A review by katherineep
Back of the House: The Secret Life of a Restaurant by Scott Haas

4.0

I thoroughly enjoyed this very detailed broad look into the makings of Craigie on Main and its Chef/creator Tony Maws. Haas gives a detailed look into the workings of Craigie and why Maws has designed it that way. He takes its shortcomings and brilliance all into account and looks at the restaurant and Maws through many different eyes - staff, family and other chefs. Having absolutely no restaurant experience but loving food and cooking I found this look into true food genius fascinating. The book feels a little lacking in focus but that allowed for the inclusion of sidetracks such as the evolution of celebrity chefs and the difference between how Maws runs a kitchen and other chefs run kitchens. My only real complaint is that Haas' analysis of Maws' anger issues seems a bit random and ineffective. Overall a fascinating book.

* Received in a Goodreads Giveaway