Danny Meyer
CEO Union Square Hospitality Group. Founder Shake Shack. Always Setting the Table.
Book Recommendations:
Recommended by Danny Meyer
“@DearDara My 2nd favorite book growing up, just barely edged out by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” (from X)
by E.L. Konigsburg·You?
by E.L. Konigsburg·You?
A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021) Run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art with E. L. Konigsburg’s beloved classic and Newbery Medal–winning novel From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler! When Claudia decided to run away, she planned very carefully. She would be gone just long enough to teach her parents a lesson in Claudia appreciation. And she would go in comfort-she would live at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She saved her money, and she invited her brother Jamie to go, mostly because be was a miser and would have money. Claudia was a good organizer and Jamie bad some ideas, too; so the two took up residence at the museum right on schedule. But once the fun of settling in was over, Claudia had two unexpected problems: She felt just the same, and she wanted to feel different; and she found a statue at the Museum so beautiful she could not go home until she bad discovered its maker, a question that baffled the experts, too. The former owner of the statue was Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Without her—well, without her, Claudia might never have found a way to go home.
Recommended by Danny Meyer
“So much more than a cookbook—Shuk is a transporting adventure through Israel’s spirited markets, sun-drenched seasons, and delicious intercultural exchanges.” (from Amazon)
by Einat Admony, Janna Gur·You?
by Einat Admony, Janna Gur·You?
A Library Journal Best Cookbook of the Year IACP Award Finalist “SHUK shouts ‘Cook me!” from every vibrant page.” —Boston Globe “Fascinating. . . . This energetic and exciting volume serves as an edifying deep dive into Israeli food market culture and cuisine.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review With Shuk, home cooks everywhere can now inhale the fragrances and taste the flavors of the vivacious culinary mash-up that is today’s Israel. The book takes you deeper into this trending cuisine, through the combined expertise of the authors, chef Einat Admony of Balaboosta and food writer Janna Gur. Admony’s long-simmered stews, herb-dominant rice pilafs, toasted-nut-studded grain salads, and of course loads of vegetable dishes—from snappy, fresh, and raw to roasted every way you can think of—will open your eyes and your palate to the complex nuances of Jewish food and culture. The book also includes authoritative primers on the well-loved pillars of the cuisine, including chopped salad, hummus, tabboulehs, rich and inventive shakshukas, and even hand-rolled couscous with festive partners such as tangy quick pickles, rich pepper compotes, and deeply flavored condiments. Through gorgeous photo essays of nine celebrated shuks, you’ll feel the vibrancy and centrality of the local markets, which are so much more than simply shopping venues—they’re the beating heart of the country. With more than 140 recipes, Shuk presents Jewish dishes with roots in Persia, Yemen, Libya, the Balkans, the Levant, and all the regions that contribute to the evolving food scene in Israel. The ingredients are familiar, but the combinations and techniques are surprising. With Shuk in your kitchen, you’ll soon be cooking with the warmth and passion of an Israeli, creating the treasures of this multicultural table in your own home.
Recommended by Danny Meyer
“It’s rare that someone who is such a master at what they do stands out equally for who they are. Rodney Scott tops both of those lists. In Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ he shares his inspiring journey of passion and perseverance—fueled by the power of fellowship and damned fine food cooked from the heart and soul. Now you can cook alongside Rodney and make it a great day for those lucky enough to join you by your pit and at your table.” (from Amazon)
by Rodney Scott, Lolis Eric Elie·You?
by Rodney Scott, Lolis Eric Elie·You?
IACP COOKBOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER • In the first cookbook by a Black pitmaster, James Beard Award–winning chef Rodney Scott celebrates an incredible culinary legacy through his life story, family traditions, and unmatched dedication to his craft. “BBQ is such an important part of African American history, and no one is better at BBQ than Rodney.”—Marcus Samuelsson, chef and restaurateur ONE OF THE BEST COOKBOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time Out, Food52, Taste of Home, Garden & Gun, Epicurious, Vice, Salon, Southern Living, Wired, Library Journal Rodney Scott was born with barbecue in his blood. He cooked his first whole hog, a specialty of South Carolina barbecue, when he was just eleven years old. At the time, he was cooking at Scott's Bar-B-Q, his family's barbecue spot in Hemingway, South Carolina. Now, four decades later, he owns one of the country's most awarded and talked-about barbecue joints, Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ in Charleston. In this cookbook, co-written by award-winning writer Lolis Eric Elie, Rodney spills what makes his pit-smoked turkey, barbecued spare ribs, smoked chicken wings, hush puppies, Ella's Banana Puddin', and award-winning whole hog so special. Moreover, his recipes make it possible to achieve these special flavors yourself, whether you're a barbecue pro or a novice. From the ins and outs of building your own pit to poignant essays on South Carolinian foodways and traditions, this stunningly photographed cookbook is the ultimate barbecue reference. It is also a powerful work of storytelling. In this modern American success story, Rodney details how he made his way from the small town where he worked for his father in the tobacco fields and in the smokehouse, to the sacrifices he made to grow his family's business, and the tough decisions he made to venture out on his own in Charleston. Rodney Scott's World of BBQ is an uplifting story that speaks to how hope, hard work, and a whole lot of optimism built a rich celebration of his heritage—and of unforgettable barbecue.
Recommended by Danny Meyer
“Evan shares his deep love and respect for the traditions of hand-rolled pasta in American Sfoglino, where every single shape—from the squiggle of strozzapreti to the parcel of cestini—is explained with care and love, and where each recipe jumps off the page with appetite-inducing beauty.” (from Amazon)
by Evan Funke, Katie Parla, Eric Wolfinger, Nancy Silverton·You?
by Evan Funke, Katie Parla, Eric Wolfinger, Nancy Silverton·You?
*THE JAMES BEARD MEDIA AWARD WINNER FOR BEST PHOTOGRAPHY* "Evan Funke's respect for tradition and detail makes American Sfoglino the perfect introduction to the fresh egg pastas of Emilia Romagna. It's bold in its simplicity and focus." — Missy Robbins, chef/owner of Lilia and MISI Forget your pasta maker and learn authentic Italian techniques for making homemade noodles rolled by hand in this award-winning pasta cookbook from master pasta maker Evan Funke! In this debut cookbook, two-time James Beard Award-nominated chef Evan Funke shares classic techniques from his Emilia Romagna training and provides accessible instructions for making his award-winning sfoglia (sheet pasta) at home. With little more than flour, eggs, and a rolling pin, you too can be a sfoglino (a pasta maker) and create traditional Italian noodles that are perfectly paired with the right sauces. A comprehensive guide to making the best pasta in the world, American Sfoglino features recipes for home cooks to recreate 15 classic pasta shapes, spanning simple pappardelle to perfect tortelloni. A bold package and sumptuous photographs from James Beard Award-winning food photographer Eric Wolfinger offer a feast for the eyes, while stories from Italy and the kitchen at Felix Trattoria add the finishing touches to this master class in homemade pasta. AUTHENTIC ITALIAN RECIPES: Beginning with four foundational doughs, American Sfoglino takes readers step by step through recipes for a variety of generous dishes that showcase traditional Italian cooking techniques, from essential sauces and broths like Passata di Pomodoro (Tomato Sauce) and Brodo di Carne (Meat Broth) to delicious Tagliatelle in Bianco con Prosciutto (Tagliatelle with Bacon and Butter) and Lasagna Verde alla Bolognese (Green Bolognese Lasagna). AWARD-WINNING COOKBOOK: Winner of the 2020 James Beard Award for Photography and the 2020 IACP Award for Best Cookbook, Chefs & Restaurants category. HOMEMADE PASTA MADE SIMPLE: This pasta master class is perfect for seasoned home chefs and beginners alike. Learn to roll pasta dough by hand with the help of easy-to-follow, detailed instructions provided by master chef Evan Funke. EXPERT AUTHOR: Evan Funke is a culinary storyteller, a custodian of Italian tradition, and a master of the old-world techniques of handmade pasta. He brings nearly two decades of excellence to his restaurant Felix Trattoria in Venice, California, where the menu embodies a philosophy of seasonality, warm hospitality, and the deeply rooted culinary traditions of regional Italy. Perfect for: Any pasta aficionado or avid Italian cook looking to master the art of homemade pasta Birthday, holiday, or host/hostess gifts for home cooks of all skill levels or lovers of authentic, traditional Italian food Fans of Pasta Grannies by Vicki Bennison, Mastering Pasta by Marc Vetri, Pasta by Missy Robbins, and Italian cookbooks by Lidia Bastianich
Recommended by Danny Meyer
“Will Guidara weaves heartfelt stories and keen observations to illustrate how purposeful, no-holds-barred hospitality satisfies our essential need to belong. An exceptional book for anyone or any organization aiming to excel at human connection.” (from Amazon)
by Will Guidara·You?
The must-read New York Times bestseller that's redefining hospitality and inspiring readers in every industry. - Featured in FX's The Bear and Showtime's Billions - JP Morgan NextList Pick Will Guidara was twenty-six when he took the helm of Eleven Madison Park, a struggling two-star brasserie that had never quite lived up to its majestic room. Eleven years later, EMP was named the best restaurant in the world. How did Guidara pull off this unprecedented transformation? Radical reinvention, a true partnership between the kitchen and the dining room—and memorable, over-the-top, bespoke hospitality. Guidara’s team surprised a family who had never seen snow with a magical sledding trip to Central Park after their dinner; they filled a private dining room with sand, complete with mai-tais and beach chairs, to console a couple with a cancelled vacation. And his hospitality extended beyond those dining at the restaurant to his own team, who learned to deliver praise and criticism with intention; why the answer to some of the most pernicious business dilemmas is to give more—not less; and the magic that can happen when a busser starts thinking like an owner. Today, every business can choose to be a hospitality business—and we can all transform ordinary transactions into extraordinary experiences. Featuring sparkling stories of his journey through restaurants, with the industry’s most famous players like Daniel Boulud and Danny Meyer, Guidara urges us all to find the magic in what we do—for ourselves, the people we work with, and the people we serve.
Recommended by Danny Meyer
“Customer experience can make or break your success. Ignore Your Customers (And They'll Go Away) is an invaluable playbook for how to prioritize what matters: your employees, your customers, and the virtuous cycle that keeps them both coming back for more.” (from Amazon)
by Micah Solomon·You?
The ultimate, practical guide to transforming your customer service, company culture, and customer experience, endorsed by all the top names in the field. Great customer service may be today's most essential competitive advantage. Yet when it comes to delivering great customer service and a great customer experience, most companies tragically continue to miss the mark. But you can succeed where so many have failed: Ignore Your Customers (and They'll Go Away) spells out, step by step, how to craft a customer service culture and customer experience so powerful that they'll transform your organization and boost your company's bottom line. You'll enjoy inspirational, often hilarious, tales from the trenches as author Micah Solomon, one of the world's best-known customer service consultants and thought leaders, brings you with him on hands-on adventures assessing and transforming customer service in a variety of industries. (Ever wonder what it's like to mystery shop, for instance, a luxury spa, where you get paid for your opinions while receiving a massage and a manicure-for research purposes, of course?) You'll spend time behind the scenes with Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh and discover how Zappos delivers "wow" customer service. You'll visit personally with Richard Branson to learn how Virgin brands deliver authentic customer service (avoiding what Branson calls "Stepford Customer Service") and learn Branson's secrets for turning social media attackers into brand promoters. Drawing on a wealth of stories personally assembled from today's most innovative and successful companies-including Amazon, Cleveland Clinic, Drybar, USAA, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Nordstrom, MOD Pizza, Nextiva, and more-Solomon reveals what it takes to turn a ho-hum customer interaction into one that drives customer engagement and lifelong loyalty. What you'll find inside: * Exclusive customer service secrets and proven turnaround methodologies from author Micah Solomon (today's best-known customer service and customer experience consultant) showing the reader how to perform effective and lasting customer service transformation at their own companies. * A dive into one of the hottest topics in business today: company culture, specifically how to build and sustaining a customer-centric company culture. * Case studies and anecdotes from the great customer-centric companies of our time. ALSO INCLUDED:* Special material throughout on diversity and inclusion from Jan Jones Blackhurst, EVP at Caesars International (and the first female mayor of Las Vegas) and Michael Hyter, renowned author of The Power of Inclusion. * Each chapter concludes with a Business Reading Group Guide and a point-by-point summary to maximize reader memory retention and make every insight actionable.