Make Mine Medium Rare

Rating:
Summary: Tasty Morsel
Review: For people who enjoy being treated like royalty when dining out, you'll savor every tip and insight that Scarola shares. It's a quick read that's peppered with good humor and fun anecdotes. Worth every penny!

Rating:
Summary: I recommend this book -- without reservations!
Review: I had the pleasure of interviewing Robert Scarola on my Central California radio show last month and found him to be a fascinating guest -- easily one of the best interviews I've done in nearly 15 years on the radio. Robert knows the restaurant business inside and out and he shares this knowledge in great detail with MAKE MINE MEDIUM RARE.

Scarola aims to give the Average Joe (and Joan) a basic overview of the "dining experience" and how they can enjoy a simple lunch at Denny's or a once-in-a-lifetime dinner at a four star restaurant. He provides valuable information on how to communicate with your server, questions to ask aobut the wine list, and the inevitable debate over appropriate tips. I love his ideas (ex: When making a reservation, indicate that this will be your first visit to the restaurant -- even if it isn't. You'll get great service), or the importance of establishing eye contact with your server and attempting polite small talk with him or her.

This isn't rocket science, but anyone in the restaurant business, or anyone looking to have a more enjoyable time out needs to read MAKE MINE MEDIUM RARE. This great book has the unique gift of being both "rare" and "well done" at the same time!

Dave Congalton
Clear Channel Radio
San Luis Obispo, CA

Rating:
Summary: It's about time!
Review: In a world drowning in celebrity cookbooks and food critic reminiscences, at last a book for us -- the diners! This how-to has it all: from ordering a steak and a bottle of wine to dealing with snooty waiters to figuring a tip! Plus lots of interesting stuff on the inner workings of restaurants that'll take the angst out of your dining experience forever. Never fear a sommelier again!


Rating:
Summary: Finally a book for the restaurantally challenged!
Review: The book offers great tips to have a great meal on a "level" table so to speak. Experts or beginners can catch some good ideas to have a relaxing meal with a friend or business associates. Thanks for the insights.