Award-winning food critic Steven A. Shaw (a.k.a. "The Fat Guy") can get a last-minute dinner reservation at the most popular hot spot in town. He knows how that flawless piece of fish reached your plate. He can read between the lines of a restaurant review, and he knows the secrets of why some restaurants succeed and others fail. Now he shares his insider's expertise with food lovers everywhere. But Turning the Tables is much more than an invaluable how-to guide to eating out. Written with style and humor, it's an in-depth exploration of the restaurant world -- a celebration of the incredibly intricate workings of professional kitchens and dining rooms. It is a delectable feast from a uniquely down-to-earth gourmet who has crisscrossed North America in search of culinary knowledge at every level of the food chain -- from five-star temples of haute cuisine to barbecue joints and hot dog stands -- and who has never been afraid to get his hands greasy on the other side of the swinging kitchen door. “...interesting and useful...Shaw shows how it all comes together at several restaurants.” - Jonathan Yardley, Washington Post Book World “...this opinionated diner’s tour is sure to appeal to chowhounds in general and New Yorkers in particular.” - Publishers Weekly “Shaw dissects everything from reservation systems...to restaurant reviews and the intricate path your food takes to the table.” - Fortune “Penetrating...decodes the secrets of the food world....A delicious read for restaurant goers.” - Library Journal “...sound, neighborly advice on getting reservations...briskly tough.” - The New Yorker “Pure crack for foodies.” - Anthony Bourdain, author of Kitchen Confidential “Steven Shaw tells you how to get exceptional service every time.” - Newsweek “[The] Fat Guy makes his case....Turning the Tables is a well-rounded work by a well-rounded guy.” - Boston Globe Award-winning food critic Steven A. Shaw (a.k.a. "The Fat Guy") can get a last-minute dinner reservation at the most popular hot spot in town. He knows how that flawless piece of fish reached your plate. He can read between the lines of a restaurant review, and he knows the secrets of why some restaurants succeed and others fail. Now he shares his insider's expertise with food lovers everywhere. But Turning the Tables is much more than an invaluable how-to guide to eating out. Written with style and humor, it's an in-depth exploration of the restaurant world -- a celebration of the incredibly intricate workings of professional kitchens and dining rooms. It is a delectable feast from a uniquely down-to-earth gourmet who has crisscrossed North America in search of culinary knowledge at every level of the food chain -- from five-star temples of haute cuisine to barbecue joints and hot dog stands -- and who has never been afraid to get his hands greasy on the other side of the swinging kitchen door. Steven A. Shaw, aka "The Fat Guy," is the founder of the phenomenally successful eGullet website, a James Beard Award-winning food critic, and a contributor to Saveur , Crain's New York Business , and many other publications. He lives in New York City with his wife and son.