Behind the Scenes: restaurants and eating

I picked up The Art of the Restaurateur (M) by Nicholas Lander initially because of the cover. It’s a solid book, with an air of delicacy thanks to the lovely, simple illustrations (on the front and throughout, by Nigel Peake). Inside, it’s a collection of stories about the restaurant business, with all of the highs and lows. There are 20 in-depth profiles of renowned restaurateurs from all over the world. Unfortunately, only 4 of these people are women.

But it didn't take me long to find something to balance out the perspective. Journalist Charlotte Druckman just published Skirt Steak: women chefs on standing the heat and staying in the kitchen (M) last year. This book introduces us to more than 70 successful female chefs, in a mix of interviews, tips and quotations, held together by the author’s narrative.

And while we’re hanging out with these folks, don’t you want to know where they love to dine? Food writer Joe Warwick asked them, and compiled the information into Where Chefs Eat: a guide to chefs’ favourite restaurants (M). Arranged by location, the beginning of the book includes a list of the chefs involved and their recommendations. Plus, there are two indexes – by Restaurant and Recommendation Type (e.g. Breakfast, Local Favourite, Wish I’d Opened). This fat, busy book is bound to guide you to a new delicious experience.