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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Highly recommend this book! It was very interesting and different from my typical reads. The author really is a great writer and made this such an easy read. She is basically a restaurant critic in NYC who dresses up as different characters, assumes their personas, and then dines out incognito. The service she receives changes based on what she looks like. Very interesting. I’m not a foodie but loved reading her descriptions of the restaurants and dishes. It will change the way I look at a menu and eat in a restaurant.
If you like reading about food scenes this is a fun take on it! Part foodie book, part memoir it offers a fun story about Ruth’s tenure at the NY Times. I had no idea what lengths the food writers must go to, and found this to be super intriguing. I was cheering and laughing along with her the whole story.
Witty and candid portrayal of this food critic’s experiences in New York makes for very entertaining reading.
Light entertainment for foodies–and there’s nothing wrong with that!
Boring.
I read this book twice (several years apart) and enjoyed it very much both times.
A fun read, plus recipes of her favorites. I loved all the characters she became to review the NYC restaurants.
Pretty good sequel to Tender at the Bone.
One of my favorite authors – I’m a sucker for any of her books, and am not disappointed.
After a few meals and disguises it tended to repeat her adventures and lost my interest.
Wonderful insight into her career as a reviewer of restaurants.
I’m now thoroughly hooked on Ruth Reichel. Had no idea she is so multidimensional. A little of everything. By the end you would really like to meet her.
I love the premise of being undercover. Fun , with soul. I like your writing Ruth!
Beautifully well-written book that contains the odd life of a food critic woven seamlessly with a thoughtful dissertation on personal identity.
Who knew how the food critics go to review foods. I love Ruth’s writing style and I can’t wait to see if she writes another book
Great!
Interesting look behind the scenes of a New York Times restaurant critic. Well written.
I loved it!
Ruth Reichl is a delight to read.
If you’re a foodie, this book is for you!