Garlic and Sapphires

Ruth Reichl, world-renowned food critic and editor in chief of 'Gourmet' magazine, knows a thing or two about food. She also knows that as the most important food critic in the country, you need to be anonymous when reviewing some of the most high-profile establishments in the biggest restaurant town in the world -- a charge she took very seriously, taking on the guise of a series of eccentric personalities. In 'Garlic and Sapphires, ' Reichl reveals the comic absurdity, artifice, and excellence to be found in the sumptuously appointed stages of the epicurean world and gives us -- along with some of her favorite recipes and reviews -- her remarkable reflections on how one's outer appearance can influence one's inner character, expectations, and appetites, not to mention the quality of service one receives. 'This wonderful book is funny -- at times laugh-out-loud funny -- and smart and wise.' -- The Washington Post' 'Reichl is so gifted . . . the reader remains hungry for more.' -- USA Today' 'Expansive and funny.' -- Entertainment Weekly'