The anecdotal history of Harry's Bar in Venice, a meeting place for the rich and famous for sixty-five years, accompanies the autobiography of one of the founders of the bar, Arrigo Cipriani, from World War II through the present.
Harry's Bar
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
For the weary traveler or isolated expat, there is nothing like finding that special bar or café that can make you feel welcome when you are far from home. While the desperate characters of Casablanca had Rick's Place, we have our favorites as well: Willi's Wine Bar in Paris, Jo's Bar in Prague, the Café Greco Antico in Rome, or Magaritsa in Sophia. Harry's Bar in Venice is such a spot--and one of the most famous at that. Just off the Palazzo San Marco, Harry's Bar has played host to such literary luminaries as Truman Capote and Ernest Hemingway, cinema heavyweights the likes of Orson Welles, and rich and powerful guests such as the Aga Khan. Harry's Bar is the biography of this institution. In this witty memoir, Arrigo Cipriani gives us the view from behind the bar, sharing anecdotes about the operation of the Venetian watering hole, disclosing secrets of mixacology, and passing on the old stories of his father, who cofounded Harry's in 1931.
From Library Journal
Arrigo Cipriani is the son of Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of Harry's Bar, a successful Venice restaurant and frequent destination of the rich and famous during the Forties and Fifties. Cipriani is a frequent contributor to Italian magazines and a published novelist, so his style is interesting and informative, not unwieldy or too technical. He describes in a lively fashion his father's early training in grand hotel restaurants and the decisions he made on the type of cuisine, furniture, tableware, and, most important, the proper manner to use with guests (accommodating but not servile) in his new establishment. Those looking for kiss-and-tell revelations about such frequent patrons as Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles, the Aga Khan, or other members of cafe society will be disappointed. As Cipriani points out, a successful restaurateur is discreet. Later chapters tell the story of the construction and operation of Cipriani's, the New York counterpart of Harry's Bar. Black-and-white illustrations of the restaurants and some of their most famous patrons are included. Suitable for collections specializing in famous restaurants and landmarks of high society.?Mary Ann Parker, California Dept. of Water Resources Law Lib., Sacramento
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good service viewed as a calling,
By
This review is from: Harry's Bar: The Life & Times of the Legendary Venice Landmark (Hardcover)
It's hard to believe that its been almost a year since I was in Venice, enjoying a cocktail at Harry's Bar one evening before dinner. This book sheds some light on the history and reputation of the establishment. However, in spite of the title, this book isn't just about Harry's Bar. It also has characteristics of a memoir, describing the author's experiences both in Venice and in New York, where two related establishments have existed at various times. There are also traces of a gossip column in here as well, as the author describes some of the rich and famous who have patronized Harry's Bar over the years.
This is a pleasant read, if a little shallow in content. Perhaps the most interesting element of this book (at least for me, anyway) is the author's views on what constitutes quality service. It is interesting to read an insider's rant against the popular trends in the hospitality industry. I also enjoy the descriptions of Venice, as they provided me with a wonderful chance to reflect on the beauty of that city.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
What Happens in Harry's Should Stay in Harry's,
This review is from: Harry's Bar: The Life & Times of the Legendary Venice Landmark (Hardcover)
In November of 2007 in Harry's Bar, that venerable Venice institution, my friend and I had two small martinis each, and I bought a copy of this book which the wait staff gently push. The bill for the two drinks and the book was $132.00, so we know that Harry's is pricey. Giuseppe Cipriani founded the bar in 1931 with the financial aid of a wealthy American named Harry Pickering who provided the bar with its name. Pickering was a silent partner and within a few years Cipriani bought him out. This book is told by Giuseppe's son, Arrigo. The father apprenticed in every aspect of the hospitality industry and loved it.
Giuseppe picked out the small fifteen foot by thirty foot space which had been a cordage warehouse at the end of a dead end street on the lagoon right near St. Mark's Square. He espoused three things in his business: quality, a smile, and simplicity. This is, of course, a puff piece, a self-serving promotion for the bar and its numerous other restaurants and enterprises. A touching scene is a description of the father's funeral with seven splendid gondolas and the sixteen magnificent gondoliers. The city's vaporini slowed to watch the procession pass. Harry's was and is host to the famous of the world. Ernest Hemingway helped make the bar famous as did Orson Welles, Truman Capote, the Aga Khan, Barbara Hutton, and innumerable other celebs. It's a gossipy, kiss and tell-all book. One wishes at times that Arrigo would be more discreet in his stories. It should have been his dictum that what happened in Harry's stayed in Harry's. The last half of the book is really well-padded and falls apart as the boastful Arrigo tells about establishing his New York empire. There is a chapter in which workmen natter on about nothing and a long-winded chapter containing what Arrigo thinks is the hilarious correspondence between himself and a customer. The pureed peach and champagne cocktail called the Bellini was invented there, and is still the signature drink of the place. Carpaccio was popularized there. Arrigo has a sharp tongue and is not afraid to be nasty and sarcastic about certain customers. It's a gotcha piece as well as a puff piece. Having been there several times, I can say that the Venice establishment does have a wonderful ambience, and the help are friendly. Oh, but those exorbitant prices are probably those most memorable feature of the place. But if you can't afford to play, don't suit for the game. May Harry's live forever. Cheers!
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellenct Reference Book,
This review is from: Harry's Bar: The Life & Times of the Legendary Venice Landmark (Hardcover)
This is an easy and enjoyable read that gives you a true look into the world of the Ciprianis. Includes original photos as well!
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