Flash in the Pan: Life and Death of an American Restaurant

A fascinating narrative about the birth, life, and death of a restaurant. If you've ever been in the business, or are thinking about it and think it might be fun, this is a real cautionary tale. The hubris of the people involved is staggering, and it's not a surprise that the enterprise failed, but what a spectacular flame out!

I expected better writing. The story line, albeit true, moved slowly. I thought much of the retelling of events could have been told in much fewer words and the reader could still come up with the same conclusions as to why that restaurant failed.

Food lit is one of my more favorite genres, and I'm always interested to read more about how restaurants work. I found 'Flash in the Pan' to be an engaging, interesting and well-written read with a great attention to detail. I think anyone who wants to know how restaurants are put together would find a lot of value in this book. I'm glad I read it.

This book is #2 of Anthony Bourdains reading list from Kitchen confidential

Great reading for any New York foodie of the 90s. Funny and ironic. You had to be there. Big fun.

This book is about what happened to a resturant from the concept through opening and the closing of the establishment. If you have never worked in the Food Industry then I would not by this book. If you have been in the food industry you might enjoy the read. I have been in the industry for over 20 years and found the book kind of intresting but nothing outstanding. The other reviews hear just are trashing the book for no reason.

Might have been interesting but did not like this writing style. Not amusing either,made myself finish it because I paid money for it,sorry I did.

I absolutely loved the book because it gave an entertaining look into the world of New York City restaurants and the city itself in 1990. Definitely worth a read for anyone interested in the drama that goes on behind the scenes at hip restaurants (who always try to project an aura of 'cool').The witty, sharp writing of reporter David Blum help paint a vivid picture of the characters who tried their best to make their culinary dreams a reality. Clashes of big personalities, debates over the right type of house potatoes (fries or mashed? Very divisive) and territorial fights over the stereo system are just some of the problems faced by the crew heading up The Falls restaurant. Part of the appeal of Flash in the Pan comes as a form of nostalgia: set in 1990 SoHo, the book serves as an example of how much and how little has changed in the restaurant world in the past two decades.In spite of the fact that the title gives you an immediate hint about the fate of the restaurant, the descriptive and funny writing has you invested in their dream.

A great read. Very funny, if you are into restaurant scenes. Covers it all from good nights to bad nights, staff discussions, ideas of how to make things more profitable. this book made me laugh way too often.