Since 1980, when the first edition of Where To Find It, Buy It,

Eat It in New York was published, the story of this book has

become something of a legend in the publishing world. It is now in

its sixth edition, and more than 350,000 copies have been sold.

The big question, which is still asked over and over again, is how

a man who lives in Oregon and works in Washington, D.C., could

write a best-selling guide to the Big Apple? Well, it isn t as com-

plicated as it may seem. I was born into a retailing family in

Oregon, and during my early years I spent a great deal of time

working in our stores and with our buyers in the markets of New

York. I fell in love with the city at that early age, and the love affair

has continued all my life.

After the family department-store business was sold, I decided to

go into public service. I soon became Chief of Staff for United

States Senator Mark Hatfield. Of course, the work in Washington

is fascinating, but for variety and change of pace, I have spent two

weekends a month for the past 22 years in New York.

As a former retailer, I have visited literally thousands of stores,

evaluating their services, selections, and the value of their merchan-

dise. As the proprietor of a konditorei, a European-style gourmet

food emporium, in Oregon, I feel I ve earned my credentials to

pass judgment on food shops and restaurants. I ve tried over 1,400

eating spots in Manhattan and picked out the best values in every

category for you. As a world traveler (I ve visited every continent

and over 130 countries), I feel qualified to comment on hotels and

other travel services for visitors and sightseers.

Probably the biggest difference between this book and other

guidebooks to New York (and the thing that I think has made it so

popular) is that this is one person s evaluation of the New York

scene. Since most guidebooks are written by a group of people,

there is little continuity in the assessment of restaurants, stores, ser-

vices, hotels, sights, and the like. This book reflects how I view the

most exciting city in the world, and I hope my thoughts and ideas

will help you save time and money. You may not agree with all my

opinions, but at least this book can be a starting point for your own

adventures in New York.