Nobody Knows The Truffles I've Seen

by Dean of Arts George Lang

'Both moving and entertaining, George Lang's absorbing autobiography draws the reader into an extraordinarily rich life filled with talent, wonder, and an example of how torment can be transformed into beauty."-Elie Wiesel 'A heartfelt, funny, moving story of survival. A great read."-Paul Newman 'Anyone reading this remarkable memoir will understand why George Lang remains not only one of New York's great restaurateurs but one of its most vibrant citizens as well."-David Halberstam 'A book to savor, relish, smack one's lips over, and profoundly appreciate."-William Safire 'You don't need to be Hungarian to enjoy this book."-George Soros 'George Lang's success story, so brilliantly recounted here, is the absolute personification of the American dream."-Dominique LaPierre 'This book is as charming and sophisticated as its author."-Walter Cronkite

Genres: Food, Culinary, Biography

400 pages, Hardcover

First published March 17, 1998

Reviews

[Stephanie Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out well and George Lang led an amazing life. Unfortunately it became a rather long read and my interest dwindled about half way through. This man made incredible opportunities for himself and I enjoyed his creativity in creating fabulous dining experiences.

[Oletta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent! The world is poorer now that George Lang is gone.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up years ago (a proofreader's edition) because of my devotion to George Lang (RIP) and its unforgettable title. Having just watched The Grand Budapest Hotel and feeling unsatisfied with its portrayal of old world opulence and service, (let alone the region's troubles) I had to start reading this book immediately. I have gone down a George Lang rabbit hole since then (in the last 24 hours), and feel a sharp pain of longing for the tableware of those grand hotels. Time for trip to central Europe, it seems. In a noble swelling of emotion I almost bought the back bar of Luchow's restaurant which was salvaged by a quick-thinking architecture student before it was razed in 1995. "Oh, this old thing? I simply had to have it."
The book so far is amazing.

Well, the book did not maintain my interest throughout. As soon as the war was over, many of the charming stories fell away and the last part of the book was filled with awful-sounding contracts to consult on doomed restaurants. Disappointing, to say the least. Even the world fair section was so-so.