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ESQUIRE'S HANDBOOK FOR HOSTS by Esquire Magazine- Ed.

ESQUIRE'S HANDBOOK FOR HOSTS

By

Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap

This has its points -- some good, some bad. On the plus side there are unusual dishes and little known recipes of famous chefs; there's a good list of equipment for the man's kitchenette, his table equipment, emergency shelves and service. There's smart arrangement alphabetically of items within main headings (under Soups, Fish, etc.)- There are a number of unusual inclusions,- carving, division of drinks according to whether before or after dining, suggestions as to how to be happy though host and how to deal with guests who can't hold their liquor, how to get rid of late stayers, and so on. There are games, brain teasers, puzzles, coin tricks, witchcraft, quizzes- and an etiquette refresher.... On the minus side, there is a singular inconsistency in paying attention to quantities and timing -- in indicating how many a specific recipe will serve- on instructions for the inexperienced cook. These shortcomings in a book intended to suggest food for men, cooked by men is unfortunate. Nonetheless, the balance is definitely on the plus side.