THE KITCHEN

by Nicolas Freeling ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1970

. . . I worked in the old kitchen, the one that is the same as yours,"" writes novelist Freeling in dedicatory transport to the late Ludwig Bemelmans, ""for fifteen years, and that unmistakable air got into my lungs, my bloodstream and my heart."" These then are the snarling hornet's nests against which Bemelmans' waiters tilted, the subterranean kingdoms of fine to expedient fare, directives and vituperations. Freeling toiled in his youth in the kitchens of grand to lesser European hotels first as humble scrubber, tidier and washer of chef's knives, later as a true professional who toured with his own set of cutlery. There are portraits of chefs and their subordinates, crotchety guests, and managers whose life styles set the tone amidst the ""live steam and smoking oil."" From ""Dad,"" of the (already in decline) Hotel Atlanta, who spoke a pidgin patois composed of words from all languages, to ""the Matron"" and Michael, two waiters whose feud took on sinister properties in the form of a black rose. A view of the steaming, boiling, ordered confusion belowstairs which recreates a unique but in a way frivolous profession. Bemelmans would have liked it. With woodcuts--a chef d'oeuvre.

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1970

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harper & Row

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1970

Categories: NONFICTION