Secret Suppers: Rogue Chefs and Underground Restaurants in Warehouses, Townhouses, Open Fields, and Everywhere in Between

What a fun read....Jenn Garbee takes us to places I never knew existed until this book. Maybe I've lead a sheltered life but I had no idea, until now. Each chapter takes you to a new and different underground restaurant, each with its own cast of characters. The descriptions of the locations and the food make you want to go find one and get in on the mystery and intrigue unfolding with each new setting. Certainly, there are a few recipes with each new secret supper, but don't buy this to be a new cookbook. Buy the book for a glimpse of culinary life you may never have seen and maybe never will. But be careful...this book just might inspire you to create your own "Secret Supper".

When I started this book, the whole idea was a little daunting. I love eating out as well as having friends over for an occasional dinner party but the idea of an "underground restaurant" just seemed exclusive and mysterious. I should have had no worries. Jenn Garbee takes us to 10 underground restaurants across the US showing so much wit and personality, it's hard to not be intrigued by this whole movement. With stories of the chefs, hosts, as well as other guests, I felt like I was right there with her. She also includes several recipes (with pointers!) from each place she visits and they all sound delicious. Several recipes for infused alcohol as well as some others - bacon wrapped bacon, grilled stuffed figs - are at the top of my list to try. The book is a great mix of gourmet cookbook and fun storytelling. Each underground restaurant is very different and it's up to you to experience them and find out what they are exactly. That's what Ms. Garbee does for the reader - makes her experience accessible to us.

This book completely changed how I saw restaurants and the people who put their time, hearts and souls into food- in a way that no other book has done before. There are so few opportunities to peek behind the curtain of the glamorous restaurant industry and meet the power players who are behind it, and Jenn Garbee takes us on a ride that makes you feel like an insider. Travel and learn (and taste) along with the author on this gem of a book! P.s.- This book is a can't miss, and it's a wonderful gift; i bought it for my mom, who in turn plans to buy it for her friends for the holidays.

The basic idea is great: food and travel writer Jenn Garbee goes on a tour of clandestine restaurants all over America, and you get to tag along. Well-written and fun to read, this book exceeded my expectations in every way. It is simply terrific, and marks Garbee as a rising star among food writers. For foodie readers who are familiar with Garbee's work in the L.A. Times (where I first read her), this book is even more a delight--long enough to showcase Garbee's unique voice and sharp observations, loaded with great stories, and there are recipes to boot! Be careful who you lend it to--it's so good they will never give it back! I bought two copies already (and already have a number of people in mind who will be getting this as a gift in December!).

Jenn Garbee will take you on the food adventure of a lifetime. She will open your eyes to so many hidden food treasures. I can't wait to travel around and check out many of these hidden gems that Jenn Garbee describes! This is a must read for anyone looking for something out of the ordinary and incredibly fun!