The Most Spectacular Restaurant in the World

The Twin Towers, Windows on the World, and the Rebirth of New York

By: Tom Roston

Narrated by: Richard Ferrone

Length: 13 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

The remarkable story of a restaurant on top of the world - built by a legend, destroyed in tragedy - and an era in New York City it helped to frame

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.

©2019 Tom Roston. Published in 2019 by Abrams Press, an imprint of Abrams, Inc. All rights reserved (P)2019 Blackstone Publishing

Incredible story of a great restaurant and a great city

I had the fortune to have lunch one day at the bar at Windows on the World in 1998. The book tells the story of the restaurant’s tragic end, but it is much more than that. It is a story about 20th century NYC, the birth of modern fine dining, and of the lives of people affected by the restaurant. This is worth a listen.

Great history of World Trade Center and NYC

Great info about the twin towers as well an informative history of NYC from 1960’s-2001. First rate.

Part of the story not heard

This is the history of the Windows restaurant on the very upper floors of the World Trade Center. You learn the history of that place, the Twin Towers, New York and most heartbreakingly of all, 9/11 and the people who lost their lives that day who worked for the restaurant. A real journey and important remembering. The very last chapter had me in tears.

Really really good

I still went into reading this book which I got as part of the Audible plus catalog thinking it would just be something silly to pass until I got my next credit. I really didn’t believe that you could write one book about a restaurant but the author does such a great job about integrating the history of the restaurant into the history of New York and other things that are going on at the same time. Really well written. Nicely read. A great listener and a heartwarming story about community in friendship in the culinary industry.

Windows on the world

Terrific story about 911. Author told history of restaurant business in New York beautifully. Reader was just perfect because he sounded like a native of new york

History and heartbreak

Excellent book about a New York landmark that was destroyed on 9/11. Worth the listen.

New Yorkers Must Listen

Loved this story. It is parti immigrant story, history of the rise of modern restaurant culture and captures the rebirth of New York.

The story is rich in detail - think Robert Caro - and has a great narrative. It brings back memories of first visiting New York and the special place that was Windows on the World. Highly recommend.

Very detailed foodie history of WTC and NYC

This book was an outstanding and very detailed history and account of New York City and those responsible for the development of the World Trade Center and it’s Windows on the World. Really enjoyed the foodie history! The book was very tastefully done (no pun intended). Narration was terrific.

Couldn't stop listening! Beautifully done!

This book made me love NYC all over again. It felt as if I was a part of all the excitement and grandeur from Windows on the World. I absolutely loved it all!

A Good Listen

At first I wasn't sure this book was for me, but this was well worth listening or reading and highly recommended. The book has a lot of use full 9/11 information, and plenty of history on the most famous New York area restaurants. Very interesting book. Richard Ferrone does a great job as usual for narrating this audiobook. One of my audible plus selections.