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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
funny
informative
relaxing
medium-paced
funny
informative
medium-paced
I would’ve enjoyed this more if it wasn’t billed as a “FOH Kitchen Confidential.” I had high expectations that fell very short. You can’t just casually compare any restaurant industry memoir to the legendary Bourdain.
At its best, this was a riveting look into the world of the upscale NYC restaurant dining complete with name dropping, sex, drugs, alcohol, and rich people behaving badly. At its worst, it was an egotistical perspective complete with filler stories that made it impossibly to differentiate between the different restaurants and roles that the author assumed at each. The storyline got tighter and more captivating as the novel went on, but I did consider DNFing at about the 30% mark. My biggest takeaway will be how smart and hardworking those in the restaurant world need to be to succeed and how I will never take good service for granted again.
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
I had the opportunity to review an ARC of the audiobook provided by NetGalley, and Macmillan Audio. The author, Michael Cecchi-Azzolina, narrates and let me tell you this was a riotous romp of a listen. If you’ve spent anytime in the industry, this is a must read. Though some of the scenes may give you flashbacks to your worst moments of being “in the weeds,” it’s worth it to revel in debaucherous tales of Manhattan restaurant life from the 70s to the present. I loved it and think this will be a much talked about memoir - especially on the heels of the headlines of celebrities behaving badly (ala James Corden in Balthazar). Cecchi-Azzolina names names and spills about who was a bad tipper, who had odd requests etc…but for me the tales from the back of house were even juicier.
I'd say this is a 3.5 star book rounded down. It's an interesting read/listen for people who want an honest recount of fine dining restaurants from the 80s to now. I lost interest quite a few times. As someone who worked in restaurants, there's a lot to relate to and I loved his shit-talking of entitled guests. I'd be interested in how many times the word cock appears in the book.
I read the first half and listened to the second half. I was thoroughly enjoying the book while reading and wanted to keep hearing the story so I switched to audio. I’m so glad I switched. Listening to Cecchi tell the story was such a pleasure. It’s like sitting next to him hearing the stories.
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug use
As a former worker in the service industry, this book was both insightful and entertaining. Though my experience was at a much different type of establishment (think busy college-hangout bar/grill), there was still so much that resonated with me.
I love New York, so a glimpse into the high-end restaurant industry was very enlightening. The focus on the AIDS crisis in NY in the 80s, and how the author lost many co-workers and friends was hard to hear. It truly felt like I traveled back in time to experience life in a different place and time.
I highly, highly recommend.
I love New York, so a glimpse into the high-end restaurant industry was very enlightening. The focus on the AIDS crisis in NY in the 80s, and how the author lost many co-workers and friends was hard to hear. It truly felt like I traveled back in time to experience life in a different place and time.
I highly, highly recommend.