Nobody Knows the Truffles I've Seen

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In this immensely moving and entertaining memoir, George Lang recounts his extraordinary life with a mix of dark humor and joy. He shares his experiences during the Nazi takeover, his harrowing escape to freedom, and his transformation from a budding violinist to a key figure in America's culinary revolution after World War II. Born in Székesfehérvár, Hungary, Lang was the only child of a Jewish tailor and seemed destined for a concert career. However, at nineteen, he was imprisoned in a forced-labor camp, never to see his parents again. Miraculously surviving through his tailoring skills, he faced further torture and a sham trial after liberation. His escape attempts, including a hired hearse, led him through minefields to the Austrian border. Arriving in New York in 1946, Lang's survival skills opened doors to various opportunities, including a stint on the Arthur Godfrey show and managing a "wedding factory" on the Bowery. He eventually transitioned from music to the culinary world, managing banquets for dignitaries and pioneering the concept of food as entertainment. Lang's innovative spirit led him to create the profession of restaurant consultant, establishing numerous dining venues worldwide. He also revived iconic restaurants like Café des Artistes in New York and Gundel in Hungary. His memoir captures the vibrant atmosphere of Budapest's coffeehouses and features a colorful cast of characters, making it a quintessent