Ever wonder what famous chefs and culinary professionals eat before spending the evening in the kitchen preparing and serving food for the rest of us? Look no further than
Off the Menu to find your answer. Marissa Guggiana (
Primal Cuts) has meticulously researched and photographed staff meals at more than 50 of America's great restaurants--particularly those with a focus on using local produce and livestock. Guggiana provides an introduction to each restaurant and a description of the staff meal she attended, with accompanying recipes and photographs. As a bonus, each chef has graciously answered an "Escoffier Questionnaire"--it is hardly surprising to see how many chefs are inspired by Alice Waters, but it is refreshing to discover that most would prefer a cheeseburger over
foie gras. --
Roni K. Devlin, owner of
Literary Life Bookstore & More
