Customer Reviews

Dry, Up, with a Twist

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4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
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John Galloway excels in the area of sardonic wit. His writing is stunningly succinct and his snappy writing style infuses this book with an impressive energy. His astute observations are deliciously poetic and he seems to have a photographic memory. His descriptions either infuse your mind with vivid pictures of complete chaos or shock you with laughter. He claims slavery still exists in America and at times this book does border on a study of human debauchery. John Galloway has a finely tuned sense of justice and not only has the ability to analyze his past work environments; he is at times almost expressing a calculated view of modern life.

In the first section we read about John Galloway's induction into culinary hell and then he delves into the topics of tipping, memorable waiters, celebrities and his views on patrons galore. Nothing escapes his shrewd observations skills or his critical review.

Everything from his sage advice to restaurant owners, to his views on the environment and veal leads me to believe that his reasons for writing this book are at the heart, healing. I was amazed at how many of the unspoken rules members of my own family have broken while dining out. I now understand why waiters are not especially interested in worrying about large parties and why they hate it when people fight over checks or despise the "can we have separate checks" question.

The hilarious, yet wicked revenge tactics and kitchen adventures might make you wonder how any cooking is ever accomplished. It did occur to me that the world John Galloway so despised was also one he actively helped to create. There are moments when a call for solidarity and the complete lack of regard for patrons clashes sharply with the obvious undercurrent of concern John Galloway wants to show to the world. His writing may dissuade a few innocents from entering the food service industry and then again it might even encourage the adventurous to take up a new challenge.

This book is filled with tales of inebriation as a survival mechanism, not so tantalizing descriptions of food preparation, drunken crazed chefs enduring overwhelming stress levels, descriptions of waiters, extreme chemical addictions, insensitive patrons and all the true thoughts waiters never reveal in glowing detail (swearing included).

I loved the idea of just putting a pepper mill on every table! Salad lovers unite. I also love the fact that throughout this book the reader is scathingly admonished to the extent that even I may never eat bread again before ordering my meal. Although, normally the bread is served after we order. I'm definitely not drinking the water anymore unless it is in bottled form.

John Galloway sheds light on various levels of society who seem to lack all consideration for human dignity. Although, I have to say I've heard of chefs who were voted husband of the year (I've also sampled their cuisine at the restaurant), waiters and waitresses who actually enjoy their job (some relatives and friends) and take pride in their appearance and have a definite work ethic.

I think John Galloway focuses on a extreme environment in which "the love of money" truly does become the root of all evil.

On the other side of the world, over here in the other Washington, chefs enjoy cooking with organic ingredients, support recycling efforts and contribute recipes to cookbooks that help to feed the hungry. There is another side of the story and this book presents the extreme comedic view of "dining out" as it dishes up all the dirt about the negative side of human nature.

"I would like" to say that if you enjoy reality shows or all the negative reviews for movies you disliked, then this might be your book. The writing in this book is impressive for a first-time author. I hope he will take on American culture in general and bring to light many of the issues that need to be addressed in a refreshingly honest and yet somewhat brutally candid way. He does address the issues of animal cruelty, gluttony, food waste and pertinent issues of homeless situations.

I can almost guarantee you that some parts of this book will cause the warrior in you to rise from the dust, but overall it is a humorous read. If you have a good sense of humor, you will be able to overlook the obvious arrows hurtled in all directions.

Since we all eat out, know someone who has worked in the food industry, or may have worked in the food industry at some point in our lives, this book contains information that will be of interest to almost everyone. As long as you have a strong stomach and a willingness to wade through a few moments of extreme revelation you can gain an entirely new perspective on culinary culture.

~The Rebecca Review

Oh my! This book landed in my hands at work accidentally, although in retrospect I see reason. It was so funny that I kept sneaking peeks during work, which is hard to do in a restaurant. Soon, all the other employees were crowded around as I was reading out loud and we were all laughing very loudly. (After we got in trouble,) I waited until that night to FINISH THE ENTIRE BOOK. John's writing style and wit is highly contagious. He talks about the [junk] life sometimes pitches us, and how we choose to swing, or just wait for the walk. He truly touched my heart when confronting our waste as an industry and puts tough subjects into a bigger perspective, all the while keeping me laughing... sometimes, crying. If you have ever eaten out, owned, or worked in the food service industry, you will LOVE his sarcasm and dry wit as he gives us ALL a little more direction in etiquette. And if you enjoy watching someone grow, evolve, and realize their dream, (go penguins!) then you will certainly want to read this book. This is a book that will be on the Best-Seller's list for a very long time. It's great, go get it!

John Galloway, Jr. has led an incredible life in the business of fine dining... He has brought that journey to life in his book Dry, Up, with a Twist. The stage is set by his autobiographical story, where he speaks of the personal tragedy and victory which lead to his career in the food service industry.

John then leads us through the characters, personalities and celebraties he has befriended and served in his travels. He tells the story of life as a waiter from a very open an honest point of view, sparing no words and no one. This book is a must read if you want to know how to "get in touch" with your server and enjoy the best dining experience possible.

It is also inspiring to watch as John struggles with tragedy, matures and rises above those around him who settle for their given lot in life. Read it for your self, give it to a friend. It will inspire you as well.

For such a great read. I get the impression this is the author's first book, but I for one hope it is not his last. This book is a true tapestry, a woven tale of history, modern day references (introducing the chapters) and tragic beginnings. The often times exasperating experiences as a waiter are laugh out loud funny as well as pathetic. In the end, the author's fulfillment of his dreams and self are achieved making this a compelling story I hope you won't pass upon. Good work John-kudos to you and May all the best be yours.

This book is a detailed, sometimes provocative, and much of the time hilarious look at the behind-the-scenes events occuring in the fine dining industry. It's sort of like VH1's "Behind the Music" only it's in book form instead of TV, and it involves those who work in fine dining instead of musicians. (Although there are many quotes of popular music lyrics in the book.)

This book has it's occasional serious side, but I found it to be informative and often hilarious. The author has an incredible way of weaving in plenty of humor, often through dialogue and exaggeration.

If you want to learn about what goes on behind the kitchen door or behind the bar, and if you love to read humorous writing, then this is the book for you.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this very funny, sharp edged, rendition of anecdotes, great stories and tips on etiqette. Galloway has a unique method of humorously bringing to light lessons for all people in good personal conduct that should be part of everyones social behavior and breeding. I laughed out loud through the whole book! You'll have everyone asking, "What are you reading?"
A must read for anyone who has ever dined out, served in, or owned a restaurant...Everyone!!

What a book. What a writer! John Galloway's work is witty, razor-sharp and wonderfully creative. He takes us behind the kitchen door into the world of fine dining, and what a trip it is! This book is often laugh-out-loud funny, but the laughs are sometimes bittersweet, tempered with Galloway's revelations about the food industry and its accompanying craziness, addictions and unconscionable waste.

What makes the book even more poignant is the way in which Galloway weaves his own life story throughout his anecdotes about restaurant life. We clearly see how this man with so much seeming promise found himself in the chaotic world of fine dining, and we see his struggle to leave it and pursue his dream of flying.

There are a number of behind-the-scenes expose books being written these days. Make this the one you read. Behind the anecdotes in this one is real heart. This is an amazing first novel. I anxiously await Galloway's next effort!

Having had a past career in fine dining myself for over 10 years (I'm a certified chef), and being a writer myself, I whole heartily concur with the experiences as depicted in John Galloway's account of the pit and pratfalls of fine dining. A must read for any of those in the business or those who have the layman's dream "wouldn't it be nice to open a restaurant some day." Don't even think of going into the business until you've read Galloway's "bible" on the subject! This book is also a deep and insightful philosophical look into human nature as a whole. An enjoyable read even if one is not affiliated with fine dining. Galloway should keep writing more, even about other subjects, his style is gripping and he knows how to write a real page turner.

So often I read a memoir (because how could you classify Dry up and with a twist as Not a memoir) and they become dry and boring by the fifth chapter or so. Not so with Mr. Galloway, who takes us on a journey through his life in fine-dining and through fine-dining itself for a not only poignant trip, but also side-splitting at times, and heartbreaking at others. Dry Up and With a Twist is a success both with its simplicity - Mr. Galloway tells us how it is and what he thinks, no bones about it.. not an author to mince words with his audience, he treats us like people not machines - and with it's complexity - I'm from a small town and know little to nothing about fine dining and I learned quite a bit about the so called uppercrust that frequents such places. What a success, and what a joy it must be to have written such a fantastic book. A must-read for any connoisseur of fine books.

Brace yourself for this daring and unbelievably hilarious novel about the truth of fine dining. When you think you've heard it all, you turn the page and read something even more shocking. There were times I reread a section just to relive the sensation. This is a very well written novel.