The Man Who Ate the World: In Search of the Perfect Dinner

By Jay Rayner

Book Overview

"A hilarious and insightful journey into the world of restaurant meals."--Mario Batali

"Nobody goes to restaurants for nutritional reasons. They go for the experience. And what price a really top experience?"

What price indeed? Fearlessly, and with great wit and verve, award-winning restaurant critic Jay Rayner goes in search of the perfect meal. From the Tokyo sushi chef who offers a toast of snake-infused liquor to close a spectacular meal, to Jo l Robuchon in Las Vegas where Robuchon himself eagerly watches his guest's every mouthful, to seven three-star Michelin restaurants in seven days in Paris, Rayner conducts a whirlwind tour of high-end gastronomy that will thrill the heart--and stomach--of any armchair gourmand. Along the way, he uses his entr e into the restaurant world to probe the larger issues behind the globalization of dinner.

Riotously funny and shrewdly observed, The Man Who Ate the World is a fascinating look at the business and pleasure of fine dining.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805090231
• ISBN13: 9780805090239
• Release Date: May 2009
• Publisher: Holt Paperbacks
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.2" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Author Jay Rayner searches the world for the perfect meal

Author Jay Rayner searches the world for the perfect meal, traveling to places around the globe, meeting master chefs, and eating exotic foods. His memoir includes interviews with famous chefs, restaurateurs and eaters, and provides a lively blend of food culture and food history perfect for general-interest libraries strong in food history and culture. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

Hide your credit cards. Then read this book.

While reading this book, avoid Expedia and Orbitz or any deep-seated desires to taste Toyko or tour New York City. Stay far, far away from wine auctions and think twice about booking reservations at restaurants that issue fraud alerts. Because after reading Rayner's adventures and quest for the perfect meal, you'll want to spend a lot of money for your next travel/foodie fix. With each chapter--and arrival in another city--you may crave exotic food and culinary adventure and more of Rayner's writing. He gives words life. His arrogant, yet charming tone reminds of that guy at that bar that you'd like to call your friend or uncle. I distinctly remember reading in bed and yet also sitting next to Rayner, getting sick in a cab or throwing envious glances to investment bankers wasting a $5000 bottle of wine just because they could. You may taste the sea. Or smell grapes. You may also feel your heart race when he describes what happens in France. And you'll definately experience Dubai in ways that this month's travel magazine can't describe. (His description called to mind the book, A Fine Balance.) Soon after reading and loaning this book, I craved really good sushi. I checked the balance on our Visa, closed my eyes ... and Rayner was right. I could taste the sea. Read this now if you need a vacation or a gluttonous night out in town. The experience is free.