Episode 211: Michael Cecchi-Azzolina (author, Your Table is Ready)

New York City listeners will no doubt recognize Michael Cecchi-Azzolina's face, if not his name. For several decades now, he's run the dining rooms of some of the most popular, acclaimed, and influential restaurants in Manhattan, including Raoul's and Le Coucou. Michael's first book, Your Table is Ready: Tales of a New York City Maître D', which debuted just last week, is a no-holds-barred account of life in the front-of-house trenches, with all the vivid, sometimes lurid detail you'd expect. Andrew and MIchael sat down recently to discuss the book, its themes, and tangential issues such as guest etiquette (or lack thereof) and the most effective way to convey customer feedback.Andrew Talks to Chefs is a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related news.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.We'd love if you followed us on Instagram. Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!