The Art of the Restaurateur [Hardcover]

The Art of the Restaurateurpresents the compelling stories behind some of the world's best restaurants, and celebrates the complex but unsung art of the restaurateur. In his first ever book, acclaimedFinancial Timesrestaurant critic (and former restaurateur) Nicholas Lander reveals everything you ever wanted to know about the highs and lows of the restaurant business. Every story is fascinating, different, and has something to tell about the creation of a successful restaurant, from finding the right location to deciding what kind of food to serve. Engaging, erudite and packed with insights, the book is a must-read for anyone interested in food  especially, of course, anyone who's ever dreamed of opening a restaurant.

Having been a restaurateur himself (he owned L'Escargot in Soho during the 1980s), Nicholas Lander (b. 1952) knows and appreciates the business. He has written 'The Restaurant Insider', the hugely popular restaurant column in theFinancial Times, for the past 21 years, which has become a must-read for all restaurant-goers and professionals. He has met, become friends with, celebrated and commiserated with restaurateurs all over the world, and his website, www.nicklander.com, has a large international following.

Nicholas Lander is such a fluent writer in this fascinating book,The Art of the Restaurateur. His system of completing each profile with a salient restaurant point applicable to all is brilliant. Danny Meyer

Nobu wasn't built in a day. In Nicholas Lander's gorgeous illustrated book... Drew Nieporent and 19 other proprietors reveal what it takes (pluck, creativity, Clintonian people skills) to run a top dining establishment. A must-read for restaurant lovers. Details

...Serves as an excellent primer to the world of running a restaurant. In a world where chefs get all the attention, it's nice to see the incredibly difficult work of restaurateur get its due. Eater Nationall“i