Review of Definitive Guide to Restaurant Magic by Wayne Goodman

Here’s a book with an ambitious premise. As the title implies, Definitive Guide to Restaurant Magic promises to teach you the art of performing magic in restaurants for money and profit (and maybe fun?). It’s got some good advice – much of which hasn’t been covered in other books and DVDs that I’ve studied – and there are some areas that Wayne Goodman can almost call “definitive,” at least for now.

Fast Read
The book is a short read – I finished it in less than an hour. I was most impressed with the way that Goodman emphasized the business aspects.

This is the first time that I’ve seen a magician discuss the true business of restaurants: rates of returns, the big firms that control dining establishments and how they work (from a UK perspective) and how restaurants view potential entertainment in their restaurants.

I think that most who want to get into restaurant magic – and I’m often asked – think that magic is there to enhance a restaurant’s atmosphere– but few understand that it’s there to enhance the bottom line. Goodman is able to offer some insights into these aspects.

Definitive?
You’ll find lots of useful advice on getting the gig, working the gig, marketing and more. There are no tricks taught – you’re on your own for the magic that you’ll perform.

If you’re trying to get into restaurants, you’ll learn some useful information and advice in this book. But don’t expect it to teach you everything that you need to know. In my experience, no book or DVD will offer you that magic bit of information to make it all happen. It takes work, effort, motivation, and yes, some rejection, to successfully make it in restaurant magic. 

More on Restaurant Magic: 
Review-Live at the Jailhouse: a Guide to Restaurant Magic

Review of Restaurant Magic Reader by Jim Sisti

Distributed by Murphy's Magic 

Review of Infallible by Mark Elsdon and Alakazam Magic

Infallible offers a combination mentalism and card trick that offers a strong prediction.

I’ve definitely seen the basic effect and method before, but the effect makes use of a couple of brilliant innovations.

You can read my review here. 

More Reading: 
Trick Review: Trilogy by Brian Caswell - Magic & Illusion - About.com
Trilogy Streamline by Brian Caswell - Magic & Illusion - About.com

Review of Collision V2 by Ravi Mayar and MagicTao

Collision V2 teaches close-up magic with everyday objects such as finger rings, gum, matches, coins and more. And notably, there are no card tricks.

The effects by Ravi Mayar aren't difficult to learn and perform and most are quite visual. You'll find that many require gimmicks that you learn to make. I found lots to like.

You can read my review here. 

More Reading:
Exploring Magical Presentations by Eugene Burger
Review of Noted 2.0 by Gary Jones and Magic Tao
Review of OCD Deck by Andrew Gerard and SansMinds