Ritz and Escoffier: The Hotelier, the Chef, and the Rise of the Leisure Class
By Luke Barr
A review
I recently read this novel, and it was engrossing from start to finish. As someone who adores hospitality and fine dining, this novel was an enlightening take on several now established practices and places that occupy the culinary and luxury worlds. Before marketing in hospitality, there was Ritz and Escoffier- two names that needed no introduction.
Written by Luke Barr, this extensively researched novel reads more like a story, and that adds to its benefit. Uncovering the story behind Swiss hotelier César Ritz (1850-1918) and French chef Auguste Escoffier (1846-1935), and how they established the London Savoy as a force to be reckoned with, the story is never plodding.
The formidable duo established some of the most well-known practices followed by restaurants and hotels today, including the kitchen brigade system, and their union proved a very fruitful one.
Their work together defined not only London’s dining culture, but introduced changes in the very fabric of the European social customs.
What set the duo apart was their willingness to serve anyone- especially the looked down upon ‘nouveau riche’ who could afford the various fancies they catered to. With extravagant 15 course meals, and hotel rooms boasting electricity and attached restrooms (a novelty of the time), they soon became the toast of the town- before their fall from grace.
The years that followed saw the establishment of the renowned Ritz hotel, the patronage of well-established figures like the Prince of Wales and an unexpected tragedy that ground things to a halt for Ritz.
A tantalizing tale filled with eminent personalities, decadent landscapes, mouth watering menus and glitz and glamour, this tale is also a beautiful tapestry of the way society changed due to Escoffier and Ritz and their talents.
Definitely worth checking out, just to truly know what the word ‘ritzy’ means! Get the book here
Rating: 3 / 5
To read more of my tasty book reviews click here, or if you’re just hungry check here
‘This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
This genre of book is something that I have neither heard of nor read it. I am really intrigued about this after reading your review 🙂
It was super interesting and worth a read
Is it fiction or nonfiction? Ritz is a common name as you mentioned ..ritzy affair. I have not heard of Escoffier. Your review pays glowing tribute to the author and the leisure era.
The best read on the history of the trade for restaurateurs.
Never heard of this genre but your review is interesting.
By reading the name of your post I thought you are giving review of hotel in Europe. I didnt know this kind of genre. Your review is too good to read.
The book does sound tempting to read especially caz you have outlined the best
The book seems quite an interesting one… looking forward to read it… added to my reading list.
Interesting..never heard …thanks for the post
Hope you read it too!
Ritz-Carlton chain of hotels has been around for a long time and it would be interesting to read about their history. Thanks for sharing a detailed review.
This seems like an interesting book and the kind I would love to read. Is is a realistic take on hotel practices or based on any particular chef?
The book sounds interesting. I see the audiobook available at Audible and I will definitely be checking it out. Thanks for the recommendation.
hmmm… I have not read any book of this genre before Meetali… is it fiction based on real life events? it sounds interesting actually
Wow! This seems interesting as well as tempting to start reading. I am adding this my cart will get this soon and start reading. Amazing Review 🙂
The review itself is so rich that I can imagine what book would be like. Looks like a pretty heavy read for someone like me.
Your review makes it very tempting to get the book! Great writing!
Sounds an interesting genre that I haven’t explored but piques my interest. Will check it out
15 course meal !!! I am really excited to know more about it.
You should give this book a read!
Ritz and Escoffier – Heard their name many times. Today I got to know more about them through your book review. Interesting book.
Wow, In love with this cover
Very interesting, I’d love to pick it up… But what didn’t work considering you’ve given it only 3/5?
Pingback: My Must Try Restaurant in Delhi: Plats - MEETALI KUTTY