The last time we covered a Kraken Opus book, it had an air of exclusivity surrounding it. There’s no change with this publication slated to hit their catalogue in 2010. Kraken Opus will team up with celebrity chef Marco Pierre White to launch an impressive wine book. The book weighing over 30lb. is to cover the top 100 wineries of the world. The selection process for the 100 wineries is two step. First, Kraken Opus’ experts compile a top 300 list. Then, 40 sommeliers decide on the short list based on a grading criteria at 2010’s wine UN in London. Thirdly, just to keep the ranking all the more exclusive, a top 10 selection will be decided upon. It’s mentioned that every wine producing country will be represented. Each book is accompanied with a six-bottle case of wine from the listed vintners, that’s 600 bottles. The publication series is very limited. There will be only 100 published. So far, there’s 25 that are already spoken for.

pic and info: Decanter

In a current Globe and Mail 4-part series, selected excerpts from Isadore Shape’s book covers the genesis of his Four Seasons hotel empire and the philosophy of their renown service.  The prevalence of the idyllic imagery of 60’s and 70’s Toronto - where it all began, gives you the sense that Sharp was really on to something. And to my surprise there’s a Hungarian connection as well inspiration coming from a fast food chain: McDonald’s. So far, a selection of two texts have been posted. Part one: Building the Dream, link here. Part two: The Golden Rule, link here.

pic and info: Globe and Mail