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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Enjoyed this one more than I expected.
The beginning dragged but I felt the pacing and stories improved with the author rising in the ranks of the restaurant business.
I enjoyed the insight into the NYC nightlife of the 70s, 80s and 90s and the smaller relationships with coworkers mixed in with celebrity interactions.
I think the book could have been condensed/shortened in some areas. The author tends to repeat himself or touch on the same point- unsurprising of a new writer.
He was also hypocritical at times- saying he hates waiters who steal but in the same chapter wrote about the times he stole from his local store.
Overall, glad I read this and am happy to see that many of the restaurants he worked in are still thriving.
The beginning dragged but I felt the pacing and stories improved with the author rising in the ranks of the restaurant business.
I enjoyed the insight into the NYC nightlife of the 70s, 80s and 90s and the smaller relationships with coworkers mixed in with celebrity interactions.
I think the book could have been condensed/shortened in some areas. The author tends to repeat himself or touch on the same point- unsurprising of a new writer.
He was also hypocritical at times- saying he hates waiters who steal but in the same chapter wrote about the times he stole from his local store.
Overall, glad I read this and am happy to see that many of the restaurants he worked in are still thriving.
dark
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
This book weaved a powerful line through nostalgia for the past while holding a critical eye. I really appreciated that.
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
What Keith Mcnally’s new memoir wished it could be….
In all seriousness, an entertaining and interesting look into the Old New York and the behind the scenes of fine dining. The anecdotes were funny, the stories ranging from heartwarming to tense—but it showed the honest face of what things were like. An exceptional read from an exceptional maitre d.
In all seriousness, an entertaining and interesting look into the Old New York and the behind the scenes of fine dining. The anecdotes were funny, the stories ranging from heartwarming to tense—but it showed the honest face of what things were like. An exceptional read from an exceptional maitre d.
A really interesting look inside the restaurant industry in New York. Would highly recommend for anyone who also liked Kitchen Confidential.
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
I have read a lot of food writing, and enjoy books about the industry from a purely voyeuristic point of view. I requested this book based on these preferences. I listened to an audio format. If books had ratings like movies, this would've been rated R for language. Lots of cursing throughout. I expect some language from chef books, but I was not prepared for it in this book about the front of the house. In hindsight I'm not sure why? Anyway, I did not complete the book because I was turned off by the language. I'm giving it 3 stars for bringing a new and interesting to the food and restaurant writing sphere.
