Not a competitor for Duncan Hines, but in that category- this is a specific appraisal of restaurants in American cities, from coast to coast, located near good hotels and transportation centers, and a selection of those that offer fine food. A concise handbook, alphabetically arranged by place names, the copy indicating specialites de la maison, prices, something of decor, national flavor, hours of meals, etc. Despite a substantial corps of investigators, they've missed some topnotchers, but conversely have made some heartening-and-appetizing- discoveries. Gourmet guide.