Book tip of the week: Gastro Management

This practical guide belongs on the desk of every catering professional
© Deutscher Fachverlag GmbH
© Deutscher Fachverlag GmbH
24. August 2025

 | Editorial team

We have read many specialist books on restaurant management, but rarely one that is as compact and practical as “Gastro Management: A Practical Guide for Ambitious Hosts.” We were particularly impressed by the clear structure in eight thematic “courses”—this makes the book not only readable but also logically comprehensible.

What makes this book really strong is that it speaks the language of practice. Whether it’s costing, personnel management, or process design, there’s no beating around the bush here; instead, you’re given tools that you can apply directly in your business. And the QR codes with additional videos? A real added value for anyone who thinks visually and likes to delve deeper into content.

Info:
Gastro-Management. A practical guide for ambitious hosts
Authors: Prof. Dr. Torsten Olderog, Paul Olderog, Julia-Marie Welker
Publisher: Deutscher Fachverlag GmbH
170 pages
ISBN: 978-3-86641-362-7
Price: €38
Publication date: March 2025

Successful leadership instead of just serving

Our conclusion: A must-read for founders, but equally recommended for experienced hosts who want to rethink their strategy or make their business fit for the future. And above all: Finally, a reference book that is not only clever, but also practical.

A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît!
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© Deutscher Fachverlag GmbH

Book tip: Forgotten Heroines

Women Who Make History

History is often a matter of perspective. Forgotten Heroines by Stefanie von Wietersheim shifts precisely this perspective – calmly, thoroughly and with great narrative power. The book brings together portraits of women who were pioneers, visionaries and trailblazers, yet whose achievements are scarcely embedded in the collective memory. Not because they were insignificant, but because history has long been told selectively.

Stefanie von Wietersheim traces the life stories of these women with journalistic precision and narrative depth. She tells the story of Hedy Lamarr, who was not only a film icon but also played a part in developing the technology on which today’s Bluetooth connections are based. She also profiles political figures, social pioneers and creative minds from the worlds of art, fashion and advertising – such as the woman who coined the legendary slogan ‘I love New York’ and thereby redefined city marketing.

INFO
Forgotten Heroines – Women Who Made History
Author: Stefanie von Wietersheim
Publisher: Callwey
Length: 240 pages
ISBN: 978-3-7667-2789-3
Price: €29.95 (Germany) / €30.80 (Austria) / CHF 40.50
Publication date: 2025

Book tip: The Chemistry of Baking

Knowledge that provides reassurance

Baking is all about precision – and this is precisely where The Chemistry of Baking comes in. Nicola Lamb explains not only how to make something work, but above all why. Sound scientific knowledge meets the practical realities of baking, presented in an accessible way and free from kitchen myths. From flour, sugar, eggs and fat right through to common mistakes with ganache, sponge cake or custard: this book provides confidence through understanding.

Over 100 recipes, organised by time required, put theory into practice – from quick projects to ambitious classics. A book that takes away the fear of failure and makes baking understandable as a craft that can be learnt. Essential reading for anyone who wants to know exactly what really happens in the oven.

INFO
The Chemistry of Baking
Author: Nicola Lamb
Publisher: Edition Michael Fischer / EMF Verlag
Length: 352 pages
ISBN: 978-3-7459-2936-2
Price: €35.00 (DE), €36.00 (AT)
Publication date: September 2025

Book tip: A Guest in Rome

Discovering the flavours of the city

The best way to discover Rome is through its food. A Guest in Rome is less a traditional cookbook than a culinary stroll through the city – guided by Stefan Maiwald and brought to life visually by Andrea Di Lorenzo. Between antipasti and dolci, Roman cuisine unfolds as a living culture: authentic, unpretentious and deeply rooted.

Alongside iconic recipes such as cacio e pepe, carciofi alla romana and saltimbocca, the book opens doors to hidden trattorias, markets and cafés that lie far off the beaten track. Anecdotes, historical context and precise insider tips make it clear why food in Rome is always about identity too. A book that combines travel and cuisine – and inspires you to experience Rome with all your senses, whether you’re there or at home.

INFO
A Guest in Rome
Author: Stefan Maiwald
Photography: Andrea Di Lorenzo
Publisher: Callwey
Length: 224 pages
ISBN: 978-3-7667-2822-7
Price: €45.00
Publication date: September 2025

quick & dirty
Gastro-Management © Deutscher Fachverlag GmbH
Book tip of the week: Gastro Management

We have read many specialist books on restaurant management, but rarely one that is as compact and practical as “Gastro Management: A Practical Guide for Ambitious Hosts.” We were particularly impressed by the clear structure in eight thematic “courses”—this makes the book not only readable but also logically comprehensible.

What makes this book really strong is that it speaks the language of practice. Whether it’s costing, personnel management, or process design, there’s no beating around the bush here; instead, you’re given tools that you can apply directly in your business. And the QR codes with additional videos? A real added value for anyone who thinks visually and likes to delve deeper into content.

Info:
Gastro-Management. A practical guide for ambitious hosts
Authors: Prof. Dr. Torsten Olderog, Paul Olderog, Julia-Marie Welker
Publisher: Deutscher Fachverlag GmbH
170 pages
ISBN: 978-3-86641-362-7
Price: €38
Publication date: March 2025