Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
This book stirred up a lot of fond and at times frustrating memories of serving high end clientele. I worked in this world during a different era, but some things never change. I appreciated how well Michael captured the reality that it is always about people, people who bring their own gifts, fears, anxieties, and even traumas into every room, often without realizing it.
The sections about his mob associated past and upbringing could have been trimmed down a bit, in my opinion. However, the way he painted the restaurant world, its intoxicating atmosphere, its food, its drinks, and the vibrant personalities that make it all come alive, was spot on. He was honest in portraying a very specific world at a very specific time, and he made it clear that the experiences and temptations that shaped his journey were unique and not meant for everyone.
The sections about his mob associated past and upbringing could have been trimmed down a bit, in my opinion. However, the way he painted the restaurant world, its intoxicating atmosphere, its food, its drinks, and the vibrant personalities that make it all come alive, was spot on. He was honest in portraying a very specific world at a very specific time, and he made it clear that the experiences and temptations that shaped his journey were unique and not meant for everyone.
challenging
reflective
tense
fast-paced
If you want the front of house version of Kitchen Confidential, then look no further. Michael Cecchi-Azzolina describes his career starting from the bodega on the corner, all the way to being the maitre d' of a famous New York restaurant. If you want the crazy stories, the regular customers, and the serious side of the New York scene told in a hilarious and realistic fashion, Michael has it for you. He does the restaurant industry justice, and tells it like it is– while also viewing the flaws as things that can be fixed throughout the world. I was hooked by this audiobook, and will be adding this to my bookshelf asap!
adventurous
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Mildly interesting. Stories became repetitive And though I have a bit of a potty mouth and am certainly no prude, I quickly tired of the language and sexual encounter descriptions.
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
I adore food writing and restaurant memoirs and have read deeply into this genre, which really is peopled by incredible writers. And this one does not stand up to the competition at all. Unbelievable, when you look at what the author's working with, but he is not a gifted storyteller. His story comes off as desperately wanting to join the ranks of those others who have forged this genre, but done a much better, smarter, funnier, grittier job. It's too bad; I really was looking forward to hearing a host's point of view. I just couldn't continue, though—in the end, his story felt braggy in that self-deprecating "I'm the misfit of misfits in the restaurant and did tons of drugs because this industry is sooo hardcore" sort of way. Enough already, dude. Sure, add it to the pile of restaurant memoirs, but leave it for when you've read every other one.
lighthearted
medium-paced
challenging
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
This is like being told a story by the cool, kinda sleazy, definitely very drunk Italian uncle I never knew I had for hours on end. I'm not even Italian.