Rating: 
Summary: Slice of Life
Review: "Cosmopolitan" is an authentic slice of life. There are definite similarities to "My Fractured Life" but with a different slant, less bite to the cynicism and less spanning in events. This is more of a neighborhood event than an up and down roller coaster and the writer has an even keel delivery to match.
Rating: 
Summary: A Delightfully Entertaining and Insightful Memoir
Review: "A situation of urban comfort" is one of the definitions Merriam-Webster gives for the word "civilization." A sure sign of civilization is the presence of a tavern, saloon or pub --- a bar. Certainly, what goes on inside these establishments will occasionally resemble something from humankind's knuckle dragging past. But the existence and popularity of commercial establishments dedicated to the ritualistic preparation and distribution of alcoholic beverages is a reassuring indication that as members of the human race we share a common desire for "a situation of urban comfort." On the rocks, up, twist, no twist, or even just tonic without the vodka, thank you, the bar is both evidence of and an escape from whatever passes these days for civilization.That the tavern plays a vital role in the human experience can be argued over cocktails. But Toby Cecchini, author of COSMOPOLITAN: A Bartender's Life, understands the bar as a common and familiar stage on which the human experience plays out. His delightfully entertaining and insightful memoir offers plentiful evidence of his appreciation for the complex juxtaposition of tradition, ritual, fantasy, reality, irony and expectation that are the DNA of any drinking establishment. Cecchini takes very seriously the role and responsibilities of the bartender: the craft, skill and knowledge that come into play behind the bar, and the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) manipulations necessary to exert some semblance of control over what goes on in front of it. But he also has the sharp wit, keen eye and sense of fun to see the entertainment value in a job that requires his professionalism to remain intact while his customers gleefully rid themselves of that particular burden. He clearly loves the job. This affection, coupled with a writing style that combines hip downtown street wisdom with uptown eloquence and sophistication, makes COSMOPOLITAN: A Bartender's Life as welcome and inviting a slice of urban comfort as the crackle of ice in a tumbler of good scotch. --- Reviewed by Bob Rhubart
Rating:
Summary: Slice of Life
Review: "Cosmopolitan" is an authentic slice of life. There are definite similarities to "My Fractured Life" but with a different slant, less bite to the cynicism and less spanning in events. This is more of a neighborhood event than an up and down roller coaster and the writer has an even keel delivery to match.
Rating: 
Summary: CRANKY & DROLL
Review: Cecchini should have gotten out of the business years before writing this book. Yes, he has a knack for using big words in hopes of bringing this book to a more literary level, but he should have stuck to finding better stories instead. As a regular at two bars in Los Angeles, I have personally seen funnier and more interesting moments than Cecchini. He's so hard-boiled and tired that he barely seems interested in his own anecdotes. I don't mind bitterness, in fact the more the better, but without a sense of humor in telling the story, he doesn't make this a fun read. My fantasies of bartending are shattered forever. Fun as a concept, not so fun (or interesting) to read.
Rating:
Summary: A Nice Companion Book
Review: I agree that it makes a nice drinking companion to 'My Fractured Life.' The voice is not exactly the same, but similar enough to be enjoyable as a sidecar. Far more than satisfying. This is a good book.
Rating:
Summary: pretentious moi ?
Review: I bought this book thinking it would be as great as "kitchen confidential" by anthony burdain
What pretentious language ! Cecchini never uses a small word where an obscure one will do which makes for an annoying read ... "heavily bibilous" for example I guess he means drunk ...
when I read windy sentences like "I was relieved of my obligation of politesse of any kind" I think "hey Buddy get over yourself ! "
this book needed the heavy blue pencil of an editor
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable observations, though occasionally pretentious
Review: I enjoy memoirs and personal essays--especially on the topic of food and drink--so I thought this would make for an enjoyable and insightful read. For the most part, it did. I was glad that Cecchini kept the focus on broader observations about bartending, working in a service occupation, the strange rhythms of noctural workers, etc. It would have been tiresome if it had been merely a collection of outlandish anecdotes about things that happened in the bar the author co-owns (though there a few of those for good measure). At times, Cecchini's writing seems to try a little too hard; he loves words like "lambency" and "matinal," both of which appear several times. He also struggles with the simultaneously subservient yet all-powerful role of the bartender. At times, he seems to judge his customers too harshly, complaining about their unoriginal drink orders, etc. Who cares? Sometimes one just wants a simple gin & tonic. But for lovers of food, drink and/or nightlife, this is an entertaining read with some worthy observations. While chef Anthony Bourdain is, in my opinion, a better writer, fans of Bourdain will probably enjoy Cecchini's book as well.
Rating:
Summary: Trying too hard but gets an E for Effort
Review: I love memoirs and when I had heard some buzz on this book I went ahead and picked it up. I read it fairly quickly and when it was over I felt down and unsatisfied. Cecchini's writing tries too hard to be literary and isn't straightforward enough. A lot of big words that seem out of place for a book about nightlife and booze. The cover made me think it would have been a lot more fun about a business that seems glossy and glamorous. Unfortunatly, Cecchini seems to think it was a drag one time too many - it wouldn't be an understatement to say that he's a little hard-boiled in the way he tells his story. Definitely a great atmosphere book, in that the place seems real but the customers act like jerks and who wants to hang out with jerks? Just wish it was more fun, is all.
Rating: 
Summary: Made me want to have a drink....
Review: I read this book in one sitting on a Saturday night and it made me wish I had gone out and drank Manhattans instead. (This is a compliment to the author) Having spent fifteen years in the service industry both as a bartender and waitress, I found the stories in this book a bit boring. I was looking for some laugh out loud accounts and really good stories. I found the book a bit depressing, although I have to say that I have a lot of respect for the author and can fully relate to his tales. I would recommend this book to anyone who has worked in this business.
Rating:
Summary: Gimme a drink!
Review: I really liked this book a lot. The author has a great eye and a sharp pen. After reading it, all I wanted to do was go get a drink -- at his bar. You know that this guy is a seriously great bartender. He just has so much integrity. It comes out in the book. It's a very fun read. And it'll make you want to order a Negroni or Manhattan next time you're out. It gives you a whole new perspective on socializing at the bar.
| 
