"Restaurant Man" by Joe Bastianich

[weinoo]

There's a new book out by Joe Bastianich - Restaurant Man. It's his memoir.

Now, first of all, isn't a memoir usually written when one is towards the end of the journey?

Second, it has created quite the feud with Esquire's John Mariani.

Third - anyone planning on reading it?

[gfweb]

Its way up on Amazons list. Somebody is buying it.

Seems like chefs hate mariani. He appears to be a real ass. Bourdain has famously gone after him.

[heidih]

Here is the eGullet friendly Amazon link.

[Fat Guy]

First I've heard of it. Has anybody read it? Is it worthwhile?

[weinoo]

Its way up on Amazons list. Somebody is buying it.

Seems like chefs hate mariani. He appears to be a real ass. Bourdain has famously gone after him.

Well, who hasn't Bourdain gone after? Isn't that his raison d'etre, after all?

My wife, Sneakeater and I once had a bit of an "issue" with Mr. Bastianich, right after (the first) John Dory opened.

[Zeemanb]

Nah, I'm sure the next time he's at Lidia's in KC we'll have to beg him to stop reciting it. So I'll hold out for THAT.

[gfweb]

I've had no issues with him, but I have had two bad meals at Lidia's in Pittsburgh.

[FrogPrincesse]

I read the sample chapter last night (through ibooks).

I will probably end up reading it but I am waiting to read more reviews.

[bluebereft]

Steve Cuozzo is also rather miffed over the book. Mr Bastianich isn't making many friends!

[gfweb]

I've read the thing. Its OK. Bastianich doesn't come off as too likable in his own memoir, so its probably honest. Interesting stuff about restaurant economics. I think most eG types would find it interesting.

[gfweb]

The more I think about it I think that the author paints a pretty unattractive picture of himself. Its not any one thing just the sum of a lot of little details he gives of his life and thinking.