The Art of the Restaurateur

Description

The Art of the Restaurateur presents the compelling stories behind some of the world's best restaurants, and celebrates the complex but unsung art of the restaurateur. In his first ever book, acclaimed Financial Times restaurant critic (and former restaurateur) Nicholas Lander reveals everything you ever wanted to know about the highs and lows of the restaurant business. Every story is fascinating, different, and has something to tell about the creation of a successful restaurant, from finding the right location to deciding what kind of food to serve. Engaging, erudite and packed with insights, the book is a must-read for anyone interested in food especially, of course, anyone who's ever dreamed of opening a restaurant.

Having been a restaurateur himself (he owned L'Escargot in Soho during the 1980s), Nicholas Lander (b.1952) knows and appreciates the business. He has written The Restaurant Insider, the hugely popular restaurant column in the Financial Times, for the past 21 years, which has become a must-read for all restaurant-goers and professionals.

"Nicholas Lander is such a fluent writer in this fascinating book, The Art of the Restaurateur. His system of completing each profile with a salient restaurant point applicable to all is brilliant."-Danny Meyer "Nobu wasn't built in a day. In Nicholas Lander's gorgeous illustrated book... Drew Nieporent and 19 other proprietors reveal what it takes (pluck, creativity, Clintonian people skills) to run a top dining establishment. A must-read for restaurant lovers."-Details "...Serves as an excellent primer to the world of running a restaurant. In a world where chefs get all the attention, it's nice to see the incredibly difficult work of restaurateur get its due."-Eater National "In an age of celebrity chefs, this book turns its eye on the unsung heroes of the restaurant industry. In retelling stories of the rise of our era's most famous restaurants and the owners behind them, the book studies successes and failures of each, as well as their decisions behind such as aspects as location, design, menus, and more."-La Cucina Italiana "Most [Restaurant Hospitality] readers who read this one will likely deliver the same verdict: Finally, a book about us!"-Restaurant Hospitality "If you've ever wondered what goes into running a single stalwart or growing empire, now's your chance to learn."-The Wall Street Journal "...The book also offers food for thought on the restaurateur's art... Lander does not resort to the waspish prose that makes some other restaurant critics fun to read. But in these splendid establishments perhaps there was simply nothing to sneer at."-The Economist "So many people fantasize about starting their own restaurant and few have the slightest idea of what it takes. Meet 20 of the greats including Danny Meter and Joe Bastianich to learn the elements that make for an establishment's success and staying power. (Love the illustrations, too!)"-GOOP "...Lander offers a globe-trotting tour of gastronomic proportions. The culinary writing is restrained... Without a hint of snobbery, and an absence of interest in all things trendy... Look for valuable lessons and sound advice."-Macleans "By far one of the best books to do with food and restaurants ever... At once fascinating and entertaining." -LondonLampost.com