Book tip of the week: Unreasonable hospitality

A radical redefinition of hospitality
© ZS
© ZS
30. March 2025 |

Editorial team

In “Unreasonable Hospitality”, Will Guidara shows that hospitality can – and often should – go far beyond simply meeting expectations. Guidara takes us on the journey of how he turned Eleven Madison Park from a struggling two-star restaurant into the best restaurant in the world. The key? A radical redefinition of hospitality, with a focus on unforgettable experiences.

The anecdotes from his time at Eleven Madison Park are inspiring and often astounding. Whether it’s a sleigh ride in Central Park or transforming the dining room into a beach vacation with real sand, Guidara impressively demonstrates how small and large gestures can transform relationships with guests and employees. What may seem “unreasonable” at first glance has an astonishing effect: it creates loyalty, enthusiasm and a corporate culture that allows everyone involved to grow.

The book is more than just a look behind the scenes of one of the best restaurants in the world. It is a manifesto for an attitude that can be applied far beyond the world of gastronomy. Guidara’s principles of generosity and commitment are transferable to any industry and invite us to rethink the concept of excellence.

Info:
ZS – a publishing house of the Edel Publishing Group
ISBN 978-3-96584-376-9
352 pages

Our conclusion:

“Unreasonable hospitality” is an inspiring book for anyone who wants to give more than the bare minimum in their professional or private life. It shows how extraordinary experiences are created and why it is sometimes worth being “unreasonably” generous. A must-read for managers, hosts and anyone who wants to create extraordinary moments - in the hospitality industry and beyond.

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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© ZS

Book tip of the week: Thai Kitchen

The essence of Thai cuisine

“Thai Kitchen” is the ideal book for anyone who loves the variety and flavors of Thai cuisine and wants to recreate authentic dishes at home. With 100 recipes ranging from classics such as Pad Thai, Thai Curry and Tom Kha Gai to street food highlights and aromatic desserts, this book offers a comprehensive collection for a real Thai feeling in the home kitchen.

Particularly noteworthy are the clear step-by-step instructions, which make it easy for even novice cooks to get to grips with Thai cuisine. The recipes are complemented by helpful information on local ingredients and special preparation techniques, making the cooking experience not only authentic but also educational.

The atmospheric food photography gives the book a warm, inviting atmosphere and makes you want to try out the recipes straight away. Whether papaya salad, som tam, aromatic wok dishes or spicy dips – each recipe promises a little culinary journey to Thailand.

Info:
DK Verlag Dorling Kindersley
ISBN 978-3-8310-4942-4
272 pages

Culinary Jesolo

The best breakfast spots, pizzerias & beach bars with a taste factor

Jesolo in March – quiet, pristine and full of flavor. Our trip to Jesolo deliberately took us to the Italian Adriatic far away from the season: in March, when the beaches are still empty, there are no sun loungers and parasols to spoil the view and the town is in its quiet, authentic form. It is precisely during this quieter time that we have visited a few restaurants that impress with their quality and hospitality, not only in summer but also in the off-season. This makes them a real must for anyone who wants to enjoy Jesolo away from the hustle and bustle.

Anyone on vacation in Jesolo is looking for culinary experiences as well as sun and sea. Whether it’s croissants warm from the oven in the morning, vegan surprises, sustainable pizza art or relaxed drinks with a sea view – Jesolo has a lot to offer. We have tested some of the most exciting places – from breakfast to sundowners.

Book tip of the week: Positive leadership saves the hotel industry

A must-read for anyone with responsibility in the hotel industry

The hotel industry is under pressure: the shortage of skilled workers is worsening, staff turnover remains high and expectations of employers are higher than ever. Vivien Schulter tackles precisely this area of tension with “Positive Leadership saves the hotel industry” – and delivers a long overdue manifesto for a new leadership culture in the industry.

What makes this book so special? It goes far beyond mere theories. Schulter shows that modern leadership is not just about numbers, rosters and hierarchies, but about real human relationships. She makes it clear that appreciation is not just an empty phrase, but a business model. And she backs this up with tangible, immediately implementable strategies that hotel businesses of all sizes can use.

Info:
Storylution Verlag
ISBN 978-3-7115-7288-2
76 pages

quick & dirty
Unreasonable hospitality © ZS
Book tip of the week: Unreasonable hospitality

In “Unreasonable Hospitality”, Will Guidara shows that hospitality can – and often should – go far beyond simply meeting expectations. Guidara takes us on the journey of how he turned Eleven Madison Park from a struggling two-star restaurant into the best restaurant in the world. The key? A radical redefinition of hospitality, with a focus on unforgettable experiences.

The anecdotes from his time at Eleven Madison Park are inspiring and often astounding. Whether it’s a sleigh ride in Central Park or transforming the dining room into a beach vacation with real sand, Guidara impressively demonstrates how small and large gestures can transform relationships with guests and employees. What may seem “unreasonable” at first glance has an astonishing effect: it creates loyalty, enthusiasm and a corporate culture that allows everyone involved to grow.

The book is more than just a look behind the scenes of one of the best restaurants in the world. It is a manifesto for an attitude that can be applied far beyond the world of gastronomy. Guidara’s principles of generosity and commitment are transferable to any industry and invite us to rethink the concept of excellence.

Info:
ZS – a publishing house of the Edel Publishing Group
ISBN 978-3-96584-376-9
352 pages