Review of UNREASONABLE HOSPITALITY
by Johny McFliggen, PhD Literature & Business, Oxford
In "Unreasonable Hospitality," Will Guidara extends an invitation not merely into the world of high-end dining but into a philosophy that might just be more revolutionary than the latest iPhone. Now, as someone who has spent a fair share of evenings dissecting the nuances of both business strategies and literary masterpieces, I can confidently say that Guidara's tome is a refreshing cocktail of insight and inspiration—shaken, not stirred.
Guidara, a luminary from the hallowed halls of Eleven Madison Park, doesn't just recount tales of Michelin-star triumphs; he crafts a narrative that challenges the status quo of what hospitality should mean. It's as if Danny Meyer’s "Setting the Table" had a charismatic younger sibling who took a gap year to backpack through customer service jungles and returned with extraordinary tales.
The book’s central thesis—that hospitality is an art form applicable beyond the confines of a waiter’s apron—is reminiscent of a Capra-esque optimism in its belief in the good that can be cultivated through human connection. One may argue that our current era, clouded with digital detachment, needs a reminder that genuine empathy and creativity can transform mundane transactions into something transcendent.
Guidara’s anecdotes are as rich and layered as a fine mille-feuille, each one serving as both entertainment and edification. His stories from Eleven Madison Park offer more than just delightful vignettes; they provide a roadmap for those seeking to elevate their own interactions, whether at a board meeting or a backyard barbecue. Yet, he does not shy away from the minutiae—attention to detail is his mantra, and he wields it with the precision of a master chef slicing through heirloom tomatoes.
For all its merits, some might find Guidara’s emphasis on luxury dining a tad exclusionary. After all, the average cubicle-dweller isn't exactly in the business of serving caviar to CEOs. However, dismissing his lessons would be akin to ignoring Shakespeare because we don’t all speak in iambic pentameter. The real genius lies in extrapolating these principles to any field where human interaction occurs—which, last I checked, is pretty much everywhere.
In terms of comparisons, while Danny Meyer provides a broader canvas of service industry insights, Guidara paints with finer brushstrokes, infusing personal reflections with industry-defining revelations. His book might not come with the universal application sticker that some critics crave, but its niche focus is precisely what makes it impactful. It's less a cookbook for service professionals and more a manifesto for anyone who believes in the power of going above and beyond.
In conclusion, "Unreasonable Hospitality" is an invigorating reminder that true excellence lies in those seemingly unreasonable acts of kindness and creativity that linger long after the bill is paid. It's a call to arms—or perhaps to aprons—for anyone willing to redefine what service means in our modern world. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll be left pondering how you might apply a dash of this unreasonableness to your own life.
Purchase Link: UNREASONABLE HOSPITALITY on Amazon
