I have no idea what took me so long to read "Kitchen Confidential", but I must say it is one of the best books that I've read in the past 6 months! This memoir is all about the restaurant industry, both good and bad, and Anthony Bourdain's rise from lowly dishwasher to Executive Chef of one of the finest restaurants in New York City. Needless to say, his trip has many twists and turns, most of which I found quite funny. Having worked in the food service industry for years (in the corporate office, not in the kitchen), I was well aware of the slave-like working conditions and total dedication required to be successful in this very fickle business.

I love Bourdain's irreverent attitude as well as his writing style. In fact, it is said that he is a better writer than he is a cook. If you are easily offended by foul language, be forewarned before embarking on this delightful adventure with the star of the Travel Channel's "No Reservations" show. Bourdain is one of my heroes and I plan to read more of his books in the very near future...which means as soon as Book Traders can get them for me.

Mik, you are on formal notice to find more Bourdain books for me! ;~)

Jan, you'll love this.  Your favorite chef vs. Your least favorite chef.  This is from today's USA Today.   I was watching his show last night.  Hilarious.

Bourdain badmouths Rachael Ray

Looks like a feud's a-brewing: Celeb chef Anthony Bourdain takes on Rachael Ray and her big-money deal to endorse Dunkin' Donuts in next month's Outside magazine. Says Bourdain: "She's got a magazine, a TV empire, all these best-selling books -- I'm guessing she's not hurting for money. She's hugely influential, particularly with children. And she's endorsing Dunkin' Donuts. It's like endorsing crack for kids."

USA TODAY's Donna Freydkin was just chatting with Rachael says she signed the Dunkin’ deal because “I love drinking their coffee. I drink gallons of coffee.”

More importantly, Ray praises Dunkin’ Donuts for being “a company making the right choices. They got rid of trans-fats, and that’s a huge change. They were committed to making healthier choices as a company and trying to get our kids healthier.” And she has no hard feelings toward the always-outspoken Bourdain.

I would say that Rachel not only drinks gallons of Dunkin' Donuts coffee, she obviously partakes of the donuts frequently as well. I wonder if she is thinking that maybe SUGAR, in massive quantities, is a healthy choice. Where is the Thorazine when the girl needs it? ;~)

Bourdain RULES!!!

Thanks for the post Mik; you made me smile!

Ok I finally got my own copy of this now.  Angela started it last night too.  I'll keep you posted but I'm sure I won't be disappointed.

I brought in "The Nasty Bits" to Book Traders last night. You should get that one too...it's in hardback even! Though not as good as "Kitchen Confidential", it's worth the read!

Mik, I failed to mention that I'm reading "A Cook's Tour" by Bourdain now. I'm loving it just as I did the other two. However, nothing he writes could ever compare to "Kitchen Confidential"; he's set a high standard for himself. ;~)

BTW, I messed up again last night and bought a Stephen King book that I already have a copy of on my shelf. I'll return it soon. I know, I know...you don't have to say it...I'm old and can't even remember my name at times.