellent index; a necessity in a cookbook so often overlooked.

I now own about 40 cookbooks or so, am married with children and have entertained many guests. This book taught me how to cook gently and easily. I highly recommend it to anyone just starting out whether they are vegetarian or not. I still use it and (although you may not believe me) some of the recipes are much, much better than those in fancier cookbooks for the same items. And easier too. Oh and did I mention? Everything made from it tastes good.

This 3rd (or 4th is you count short stories) in the series on two NoLA chefs is fast paced, creative, and entertaining. It does stand alone, but made me want to read the prequels and sequels. Light, fun, a fast read.

I read the book she wrote prior (Liquor) and have enjoyed both books , although you don't need to read the first one to follow the second, enjoy the delicious way she speaks of the menu items!!!

I can think back to countless examples where a band would release a new album, and, having attempted something different, the fans become devided. Add a new singer or drummer in to the mix, and the sound changes, and what was old is new again. Even in genres that practically require innovation, this can prove a stumbling block for fans. Critics, meanwhile, always have a choice of options: they can pan a band for doing something different, or they can pan a band for sounding the same as they did last album. A lose-lose situation.

Doc Brite has received a lot of flak for leaving behind the world of vampires and blood sucking beasts and goth kids, especially from that latter segment, who want her to write another Drawing Blood or Lost Souls. Those books are great - I quickly devoured every single one of her books I could get my hands on. While I certainly enjoyed the sense of horror she built into the stories, more than vampires and vamping goths, I enjoyed her writing itself.

I don't want to say Prime is the same - it's not in so many ways - but there is still an undeniable voice, and, I believe, I would have been able to identify the author from nearly any snippet. There is something about her writing itself that I like. A recent discussion in an online community (circa Spring 2006) was based on how some readers would like to hear about all the minute, mundane details she cut to build a good story. I'm sure I'd have to count myself in that camp - although at the same time I don't begrudge her for removing those pieces. I have a feeling Doc could write an instruction manual and I would simply have to read it, and in as few sittings as possible...

I'm sure that it doesn't hurt that her current subject matter - of chefs and the restaurant business - is of particular interest to me, with my backburnered dreams of starting my own restaurant. This book is much more palatable on a full stomach - or at a time and in proximity to the means to come to that state.

I tend to pick things up quick, and having been a member of the aforementioned online community for a few months, I have picked up bits and pieces as to what happens in these two books (and, to some minor degree, in the forthcoming books as well.) That said, I still managed to completely and quite obviously select the second book first, leaving Liquor still on the shelf... a situation I will have to rectify as soon as I can. Although I made it through alive - and quite enjoyed the experience - I would probably advise reading the first book, well, first. It will help you not know things that are, I am sure, revealled deliberately at a certain point in Liquor. Even with the spoiler effect, I expect to thoroughly enjoy that book as well.

Oh, and one final note for those die-hard fans of Doc's early stuff: there are still plenty of blood suckers - they just don't have pointy teeth and drink blood, but they are lawyers, so that is - to me - even more horrifying!

Bit long to receive since sent from USA to Europe, but great, no problem.

Poppy Z. Brite tells a story that is both entertaining and enlightening. It is so easy to stereotype gay men. (eg. Will and Grace, Queer Eye) Rickey and G-Man are regular guys with regular jobs that just happen to love each other. Her characterizations are so vivid, the city of New Orleans and the food are almost characters themselves. A great read! Can't wait for Soul Kitchen to come out! It is great to read a book in which you become so enamored of the characters, you don't want the book to end.

"Finally, the best insider's view of our business for the discerning restaurant goer. Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page do a wonderful job of exploring the 'behind-the-scenes' side of professional cooking. As New York Times restaurant critic Ruth Reichl would say, 'Four stars!'" --DANIEL BOULUD, RESTAURANT DANIEL

"Dining Out is an intriguing foray into the secret and powerful world of restaurant criticism. Michael Donnelly's photographs confer an element of high style and high drama to this intelligent and absorbing book." --NANCY NOVOGROD, TRAVEL & LEISURE

"Dining Out is a fascinating story, one that absolutely needed to be written. I found this book to be a compelling, revealing, and utterly entertaining look at what the critics, and those they criticize, had to say." --MICHAEL ROMANO, UNION SQUARE CAFE

"This is no fair -- it took me a lifetime to learn all these insights into the restaurant business! Well done!" --ELLA BRENNAN, COMMANDER'S PALACE

"Dining Out is both entertaining and educational, and can make your restaurant experience the same. The sommeliers' comments add to the pleasure." --ROBERT MONDAVI, ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY

"Not unlike theater, restaurants have been made or destroyed by the words of a critic. Dining Out goes beyond the words to explore the underlying logic of the restaurant critic. It is an invaluable addition to the library of those who like to dine out." --LEONARD SCHLESINGER, HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL

"Don't start this book if you're hungry -- the guide to leading critics' favorite restaurants across the country is a challenge to start one's own food odyssey and eat at least one meal in all of them!" --JEANETTE WAGNER, THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

"Michael Donnelly's photographs of restaurant life shimmer with elan, bursting on the page in glints and daubs of light and shade. If you are a connoisseur of fine cuisine and artful photography, you will delight in these pictures." --WILLIAM WEGMAN, ARTIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER

In college we all sit around late, drinking, and complaining. This volume shows that chefs do that too. I found very few secrets or even good ideas. But I did find a lot of chefs crying about being misunderstood by the public and the reviewers. I guess speaking with the authors was cheaper than getting a therapist. But the authors' style is consistent. Still that uncritical idol worship.

As someone who follows the restaurant scene with the same level of enthusiasm that some teenagers follow Jessica Simpson, I got caught up with all the brouhaha around the debut of the new New York Times restaurant critic Frank Bruni. This got me curious about restaurant critics and their methods and whether anyone had ever studied the subject, which led me to the one-of-a-kind book Dining Out by Dornenburg and Page. I found it incredibly illuminating, not to mention entertaining. The authors dissect every detail of how reviews are written and stars awarded, based on interviews with leading food critics such as Tom Sietsema (now of The Washington Post), S. Irene Virbila (of The Los Angeles Times), and Dennis Ray Wheaton (of Chicago Magazine). They also interview leading chefs and restaurateurs about their views on critics and the power of the press. I've come to learn that there is as much or more drama in the world of restaurants as there is in opera! This book even breaks down what it took to get a four-star review when former restaurant reviewer Ruth Reichl was at the helm.

Every discerning diner should read this book for an eye-opening look at the state of contemporary restaurant criticism, not to mention a tasty behind-the-scenes read about some of the country's best restaurants (including the rise and fall and rise again of New York's own Chanterelle restaurant, which just won Restaurant of the Year at this year's James Beard Foundation Awards).

As a fan of both Tender at the Bone and Comfort Me With Apples, I've been looking forward to learning more about Ruth Reichl's life as one of America's most influential restaurant critics. This book was a fun look at what Ruth and other top critics do for a living: the secretiveness (and how she used disguises and credit cards with different names), the challenges (such as the weirdest things they've ever eaten, which range from fried worms to braised goat penis!), and the highlights (such as Ruth being told at Le Cirque, "The King of Spain is waiting in the bar, but your table is ready"). Dining Out is an enjoyable and informative read for any intelligent reader who loves the world of restaurants and the fascinating people who populate it!

I became intrigued by the life of restaurant critics after reading former New York Times restaurant critic Ruth Reichl's wonderful memoirs "Tender at the Bone" and "Comfort Me With Apples" and wanted to learn more about the ultimate profession for people who love to eat (but don't necessarily love to cook). Ruth appears on the cover of "Dining Out" (wearing a beautiful black hat whose brim covers most of her lovely face), and there are lots of photographs of her on the inside as well where she shares some of her hilarious experiences reviewing restaurants. There is probably more about Ruth in this book than any other critic interviewed. One of the authors (Andrew Dorneburg) is a chef who has cooked for Ruth and writes about how nerve-wracking it was when she came in to eat at the restaurant where he was working at the time and she was recognized (despite the fact that she went on to buy numerous wigs and wore various disguises on other visits to other restaurants in order to remain anonymous). I never realized how much a critic's opinion can sometimes make or break a restaurant. I also enjoyed reading Ruth's list of her favorite restaurants across the United States (the back of the book is kind of a restaurant guide, and mentions different critics favorite restaurants in cities across the US) and hope that someday I can eat at every one of them!

"Dining Out" is a fascinating book that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves dining out in restaurants and/or is curious about what it's like for Ruth Reichl and other restaurant critics who do so on a regular basis. It is an informative, funny, and touching journey through life in and around the restaurant business.

This is a book to treasure for its warm and friendly tale of how a place and its people can become a home, of how what matters most in life is warm and loving friendship, the caring concern that true friends offer one another, unconditionally. It also demonstrates, unknowingly, that our search for what matters most is more a matter of unexpected discovery, typically surprising us when we're searching the least.

Wendy writes well, with sensitivity and savvy discernment. She focuses on a special place, Guinan's pub in Garrison, and she shares enough historical background to fill in between the gaps of what she learns firsthand. Overall, it's a thoughtful and heartfelt book that pulls a reader ever closer to the Hudson Valley.

I often felt jealous of the author and her friends at the pub, wanting my own place where "everyone knows [my] name," as another quotes from "Cheers," wanting my place at the Guinan's. If I weren't so far away, and if gas prices weren't so ugly, I'd have planned a visit to Guinan's and be on my way by now. I'd like to sit a spell, share a few beers and few stories with the author. I would consider the time sacred, for that's what she's done for the pub and its people, memorializing their time time together at "the little chapel on the river."

Three cheers to Gwendol! What a fine tribute! I'm buying a round for everyone. Drink and be glad for all that's good in life ... and all that we can do to help one another. It's the unsolicited gestures that count, always.

Probably the most "quiet" post-9/11 book I've seen, this is a touching tale of a woman's senses being awakened and values shifted by being immersed in completely new surroundings. More than a fish-out-of-water tale, it's a thoughtful exploration of the way a tragedy can prompt you to re-think the course your life is taking. But even without the 9/11 connotations, it's a rich, rewarding read. Highly recommended.

I enjoyed this book very much. The author did a beautiful job describing the area and I felt like I knew the patrons and Jim by the time I finished the book. A very nice read!

I couldn't think of a better title to my review, then to sum it up with my feelings after reading this book. THANK YOU Wendy for sharing your experiences at Guinan's with us. For introducing us to the wonderful cast of characters - human, animal, logistical. Your writing placed me right at a stool at the "chapel", or on a wind swept hill overlooking the Hudson. Thank you for forever memorializing this place and time and people. Grand job!

Wow, I feel like I missed the boat (or the train as it may be) on this one. I see all the posts from back in 2005 and wondered why I hadn't seen this book before. Now in August of 2007 I just finished reading this book (for the second time). What a superb tale, timely, well written and very touching. I live not far from Garrison and feel compelled to stop in at Guinans and have a beer.

Thank you Wendy Bounds for telling this story. I am going to look for more tales from Ms. Bounds. Hope to see some soon.

Must read for any one looking for a great story.

The television program as well as the guide have become dated. The reviews are unreliable, and too many chain restaurants covered. There are better online sources for reviews.

I bought Phantom Gourmet as a complement to Zagat, since it seemed to have more detailed/quirky information. It's kind of helpful in terms of specific types of food, like barbecue, but has too few neighborhood breakdowns and, in general, too few restaurants listed. Those it does have, though, have definitely been added to the hitlist.

I purchased 2 guides as christmas gifts. They were the hit of the party.

Great way to find out about restaurants you would otherwise never hear of. Experiences at reviewed restaurants may not be exactly as reviewers'- either better or worse. Be prepared for adventure-not aways the nicest neighborhoods.

I am big fan of Phantom's reviews and taste in food. Unlike Zagat etc, this is not made for tourists and flashy places get no advantage: food matters most. Phantom exposes the hole-in-the-wall places with the best food in the Boston and surrounding area and still reviews the expensive and touristy places as well.

The book is like a pocket reference to years of Phantom reviews. You would have to watch his show for years to learn what is presented in this $10 book. Extremely well organized, restraurants are organized not only by neighborhood, but by food type (Great 8) as well.

Keep the book around for quick reference, and any night you aren't quite sure where you want to go out to eat, pick it up and try something new.

This book is utterly beautiful in its writing and style. The stories are lovely and filled with imagery. Think of a children's book written with the short prose-like quality of Hemingway's writing blended with Fitzgerald's unbelievably realistic imagery, and you have the remarkable Van Gogh Cafe.

This is one of my favorite books of all time.

My 8 year old daughter and I read this book together and we loved it. We read a chapter each evening before bed and could not wait to find out what happened next. It is a charming story with fascinating characters and wonderful magical mini stories within the Van Gogh Cafe. It makes you think about the "magic" in the real world. My daughter and I both love Cynthia Rylant's books and this is one of her best.

Cynthia Rylant, my favorite children's author, really touched my heart with this book. It is appropriate for older kids and even adults. I loved it and cherish it along with this author's other books in my collection.

The Van Gogh Cafe by Cynthia Rylant is one of our favorite stories by our favorite author. We loved all the magic that happened within the walls of the cafe. We laughed and we cried along with the characters. We love the way that Cynthia Rylant painted pictures with her words. We really recommend this amazing story.

Much more mature subject matter than I expected. Not for most 8-12 year olds, unless they've had an extremely eclectic lifestyle.

If you grew up in Brooklyn, and can remember going "downtown" to A&S, The Fox, The Paramount, and, of course, eating at Junior's, then this book is a must! If you are too young to remember, or too far removed to understand, then the book still provides a wonderful view of what Brooklyn was at its best, and many, many wonderful recipes from Brooklyn's best restaurant.

I've never been to Junior's in person, and I've only rarely visited Brooklyn. Yet my father grew up there, and I was raised on numerous stories of his happy memories.

WELCOME TO JUNIOR'S, a cross between a memoir and a cookbook, echoes many of my father's anecdotes about this special place, which always has been a center of energy and distinctive style.

According to census reports late in the 20th century, one in every seven Americans could trace an ancestor to Brooklyn. While this number probably now is lower due to recent immigration, there is no question but that the very idea of Brooklyn does resonate for many of us.

The social history, then, that this volume provides about the borough will confirm Brooklyn's unique place in many American hearts, from the early days of the 20th century right through the present. Reading it is like falling into an episode of the classic television comedies "Welcome Back, Kotter" or even "Happy Days."

The recipes are so good that, while reading them, it is difficult not to rush out of one's front door to head straight to Junior's. They serve great, wholesome, all-American food with a slight Yiddish accent.

This book is almost as delicious as the famous cheesecake--and I do know what I'm talking about, since I often order that cheesecake by mail.

My title says it all. Their cheescake is wonderful. I've made it for holidays and my family is extremely picky. I love the Vienna Rolls (cut back on the salt a bit). The cornbread recipe is great if you like sweeter versions. My husband does so it's his favorite. I've never had a bad turnout from this book.

If you can't eat at Junior's this is the next best thing. The combination of recipes and history make an interesting read. The chestnut stuffing is the best I have ever had and the cheesecake is absolutely the best in the world, bar none.

I don't live near NY, so I can just make the famous cheesecakes at home. I just tried the carrot cake and have made some of the cookies in this book and they are also excellent.

The book was bought as a gift. I looked at it and I do not know if I would purchase a copy for myself. Some of the ingredience might be difficult to obtain if you do not live near the coast. The recipies seemed advanced.

I was eager to purchase this book after tasting the best "Roasted Rosemary Potatoes" I have ever eaten in my life at a friends house. I am a simple cook, but love good food. This book is beautifully written, and does not intimidate me. I feel as if I can make every recipe and make it successful because Judy Rodgers will walk you through each step. I have not tried a recipe yet, but will soon. I am just enjoying reading it right now. You really want to savour this book as you read it.

zuni is my favorite san francisco restaurant. i bought this book for the chicken recipe, the restaurant signature dish; it works perfectly and satisfies a life long goal of making a perfect roast chicken. have only glanced at other recipes.

I have not eaten at the restaurant, and I have no special culinary skills outside of being a good home cook. In fact, I can rarely follow a recipe.

This book is a really fun read, and inspirational. Some rather mundane foods, like stale bread/onions/greens/cheese come together in a most divine way, with lots of variations possible and suggested. It's called a Panade.

The big revolution here is salting meat and waiting for the herbs to seep in for a couple of days - a dry brine. Genius, and totally effective.

I think the recipes are easier than they look. I am not put off by a three page description because once you read it, it is your own. Not intricate technique, just great ideas!

As my cookbook collection continues to grow, this book remains one of my favorites. It is a well written classy book that I personally admire. It is definately a book for foodies and not a quick reference for some quick dinner ideas.

The recipes are very obviously real and tested and if one wishes to acheive the best results do not try to take shortcuts. As far as finding certain ingredients, there is a wealth of resources availible online and virtualy any ingredient that you can imagine can be found if you look.

The information in the book makes total sense, however it's just not realistic for certain people to follow. I started the program and although the first 5 days delivered results I could not continue on the diet and had to quit. It gave me horrible headaches and I was nauseous all of the time. Just the thought of eating the few things that I could have made me sick. After 5 horrible days of it I had to concede defeat, but I did lose 8 pounds. If you have ever survived the Atkins Diet, then you can do this diet. The first week is like Atkins, but after that it seems that it will get better. My only complaint about the book is that Wendy does not give many meal idea's. Some people can figure all of that out for themselves, but other's need suggestions to be sure that what they are eating is on the plan. I am one of those people who really could use some additional meal plans and recipe's.

Crack the Fat-Loss Code is a good, solid, no-nonsense book that goes into some of the nutritional program designed by Wendy Chant. Wendy knows her subject and is blessed with an ability to explain to others how the body works and why the plan is optimal. I have been fortunate enough to participate in her Nutrition Boot Camp as well as having the book as a resource and have had wonderful results. More importantly, THIS is a way of life that I can live with~forever.

The food plan is not restrictive, it is chock full of "God given" foods... you know, the ones that are naturally found on the earth...it is up to each individual to create menus of their own liking. *Aren't there millions of recipes out there already??*

I have read a truckload of diet books, been on most of them, and had short term success with one or two... never in my life could I visualize what a "lifestyle change" would look like on me. Now I know.

I've been a life long diet junky and most of this information in the book was stuff I already knew but not in the pattern it was in. I'm going to give it a shot and hope for the best.

What I liked about this book:

- The introductory chapter about the food types (carbs, fats, proteins) and how they are used in our bodies
- The eight weeks plan to "Crack the Fat-Loss Code" - this thing actually works.
- Sample Meal Plans
- The idea of not having any "disallowed" foods

What I did not like about this book:

- The program seems to be rather restrictive and probably difficult to follow in the long run. And this is the problem with most diets programs.

So although the program seems to work for me at the moment I am not sure about how long it will last. I think that the readers of "Crack the Fat-Loss Code" will benefit from the Body Maintenance Manual - a great self-help guide to long and healthy living with a great emphasis on proper nutrition and long term lifestyle change.

IMHO...I did not find this book to be helpful and do not recommend it. It is not comprehensive enough and I was left with many questions after reading it several times. I tried the plan for 6 days but just couldn't make it to the 7th day of the 1st week. Maybe because I'm down to my "last 10 lbs" but I didn't really lose anything, either (about 1 lb). I did try emailing Wendy Chant's customer service team through her website with one of my questions but all I got was the auto-reply saying they received my email and would be in touch soon. That was over a week ago. It's good premise that MAYBE works but it's not very thoroughly explained and there are no resources for you to turn to for clarification/guidance.

Imagine building an Internet business during the dotcom boom/bust and selling it to Microsoft for millions. Now imagine buying the famous Golden Nugget casino in Las Vegas and selling it in less than a year and half for hundreds of millions. Now imagine you are barely in your 30s and you are doing all this with your very best friend. This is the story of one of Las Vegas' most dynamic duos, two young guys from different backgrounds coming together to own the world.

The Book tells the story in autobiographical form of Tom, a simple hard working boy from Minnesota, and his friendship with Tim, a local Vegas boy who has gambling in his blood. The two formed a bond that has lasted throughout the last 20 years and will be around till one of them passes on to the big casino in the sky. The pages of the book offer the reader an insight to a world that most of us will never be in: a world of fast cars, movie stars, corporate jets and millions of dollars wrapped in cellophane being bet on one roll of the dice.

I enjoyed this book and I would have loved to have been a part of the world written in this book. The authors tell this story at about an 8th grade reading level which allows the book to be finished in a few hours. The book is not just about Vegas, it is about a time in financial history that was exciting and may never be duplicated, I hope you enjoy this book.

A testimony to friendship in an exciting journey. Fast, furious, electric.
As the reading progresses one feels as part of the adventure. A very easy and fun reading. What a treat!
Can't wait for the next one.
Marne

"Double or Nothing" should be mandatory reading for any entrepreneur. This book is a captivating quick read and has the perfect mix of lessons and laughter.

Truly one of the most remarkable success stories in the fascinating, ever evolving history of Las Vegas. Tom Breitling and Tim Poster rank among the elite of the mavericks who molded and shaped Las Vegas, such as Benny Binion and Sam Boyd. Much like Boyd and Binion, Breitling and Poster started their dramatic and profitable rise on little more than a wing and prayer, not to mention a few "floated" checks.

Bucking the odds of the corporate casino mentality and invoking a strategy of "Old Vegas", Tim and Tom not only made a fortune, but managed to remain best friends and great guys. Tim and Tom's relationship has remained steadfast and strong throughout their whirlwind ride giving great insight into their character. Tom's introspect and honesty about his friendship with Tim and his early family life adds an insightful, touching side to this remarkable story.

The most amazing thing is the whole story is absolutely, undeniably 100% true! No B.S.! No embellishment and no filler! Imagine having the time of your life with your best friend, while making hundreds of millions of dollars in the process!

"Double or Nothing" is a must read for anyone contemplating a new business venture with a friend or just looking for an entertaining true story about two guys who worked their butts off and made a ton of money. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with a passion for life, friends and business; it also doesn't hurt to have a sense of humor.

Having actually been there for the Las Vegas Reservation Systems and Travelscape parts of the story, it was interesting to read about some of the business deals that were going on at the time. While there was some new stuff that I didn't realize in there, there was also a fair bit left out. It is a very quick read, by the way. Lots of short chapters.