In the 1970s, New York City was plagued by crime, filth, and an ineffective government. The city was falling apart, and even the newly constructed World Trade Center threatened to be a fiasco. But in April 1976, a quarter-mile up on the 107th floor of the North Tower, a new restaurant called Windows on the World opened its doors—a glittering sign that New York wasn’t done just yet.
In The Most Spectacular Restaurant in the World, journalist Tom Roston tells the complete history of this incredible restaurant, from its stunning $14-million opening to 9/11 and its tragic end. There are stories of the people behind it, such as Joe Baum, the celebrated restaurateur, who was said to be the only man who could outspend an unlimited budget; the well-tipped waiters; and the cavalcade of famous guests, as well as everyday people celebrating the key moments in their lives. Roston also charts the changes in American food, from baroque and theatrical to locally sourced and organic. Built on nearly 150 original interviews, The Most Spectacular Restaurant in the World is the story of New York City’s restaurant culture and the quintessential American drive to succeed.
Reviews (5)
"Windows"...
(Book review) It's been said that often a restaurant's staff can become a small community. From the front to the back house workers, the kitchen staff and waitstaff, and going back to the original designers, people meld into a unit. They're all working together to give the diner the best meal and setting they can provide. I'd imagine this is especially true in a restaurant as storied as "Windows on the World", the restaurant at the top of World Trade Center's North Tower. It was this Tower that was hit on September 11, 2001 by American Airlines #11. As most people know, there were no survivors from the building's upper floors, including those people who had been working and eating in "Windows". Author Tom Roston writes about the WTC, and in particular, the restaurants, in his new book, "Most Spectacular Restaurant in the World: The Twin Towers, 'Windows on the World', and the Rebirth of New York". Tom Roston begins at the beginning - the 1960's - when powers-that-be in New York City decided to turn around Lower Manhattan. Long an area of houses and small businesses, several builders and the Port Authority made plans to erect two towers - each about 110 stories high - and transform Lower Manhattan. The Towers were built and became the jewels of the Financial District. (The author does say they were not well-received at first, but seemed to "grow" on people.) The developers decided to put restaurants at the 106th and 107th floors; the complex eventually had three or four restaurants but the main one was "Windows on the World". They were all operated by the same companies, which changed as the years went on. One of the best parts of Roston's book is the emphasis on how the menus were developed. Lots of chefs seem to have a hand in shaping the cuisine over the years, beginning with the French food that was de riguer at fancy New York restaurants. The menus changed as the tastes of diners changed and food like sushi became more accepted. Okay, how difficult is it to open and operate a restaurant? Pretty damn difficult, as most new restaurants close within their first few years of business. Famous restauranteur Joseph Baum and his small company were hired to make the complex a huge success, where, hopefully, the food and ambiance would match the views. But the economic times - the early 1970's - were also bad in NYC and the city was seen as crime-ridden. Against all odds and problems - from labor problems to not being able to cook with gas in the restaurants - the restaurant and its auxiliaries, opened staffed and on time. Early reviewers were more complimentary about the views than the food, but the place was a success. Tom Roston takes the reader behind the scenes from the conception of the idea, through the design, building, and staffing the restaurants. This happened twice; there was a second reopening of "Windows" in the mid-90's after it was closed in 1993 after Tower 1 was bombed. And then, the restaurant was closed... for good on September 11th. I assume there's a restaurant complex at the top of building that was erected after the Twin Towers came down, but I doubt it can match the original, "Windows on the World".
A Most Spectacular Book !
Tom Roston's excellently researched book about the 25 year history of" Windows on the World" and the World Trade Center is a story that really has not been told until now. Having worked at Windows myself for over 12 years I must say that I ate this book up... and it has a New York flavor ! So many interesting stories that I myself never knew ! Windows on the World made people want to excel and go beyond the tremendous views that lured the soul. And Tom Roston's book has a grandeur all it's own. It's unequivocally a Spectacular Publication !
An amazing story of the famed New York City cultural landmark
This book tells the important and, till now, neglected, story of the famed Windows on the World restaurant, and the culture of its existence, and its demise on 9/11. For those of us in the City at the time, it was a cultural touchstone, as restaurant, bar, dance space, and even concert venue. This book serves a background for all that, a memorial, and fascinating character study of those involved in the creation and operation of Windows. A great read for students and fans of NYC cultural and culinary history, and those who want a behind-the-scenes look at the famed restaurant and the those who made it all happen. Highly recommended.
The Most Beautiful Restrau
Still reading this amazing book. I ALWAYS dreamed of having a romantic dinner or special family event at Windows on the World. I am so very sorry I never had the chance. I bought the book because it is the closest I can get to my dream now.💔 May God Bless all who lost their lives on September 11th, God Bless their precious families.❤️
Twin Tower's history are beyond grasp. The characters are extraordinary. Excellent!
I'm blown away by the historical account of all the players involved in the Twin Towers restaurants and Windows on the World. Tom Roston is an amazing, detailed writer that has me gripped from the start. This is a must-read for anyone who is passionate about NY, food and the Twin Towers.
