5 comments about Lessons in Excellence from Charlie Trotter.

1. This is both an interesting and boring work, due to the insights shared from Charlie Trotter's success. The boring stuff is the repitition of common-sense advice which everyone knows but few implement habitually. This is what separates the mediocre from the excellent.

   Trotter maintains an atomosphere of excellence, from his hiring practices to discipline to innovation to publicity, etc.

   One can certainly take much from this work to ponder about possible adaptation for one's own enterprise.




2. Charlie Trotter, what a great chef and entrepreneur. This book is for the People who want one day to own a buisness. Reading this book gives you the aspects of running a restaurant and being the best. Having passion for this line of work, he cant stress more. Without passion for food or being sucsessful it will not work. Charlie Trotter gives great lessons in excellence, from hiring anf firing, to running a kitchen without rasing a voice



3. As a management consultant to top companies world wide (Merrill Lynch, Microsoft, IBM, GE, Abbott, PepsiCo...) I read a minimum of 120 business books every year, and have since 1989. My personal library is nearly 3,000 volumes and I would put "Lessons in Excellence from Charlie Trotter" in my top 5 for books on understanding what it truly takes to build a superior business.
   
   I agree with another reviewer that you will likely not find any ideas that are shockingly innovative, but what you will find is a clear and detailed description of the business philosophy that has allowed Charlie Trotter to create one of the most respected restaurants in the world. You will also see that the fundamental strategies that Charlie Trotter focuses on are absolutely 100% transferable to any business that is serious about achieving excellence in their industry.
   
   I have recommended this book to my clients for years, I use Charlie Trotter as a case study in many of my workshops, I have applied the ideas in this book directly to one of my other companies (an advertising firm I own) with tremendous success, and I have dined at Charlie Trotter's restaurant to verify that they actually live the ideas in this book... and they do!
   
   If you are genuinely serious about building a business that is passionate and disciplined in striving for excellence - this is a must read.
   
   John Spence
   www.johnspence.com



4. Don't underestimate the wisdom that lies between the lines on every page of Paul Clarke's book "Lessons in Excellence from Charlie Trotter." This is not a book about the culinary world; neither is it a book about restaurants. It is a book about execution excellence; about leadership and teamwork. It is a book about vision and in creating and then recreating a business over and over again. Importantly, it is a book about keeping very close to your customers and ultimately, it is a book about passion.
   To me, the strength of this book lay not in the expansion by Clarke into the general field of business or marketing (although he does that well) but in Clarke's ability to uncover the wisdom of Trotter. `There's no such thing as the word `no.' Whatever you can do to blow someone's mind - you go for it." Such is the philosophy of Trotter and Clarke certainly blew my mind continuously throughout the book.
   Trotter opened his Chicago restaurant in 1987, approximately 5 years after the launch of the book "In Search of Excellence." The 8 basic principles outlined in the book would appear to be engrained in Trotter's business philosophy but there are 3 additional principles which I would suggest the lack of which has probably accounted for some of the companies mentioned in "In search of Excellence" falling foul of success. They are `Passion,' `Reinventing the business,' and `Attention to detail.'
   Clarke uncovers Trotter's passion and it is that passion that drives everything that he does. Trotter reinvents his business every day through changing his menus and his attention to detail is phenomenal (for example, having different design plates for every course). Despite being in a totally different industry, I found that I could not help but compare my approach to my business with that of Trotter's and I would be honest in saying that there is much I need to do. In reading the book, I felt I was rubbing shoulders with the Master, that he was in fact looking over my shoulder guiding me as to what I should be doing. Such is the fluent style of Clarke.
   If you manage a business or run your own business, then this book is well worth a read. If you want to rise to the top of the corporate ladder, then you will also get alot out of this book. But do not just read the lessons outlined, understand them and adapt them to your own business because they are adaptable. I have always believed that if I learn something everyday, then it is a day well spent - reading "Lessons in Excellence from Charlie Trotter" I have a surplus of days under my belt.



5. If you work with customers, run a small business, or manage others -- read this book. It will challenge many of your beliefs about what true excellence really is. I've had the pleasure of visiting Charlie Trotter's restaurant a number of times and it was a breathtaking experience every time. Reading this book gave me insight on how much focus, intensity, and passion is needed to create true excellence.

No comments about Quality Sanitation Management.

4 comments about Frommer's San Antonio & Austin (Frommer's Complete).

1. I took this guide on a first time visit to San Antonio and found it invaluable. Not only was it up to date with info on the latest hotels, attractions, and restaurants, but it contains lots of asides containing interesting information on the different sites that added to our enjoyment at visiting these sites. A first rate job!



2. These frommer guides are well put together, at least the writers seem to have actually visited these two cities. Im very familiar with both cities and i have to say for the tourist, Austin does not hold a candle to San Antonio..it's sort of like comparing Baton Rouge to New Orleans. I mean dont get me wrong id rather live in Austin, but if your going to these cities for fun, spend like two days in Austin, then make your way to San Antonio...fast,,,the riverwalk alone is worth spending several days. As for this guide, I like the way it's layed out and the ratings of sites is very accurate. The hotel and restaurant guides are pretty basic, but it gives you an general overview. If you have never visited this area...be sure to ride out into the Hill Country, all the German Heritage and scenic vista's is not to be missed...



3. This book served its basic purpose, however did not contain many specifics, for instance: it mentions to do a self guided walking tour of the King William District but they only give you the main street in the King William District--directions for a walking tour would be nice since there are several areas that aren't very worthy of a tour.
   
   The worst part of this book, however, was that the main San Antonio map had a critical HWY missing! It appears that HWY 151 was extended to HWY 90 several years ago, but the book has it stopping at the 410. This provided us with several overdriven directions until we discovered the error. I usually like Frommers but I think this one needs a little tweaking.



4. This book was very helpful on my recent 3 day trip to Austin. I used many of the suggestions (Austin Motel, Duck Adventure, Bat tour) and found them to be right on the mark. It was a good investment and made the trip much more organized.

1 comments about Zagat 2008 Philadelphia Restaurants.

1. It's a ZAGAT product; the name alone speaks for itself. If you are buying a ZAGAT product you know you are getting a first class item!!! I gave this as a holiday present that the couple will use all year!!!

5 comments about Cities of Gold: A Journey Across the American Southwest.

1. I thought this was an outstanding book, so well researched before their trip and so well written describing the areas, the problems encountered and their combined solutions to those situations. I've met Walter Nelson, Mr. Preston's partner on the trip, and that made me understand their friendship and their determination to make it happen even more. It was a great book and I highly recommend to anyone interested in the history of the Western United States.



2. This was a truly fascinating book- a description of the trials and dangers of traveling cross-country on horseback, and how strained relationships with close traveling partners can become. But the best of the book was the detailed history of the areas traveled, including journals of the early Spaniards, priests, and legends and history of the various tribes of the area. A true-life adventure story with (painless) history lessons.



3. A great read!
   I would add to the above "for a man" but was lent my first copy by a woman friend. She loved it also.
   It is much more than the History of the 1540 expedition into north America by Coronado, although that is very interesting, it is a trip by three guys who don't have the slightest idea what the hell they are getting into, and we get to live right there with them every step of the way.
   This book really demonstrates the abilities of someone who uses stubbornness to their advantage. Great writing.
   My only problem with it: Not enough Photos...



4. Mount Dragon
   Thunderhead
   Tyrannosaur Canyon
   
   If you have read any of these Preston/Child books (Tyrannosaur was a Preston solo effort) you have enjoyed the spectacular word pictures that brought the landscape of the American Southwest to life in your mind's eye. If you ever wondered why it seemed so real, so vivid, you need to read Cities of Gold. In it, Preston documents his 1989 retracing of the original journey of Coronado, weaving back and forth between the two epic expeditions. It is a tale of majesty and awe and wonder, and it is a warning to those who would dare to venture into uncharted territory: This way lies madness!



5. I bought this book to give to a friend who loves the Southwest and its history. I opened it one night just to get a taste of the story because Preston is one of my favorite fiction writers.
   
   I was hooked and I haven't put the book down since. It is a story full of adventure and mystery and it is teeming with history. But there is humor and honesty too as the men travel in unfamiliar territory on horses they are not used to riding.
   
   This gets my highest rating. If you like adventure, if you love the southwest, if you love the early history of the west, this is a book you will love!

No comments about Rockhounding Arizona, 2nd: A Guide to 75 of the State's Best Rockhounding Sites (Rockhounding Series).

4 comments about Roadside Geology of Montana (Roadside Geology Series).

1. This book was very informative on the geology of Montana.



2. Great little book. I've read it until the covers have fallen off, and it's still a bigger story than I can adequately understand. I'm afraid we live in a very complex state. Dr. Alt's book is exactly the thing to carry around in car while one travels. I only wish it was 20 times longer, bigger - with more pictures. Once in a conversation with Dr. Alt he promised me that in the newer additions of his book would be naked pictures of the geologists - but that hasn't shown up yet. It's perhaps for the best. Great book.



3. The saga of Glacial Lake Missoula was so gripping I had to buy Roadside Geology of Washington to see how it came out! Alt and Hyndman are the best authors I've found in this series. While you're at it, don't miss Alt's "Glacial Lake Missoula and Its Humongous Floods."



4. In this guide, you will learn why underground coal fires have played a prominent role in shaping the surface topography and nature of the overlying strata in parts of eastern Montana. You will learn why widespread dryland farming in the early 20th century often caused devistating salinization of the soil. Filled with numerous photos and illustrations, the past and present of Montana's geology is at your fingertips. From the sedimentation, coal formation and general uplift of eastern and central Montana,
   to the dominant influence of tectonic and igneous events in the western region, to the recent effects of glaciation in the northern regions, Alt and Hyndman provide you with a detailed description and explanation.

5 comments about Illinois Atlas and Gazetteer (Illinois Atlas and Gazetteer, Fifth Edition).

1. I consult this guide whenever I take any backroad trips. Forget online map services, they only display the destination and maybe little in between. This is a very useful map for my needs



2. This atlas is a wonderful way to find alternatives to using expressways and tollroads in Illinois.



3. Hard to find some places. Print is too small for the over 50 crowd.



4. THIS IS A GREAT ATLAS FOR USING IT TO GET AROUND ROAD CONSTRUCTION. THE BOOK SHOWS THE BACKROADS IN VERY GOOD DETAIL.



5. These state gazetteers make traveling the back roads a pleasure, and is a great value from Amazon.

1 comments about South Carolina Off the Beaten Path, 6th (Off the Beaten Path Series).

1. My wife and I were loaned a copy of this book from a neighbor - good book for folks who have recently moved to SC - gives us something to plan and look forward to come the nicer weather.

5 comments about The Jersey Shore; Atlantic City to Cape May: Great Destinations: A Complete Guide: Including the Wildwoods (Great Destinations).

1. This is a great guide to the South Jersey Shore- a place where I had the pleasure to live for six years. Many of my summer days were spent traveling down the Parkway and back up again, visiting many of the places Jen Miller highlights and also made me wonder how I missed some other spots she mentions (How did I never visit the Alpaca farm?). On that note, she has a lot of information here that even locals can appreciate:
   
   I had no idea Cape May is the third largest place in the US for weddings or that the Wildwood Boardwalk has more rides than Walt Disney World.
   
   Her descriptions of each beach town give a first-time vacationer a good feel which beach would be appropriate for them (except I don't think Avalon and Stone Harbor cater to visitors of "all economic stripes" . . . it's basically the Ritz of the South Jersey Shore). It also can help a regular visitor discover new things - Miller's encyclopedia-like listing of eateries could see you making a checklist out of the chapters.
   
   Particularly helpful are the pricing guides and notes about in-season and off-season hours.
   
   However, the true highlight of the book are the shaded areas within every chapter where Miller gives helpful hints - like how to prepare for running at the beach (watch out for the wind), provides back histories - like the story of Wawa and shines the spotlight on those out-of-the-way spots - (Where the hell is Strathmere?)
   
   Overall this is a great guide to the shore, though I would have appreciated more detailed descriptions of Somers Point, downbeach Absecon Island and Diamond Beach the same way Strathmere gets written up.
   
   This book is a great guide for shoobies (the nickname locals give to tourists) and also something that can get native South Shore people interested in their immediate environs. It will more than likely be updated in many future editions to stay current and it would be good to have handy on your next trip to the South Jersey Shore.



2. This book really didn't offer anything new; I was hoping for something a bit like the Weird U.S.A. series that gives the reader more obscure things to see and do.



3. I've spent my life at the Jersey shore. As a kid, I marveled at the Diving Horse on Steel Pier. I grew up with Mr. Peanut. When I had kids of my own, I took them to Wildwood and Ocean City and Sea Isle. Then, without the crowd, I discovered the peace and beauty of Cape May.
   
   This is what Jen Miller's book captures so well. Every shore is different. Every shore has its personality and purpose. You can't tell one from another without a really good scorecard. That's what this book is. Miller does an excellent job of capturing the psyche of each resort. The fact that she also turns this into a really good guidebook is a pure bonus.
   
   It's one of those books you'll highlight, scribble in, tear out and send to friends. I'm buying copies for a lot of folks I know. Maybe even Mr. Peanut.



4. I brought Jen Miller's guide to Wildwood last week for our annual family trip with my in-laws. Everybody, including the kids, found something new and interesting in it, even though we've been vacationing in Wildwood Crest for years now. Even if you think you know all there is to see and do down the shore, pick this gem up and take it to the beach with you.



5. Like many who purchase this book, I'm not new to shore vacationing but have been spending short summer trips there since I was a little girl. Now grown and married, we've been toying with the idea of packing up and moving there. I share this to let you know what I was looking for in a guidebook. I wanted a feel for what it might be like to live there, head to the other towns, see what cultural events are availible in the off-season, etc. In essence, to go beyond the boardwalk but yet still get a feel for the best of what there is to see and do at the shore. I've purchased SEVERAL books on the topic but this book is by far the best and the one I continually refer back to. It might not have the pretty, coffee table feel that other books on the shore possess, (though it does have SEVERAL, fun black/white photos). What it lacks in esthetics, it more than makes up for in information. To start, the author fills you in on little fascinating details and sidebars that relate to the location's culture, history or both. The room/dining descriptions have a friendly feel, as if a local herself were describing the establishments to you in person, detailing thier pros, cons, and points of interest. Definitally not the feel of traditional stuffy guidebooks I have read in the past. This is a book I look forward to reading. It's a little bit culture, a whole lot of "what-to-do", a dash of history, and a healty dose of love for the shore. Thank you for this wonderful, insightful book! Give us more!