I bought this book or it was given to me while working with Charlie Trotter and Carrie Nahabedian in Lake Forest, Il. at ‘Sinclair’s’. If it was a gift it probably came from Gordon Sinclair who owned the restaurant along with businessman Marshall Field IV. Gordon was great at sharing key books that he knew would help us expand our repertoire in exciting but well-grounded ways. “The Four Seasons” cookbook was quite a mix of Swiss technique excellence by Chef Seppi Renggli and the famous and infamous that dined at the legendary restaurant and whose salutations and autographs are part of the artwork of this book.
The original Four Seasons restaurant was revered as one of the canonical dining establishments not only in New York but in America. The Four Seasons operated within the Seagram Building at 99 East 52nd Street for most of its existence, although it relocated to 42 East 49th Street in its final year of operation. The restaurant was themed around the seasons of the year, with menus, decorations, and vegetation that changed every three months. It attracted numerous high-profile personalities and often hosted “power lunches”. Despite mixed commentary of the restaurant’s food, the Four Seasons was highly popular, winning the James Beard Award several times.