RESTAURANT MAN

This book should be required listening for any aspiring restaurateur. The author is the partner of famed chef Mario Batali, with whom he joined forces to create eateries that redefined American Italian cuisine. Bastianich shares pragmatic, down-to-earth facts about the hidden costs in restaurant operations. His grave monotone contrasts with his passion for creating memorable dining experiences while maintaining realistic overhead and food markup margins. He also reveals some of his personal history. Bastianich joined his parents, themselves successful restaurateurs, as they explored Italy and absorbed authentic recipes. He was in New York City to witness its culinary and wine evolution. We hear the lowdown on friends, foes, shady vendors, greedy dishwashers, and sour food critics while the duo's culinary vision of accessible Italian flavors and cuisine is granted reverent appreciation. A.W. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2012]