Restaurants in California

First edition (1993) copy of Restaurants in California by Gen Takeshi Saito

After a long period of recession, the world economy is still sluggish, and signs of recovery are quite vague. In these circumstances, the American restaurant industry is no exception, and, at the risk of "survival," restaurants are groping for a way out while repeating trials and errors through new construction, extension or renovation, or changes in menu composition, prices, etc. Thus, all aspects of management are being reviewed and changed.

As for dishes, the mainstream is shifting from gourmet oriented items to more health oriented items cooked by directly utilizing fresh ingredients. As for shop making, the types of interior and operation are changing to those which are more conscious of environment and comfort to satisfy customers, and may be said to be inclined
towards casualness.

This book contains 51 restaurants which have opened in cities in California including Los Angeles, Santa Monica and San Francisco, and are operating successfully due to unique concepts which are hotly talked about and gaining popularity. They include the sister shops of "Remi," "Planet Hollywood," "Luma," etc. which have succeeded in New York on the East Coast, as well as "LULU," "OPUS," etc. which were recently opened by the owners of those East Coast restaurants. Their design may be generally said to have taken root as bright, open and casual "Californian style" in harmony with the environment.

As for types of operation, in addition to Italian and French restaurants, ethnic and specialty restaurants have gained popularity. By utilizing fresh and abundant ingredients available in California, they are developing new types of foods which are served at lower prices.

This book introduces the shop interiors and plans, as well as the menu design used at each restaurant, crew uniforms, and dishes recommended by the chef (dish names are given in the original language). 

Hardcover

Author: Gen Takeshi Saito

Edition/year: 1st, 1993, Graphic-Sha

Condition: missing dust jacket, otherwise in great vintage condition 

Dimensions: 12" x 9.5"