The Last Days of Haute Cuisine, by Patric Kuh, traces the evolution of fine dining from the opening of Le Pavillon in 1941 to the present time. Kuh has written a nostalgic essay wrapped around Henri Soulé, the maître d’hôtel of Le Pavillon, portrayed to excess in mythic aura. The rise and fall of great restaurants across the land and the influences of iconic foodies—chefs and writers—are woven into this very readable narrative. This book is essential reading for high-end restaurant goers, studious foodies and ambitious chefs. It has been nominated for a 2001 James Beard Foundation book award. If you read Kitchen Confidential, cleanse your pallet with The Last Days of Haute Cuisine.