Kitchen Confidential Updated Ed: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly (P.S.) by Anthony Bourdain Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Kitchen Confidential Updated Ed: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly (P.S.)
Book Review: I hope Bourdain's a better cook than writer!
Summary: 3 Stars
I was looking forward to reading this, the reviews were great, my expectations high. But like a badly prepared souffle, this just didn't rise to the occasion. The monologue quickly becomes tiresome and self-indulgent. The insights not very insightful. And humour? I must have missed it! My advice: try something else off the menu.Book Review: Good starter let down by self-indulgent main course
Summary: 2 Stars
Having heard the author reading parts of this on radio, I bought it expecting witty anecdotes and insights. It starts OK, but soon becomes a school essay on "What I've done with my life". We are not allowed to forget that cooking is the new rock 'n roll and Mr. Bourdain is, of course, a fabulous superstar who has overcome every (self-inflicted) obstacle.To say that Mr. Bourdain is egotistical is like saying that pomegranates have a few seeds in them. To say that he is a good writer is like saying that brussel sprouts are a gourmet delight.
Book Review: Fast, full of American bravado and machosism; and readable.
Summary: 4 Stars
I'd picked up the book and read at some pace. Next thing I knew,I came to the end. Very readable and if you could suppress your cynical instincts, you will find the book pleasurable. The lay-out of the book is chaotic; Anthony's life may seem like a series of stacatto chapters that seem to have little connection at times. Emotive, testosterone-filled phrases are served with gusto. At times, he appeared unsure; some other times proud claims were contradictory to his so-called principles. But he does it with style. Sometimes, it is nice to read about the frantic but quality ravings of a chef - that knows how to do it. Maybe his cooking is a little bit like that.Book Review: HILARIOUS AND REALISTIC
Summary: 5 Stars
Mr Bourdain is very funny, humane, honest and a loving person. The book is well structed and well written. He tells us how he falls in love with food and how he becomes a chef. This autobiography is full of good and funny stories, real life scenes in the kitchen, recipes, tips of the trade, real people and tears and laughter. He is honest in telling us what really happens behind the kitchen door (including his old drug taking habits) and it is an eye opener to people who are not in his trade. He has a good sense of humour and is an excellent story teller.
Book Review: dangerous!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'll recommend this to anyone, but especially anyone who has come through catering themselves - chef, pot washer, waitress, whatever - you'll understand exactly what he's talking about, and know he's not exagerating one bit! Dangerous though - it made me nostalgic about my 'good old chef-ing days', and anything that does that should be illeagal!Hilarious - buy it.