Restaurant Life

Brothers Leo and Britt are co-owners of Winesap, a popular restaurant in their small, economically depressed hometown on the outskirts of Philadelphia. They have always considered their younger sibling, Harry a guy who can't settle down.  Harry has flitted in and out of academia and flirted with one career after another. So imagine their surprise when Harry announces that he's opening a restaurant of his own, right down the street. Is Linden big enough for two family enterprises? Can Harry stand the heat or will he have to get out of the kitchen? As the brothers test this recipe for potential disaster, they break a few industry rules (never date the help or the clients), push the culinary envelope (lambs' necks, anyone?), and eventually learn the true meaning of family, friendship, and the secret to a killer soufflé. Bread & Butter by Michelle Wildgen is a delicious read! ML

Shut The Front Door!

Guy Fieri is back with another book companion to his popular tv series, this time focusing on a wider swath of the American culinary backwoods in Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives: The Funky Finds in Flavortown, America's Classic Joints and Killer Comfort Food.  Narrated in Fieri's signature vernacular (eg. "Son of Tatum O'Neal!"), the book provides short descriptions and anecdotes from restaurants and eateries around the country -- including Clarkston, Michigan's own Union Woodshop.  HM

Culture, Food, and Identity

Part coming-of-age story, part food memoir, Fresh Off the Boat by Eddie Huang details the blogger and chef's childhood as the son of Chinese immigrants living in Orlando during the 1990s.  Huang learns form an early age (and from his ex-gangster dad) not to take insults from anybody, a lesson that gets him into trouble time and time again.  Fleshed out with references to hip hop, basketball, food, and '90s pop culture, Fresh Off the Boat explores issues of race, identity, and what it means to be American.  HM

Bagel or McMuffin?

As we enter the season of family, friends and food, you might worry about packing on the pounds. Fear not--the authors of the Eat This, Not That! series have just released an updated and expanded edition to help you fight an expanding waistline. You don't have to give up all those delicious restaurant snacks during your shopping breaks...just make wiser choices. (Hint: choose the Egg McMuffin over the Bagel!)