GARLIC AND SAPPHIRES is Ruth Reichl’s riotous account of the many disguises she employs to dine anonymously. There is her stint as Molly Hollis, a frumpy blond with manicured nails and an off-beige Armani suit that Ruth takes on when reviewing Le Cirque. The result: her famous double review of the restaurant: first she ate there as Molly; and then as she was coddled and pampered on her visit … visit there as Ruth, New York Times food critic.
What is even more remarkable about Reichl’s spy games is that as she takes on these various disguises, she finds herself changed not just superficially, but in character as well. She gives a remarkable account of how one’s outer appearance can very much influence one’s inner character, expectations, and appetites.
As she writes, “Every restaurant is a theater . . . even the modest restaurants offer the opportunity to become someone else, at least for a little while.” GARLIC AND SAPPHIRES is a reflection on personal identity and role playing in the decadent, epicurean theaters of the restaurant world.
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Enjoyed it
I love Ruth’s books, I got my first one on Kindle Unlimited and am hooked, however, you need to read Tender At The Bone first, it’s about her childhood which was bizarre, and that’s an understatement!
A fun read.
Includes recipes. Lotsa fun!
A fun read from a food critic.
Well written, entertaining account of the professional life of a restaurant/food critic.
Interesting
I really didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. The author’s descriptive powers and command of the English language are truly amazing. Now I have to go back and read some of her earlier books!
Loved the descriptions of meals.
I enjoy all of Ruth Reichl’s books and Garlic and Sapphires – focused on her years working as the NYT restaurant critic – is a great story.
entertaining, but repetitious
Ms. Reichl’s memoir was an entertaining and informative read. I’m looking forward to trying a few of her recipes as well!
To me, reading a book by/about Ruth Reichel is as satisfying as eating one of her highly rated meals. So tasty and beautifully prepared and served with directness and her unmistakable style. Not only do we get to read her mouthwatering food reviews, but, in this one, we learn about the great and often hysterical lengths she went to to diguise herself so she could get a more honest dining experience at some of the more high-end restaurants. Sadly, she often gave two different reviews, one from the perspective of the unknown and less desirable diner.
A sumptuous repast!
It was a fun book. I never thought about a food critic needing to be disguised. It was moving when she talked about eating at the restaurant on top of the twin towers in NY. I plan on trying some of the receipts.
Ruth Reichl is a joy to read. She’s entertaining, funny and original all at once, and besides, the text is peppered (pun intended) with a few good recipes.
A perfect pick me up.
Author has a nice style of writing
Great book for foodies.