Jay Rayner

This book was published in 2013, and in many ways, the world has changed. Back then, Brexit didn't exist: now it's almost a fait accompli. Nor was the debate about climate change quite so centre stage.
However, much of what Rayner writes about concerning food imports, feeding an exploding world population and so on remains germane. He treats this extremely important subject with a light touch, leavening his writing with personal anecdotes which are in fact relevant to his argument. I don't agree with all his conclusions - I think the organic movement has much to teach us about sustainability and soil health for instance. But he has made me look again at the arguments round such topics as food miles. A thought provoking, interesting and entertaining read.… (mehr)

This book wasn't actually tagged travel, but Mr. Rayner, an established British restaurant critic, traveled to London, Vegas, Paris, NYC, and more in search of the perfect meal.

The reason I read this book is because Jay Rayner is a judge on a favorite show of mine - - Top Chef Masters (BRAVO). He is extremely witty on the show, so I thought he might be in the book as well.

I was right.

The book is part memoir, but mostly is dedicated to telling the tale of Jay's fine dining experiences around the world. Some are interesting. Some are hysterical. Some are neither. But Rayner's wit shines through without, and if you like reading snarky blogs, this book is not dissimilar.

You do need to be "into" food . . .as there are many descriptions of it throughout. I am. I was often hungry while reading :[. Not so hot for my diet. Hence the four stars ;)… (mehr)

"As a man who has rarely met a calorie he couldn't hug, I should love a buffet: all that food, full out there on display." (page 67) ...... I just knew there was going to be a big BUT following that sentence and there was! This book by Jay Rayner is such good fun and perfect for a pick up put down have a chuckle kind of read. It's not long, only 134 pages with short, witty chapters. It's the sort of book that could be endless. People who write columns for magazines and newspapers have a knack of making simple, everyday things in our lives sound interesting and funny and their columns always leave me saying, why can't I write like that! As a food critic who loves to cook at home, the author has what I would call an obsession with bacon - "As far as I can see there is no savoury dish that can't be improved by the application of a little pig." (page 9) If you're looking for a delicious, tongue in cheek look at all things foodie in our lives, look no further. As Julia Child once said "People who love to eat are always the best people."… (mehr)