On the Outside Looking In: A Maitre'D's Memoir (Paperback)

~ James Vollmer (Author)
Key Phrases: reservation sheet, beverage director, Hotel Bel Air, Beverly Wilshire, Frank Sinatra (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A close up look of the rich, the powerful, the famous and infamous as seen through a Beverly Hills Maitre D's eyes.

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (September 18, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1439202796
• ISBN-13: 978-1439202791
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,132,496 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Loved it!!!!!!!, October 15, 2008

By	Janice Biesenbach - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a wonderful book! It gives you a look into the workings of a huge (as Fran Drescher would say) a fancy schmancy hotel. It also is so refreshing to read positive words about entertainers. So many books are filled with dirt. This book is filled with grace, joy, truth, and dignity. You will enjoy page after page of the many delightful stories that Jimmy Vollmer, had with so many entertainers. Jimmy also writes about his good, and bad times in life, and how he was so Blessed, and how he could Bless others. It shows the reader that you can achieve greatness if you just try. It reminds me of the old saying, "If you get knocked down, get up, dust yourself off, and start all over again." This book is truly inspiring.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Memories of a Golden Era, November 5, 2008

By	Jonathon F. - See all my reviews

Jimmy Vollmer's book is full of great anecdotes and insightful memories of a bygone era of Beverly Hills and Hollywood. He spent the better part of a lifetime serving the rich and famous in two of Beverly Hills' (and the world's) greatest five star hotels. His book evokes memories of a generation of celebrities that will never be replaced. You learn not only about the little known side of celebrities when they occasionally "let their hair down", but you also get a very inside look at what true class, style and service meant before the world became predominated by corporate chains and bean counting management. There is much wisdom in this book from a man who has seen a very unique side of this world as a keen observer. After reading this book, you are going to want to dress to the nines, have an elegant meal at the Beverly Wilshire or Bel Air Hotel, and hope against hope that maybe Mr. Vollmer will be the maitre d' there just one more time. A must read!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!, December 17, 2008

By	Samantha Spade (Levittown, Pa USA) - See all my reviews

Biographies are a favorite of mine, and this is the best! This memoir covers a maitre'd's lifetime of experience dealing with the rich and famous in rich and famous hotels. What a job! I loved the little insights into the everyday lives of famous (and infamous) people. I also loved hearing about the history of these grand hotels and their owners. Sometimes funny and sometimes poignant, but always interesting. I loved the tales and the teller of the tales who is both funny and kind in his telling.