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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
The problem I had with this book is the casual racism and misogyny. And I don’t mean the “it was just the time!” anecdotes; I lived in NYC in the 90s and understand what it was like. I had a problem with all the *other* times the author made needless, offhand comments about race, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation that in no way served his anecdote(s), but is indicative of a certain kind of person that thinks it, writes it, and then is backed up by a crew of publishing industry people (who look just like him) that see no problem with printing it. For a book published in 2022, the whole thing is just tired.
emotional
informative
reflective
Really enjoyed this book and the storytelling. At times it felt so unreal. Insightful and interesting anecdotes about restaurants. Fascinating to learn the intricacies of running them, and managing the patrons. I’ve been it most of the restaurants in the book but excited to go back with this background now.
Okay I'll be honest, when I first saw this book was a memoir by a maitre d I said to myself there's no way this book is going to be interesting. But turns out it was a total page turner! I buzzed through this book quicker than normal. This book is part expose of the service industry (think Anthony Bourdain's kitchen confidential but for front of house), part memoir, and part history of New York City. It was fun entertaining and informative and I would absolutely recommend reading this book!
Regardless of what industry you work in or find yourself associated with, getting the inside scoop from an industry veteran is always interesting. Here, Cecchi (who also narrates the audiobook) tells his personal history in the restaurant world, from Brooklyn beginnings to the academy awards of the restaurant industry. Cecchi is relatable and at times snarky, which made this book a pleasant read.
This book was very entertaining. I’ve always been mesmerized by the restaurant service industry and what goes on behind the scenes, especially when it comes to fine dining. I was not prepared for how it seems to really be. With all of the risqué things that apparently go on. I wish there was more focus on the food aspect than there was and maybe a little more on well known and celebrity guests but overall I enjoyed this audiobook.
Fun to read. Cecchi-Azzolina treats his subjects, whether celebrities or friends (many lost to time and/or the AIDS epidemic) with respect and humor as he tells his stories. If you’ve ever waited tables or tended a bar, you’ll recognize a lot of the struggles and good times. Akin to “Heads in Beds” as far as a funny and insightful peek behind the curtain (or maître d’ hotel’s stand) of the service industry.
DNF - too much family history and connections, not enough about actually being a maitre d.
DNF at 33%. I just don’t think this book is for me. It’s very crass in a way that comes off excessive. Sometimes the narrative was great, sometimes it felt like someone wistfully reliving their “wild days” in a way that makes you think they miss the way they acted. Didn’t sit right, just not for me.
Picked this up because Modern Mrs Darcy mentioned it and said it does for Front-of-House what Kitchen Confidential did for the restaurant kitchen. It was a great read and fun romp with lots of good stories and a great insight into what goes on behind the scenes in restaurants. It also provides food for thought about everything that is done to make our experience eating out enjoyable.