Heat by Bill Buford (2007, Paperback, Reprint)

"Heat" carries the right amount of sarcastic wit and humor, and Buford is hilarious. A friend gave me the book to read and she thought it was probably an exaggeration, more than the truth,on what it is like to work in the kitchen of a 4 star restaurant. I seriously doubt it is. According to the author, New York City kitchens are quite small and cramped, and the chefs are eccentric and weird, at the best of times. Some spots in the book were a little difficult to get through, but over-all I would recommend it to anyone who appreciates great food and witty sarcasm.

I've dined at several of Batali's N.Y. restaurants and thought this book would be interesting reading. It was more than that. Buford's italian and Babbo experiences were fascinating, both from a historical perspective and in the way he takes you through the many facets of becoming a chef. I learned much, and will never again order the special. It's Bufords gift to us that he has chosen to write rather than practice what he has paid such high dues to become.