Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise [J0093]

2006 PB with minor wear. From the author of Save Me the Plums, Ruth Reichl's iconic, bestselling memoir of her time as an undercover restaurant critic for The New York Times. Ruth Reichl, world-renowned food critic and former editor in chief of Gourmet magazine, knows a thing or two about food. She also knows that as the most important food critic in the country, you need to be anonymous when reviewing some of the most high-profile establishments in the biggest restaurant town in the world-a charge she took very seriously, taking on the guise of a series of eccentric personalities. In Garlic and Sapphires, Reichl reveals the comic absurdity, artifice, and excellence to be found in the sumptuously appointed stages of the epicurean world and gives us-along with some of her favorite recipes and reviews-her remarkable reflections on how one's outer appearance can influence one's inner character, expectations, and appetites, not to mention the quality of service one receives.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "Ruth Reichl is an exceptional author! Writing about her years working as the New York Times Food Critic in the 90s, Ruth takes us on a flavorful journey all over Manhattan, sharing delightful memories, laugh-out-loud stories, and most importantly, describing all of the food and wine that this incredible city has to offer! As if it couldnt get any better, sprinkled throughout her stories are her own recipes so we can taste the dishes for ourselves! The book has left me feeling so inspired. Inspired to get back into the kitchen and try new recipes, and inspired to try new restaurants and experiences in the city!"; "This one was a delight to read. Makes me want to abandon it all and become a food writer. I loved the realization that she can learn from all the women she embodies in her disguises. Also gave me the perspective that I still have so much life ahead of me career-wise"; "The descriptions of food in this book will make your mouth water."; "Delightful! The writing flows smoothly between Ms Reichl's restaurant visits, her preparation for visits, family life and personal evolution. The inspiration and creation of her many disguises was great fun. "