Turning Tables [Paperback]

Heather MacDowell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 24, 2009

Erin Edwards is an up-and-coming marketing exec who frequents New York’s hippest eateries—until the tables are turned. Now, newly unemployed, Erin only has days to transform herself into a first-class server at Roulette, one of Manhattan’s top restaurants. Can she make it in a world where survival is all about . . .

But life behind the apron is even worse than Erin imagined—within days she finds herself in hot water with Roulette’s egomaniacal celebrity chef and the owner’s outrageous wife. And then there’s the surly, dismissive clientele—all but Daniel Fratelli, the flirtatious TV news producer who may just be as nice as he seems. Determined not to crack under pressure, Erin sets out to master the art of waitressing—becoming part shrink, part slave, and part foie gras pusher. It seems like she’ll be hustling for that twenty percent for the rest of her life, until her quirky best friend comes up with the perfect recipe for success—or a second course of disaster.

In this smart, sexy, and wickedly observant novel, identical twins and onetime real-life waitresses Heather and Rose MacDowell bring a deliciously tart verisimilitude to this story of a young woman’s adventures at Manhattan’s most exclusive new haunt.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. Penned by twins who've paid their dues in the restaurant biz, this whip-smart debut chronicles a brief slice of the life of Erin Edwards, a marketing manager who loses her job and cashes in family favors to snag a wait-staff position at Roulette, a top-flight New York City restaurant. Erin, devoid of waitressing experience, has a disastrous first day and comes under the scrutiny of Steve, the restaurant's grouchy owner, and chef Carl, who's as charming as he is terrifying. Luckily for Erin, seasoned waiter Cato Poole offers to mentor her. With Cato's help and friendship, Erin learns the ropes. Though Steve and Carl make it clear that they've got their eye on her, Erin manages to canoodle with a co-worker and a powerful television producer customer. This page-turner reads like recent restaurant-linked memoirs, with accounts of unrealistic expectations, slippery tactics, critic- and rival-driven anxieties and general kitchen mayhem. Chick lit standards like gossipy scenes with the best friend are mercifully short, and though the novel ends on a cheesy note, the rest of the ride is tons of fun, especially for those who've done time in the service industry. (Mar.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

“Turning Tables is tons of fun! Heather and Rose MacDowell’s twin voices blend seamlessly to create a delectable fusion of humor, heart, hope and keen observation—peppered liberally with some great waitress horror stories.” –Claire Cook, author of Life's a Beach and Must Love Dogs

"Turning Tables is like a top chef's tasting menu, offering one delight after another with plenty of delicious surprises along the way."—Claire LaZebnik, author of Knitting Under the Influence and Same as it Never Was

"Heather and Rose MacDowell's debut novel, Turning Tables, is a hilarious read which rings true. It's the perfect book for anyone who's ever been forced to take orders..." —Leanne Shear and Tracey Toomey, authors of The Perfect Manhattan and Cocktail Therapy

“A spirited debut…. The setting sparkles.”—Kirkus Reviews

“This page-turner ... is tons of fun, especially for those who've done time in the service industry.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Turning Tables is full of factual insights for curious foodies.”—Sacramento Bee

“A hilarious read that rings true. It’s the perfect book for anyone who’s ever been forced to take orders.” —Leanne Shear and Tracey Toomey, authors of Lipstick Therapy

“Entertaining . . . ought to be required reading for restaurant reviewers and lousy tippers.” —Boston Globe

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Bantam Discovery; Reprint edition (March 24, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385338554
• ISBN-13: 978-0385338554
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.7 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,487,131 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good, March 25, 2008

By 

Tina "Tina" (Montreal, Quebec) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Turning Tables (Hardcover)

For some reason, when I picked up this book I thought it a Memoir - even though the word NOVEL appears right on the cover! Once that got cleared up, I could enjoy the book.

I have bemoaning the demise of chick lit lately - but after reading this book, I can say that publishers can still put out some good chick lit once in awhile.

The story of a Marketing Exec who ends up waitressing at a higher end restaurant is absolutely delightful. The storyline is engaging, the characters are fun (for the most part) and surprisingly, the storyline is more about the girl getting the job instead of the girl running after the prince. Of course, as in good chick lit, there is a healthy dose of romance, but fortunately, the romance is not corny or too out there.

The writing style is fun and I really, really liked this book. Hopefully a sequel will be in the making.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read, March 25, 2008

By 

Cleo (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Turning Tables (Hardcover)

I was lucky to get an advance copy of this book, which is a terrific behind-the-scenes view of high-end restaurants. The characters are real and engaging. Biting humor, social satire, and a fun story.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just like my job, August 27, 2008

By 

R. Decker III - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Turning Tables (Hardcover)

From the first page I was hooked. It's very well written. It's funny, embarrassing, and realistic. I work in a pretty classy restaurant and everything rings true to life. Cato is my Tony, Ron is my Michael, and Alain is my Brad. If you have worked is a restaurant the you should read this book.