Culinary Truths: The Bourdain Way. A Book Reflection.

Reading Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, I found myself more and more fascinated by the culinary industry. I also found myself wanting to sit down with Bourdain, chat, and become best friends—with his conversational writing style, it is not hard to imagine that he would be a great dinner date.

It isn’t great literature, rather, it’s an ideal Metro read. (Which, to be honest, is really all I have time for these days!) It’s an enjoyable easy read; very funny, interesting, and I am going to go as far to say it is eye opening and educational. However, I say it is a great Metro read because while it is all of these things, you don’t get too attached or immersed by it; you can read a few pages and stop, or if you have an especially long wait—maybe even a few chapters. It’s entertaining enough to hold my attention on a crowded train, but not so much that I feel the need to walk down the street reading it. (It kinda bothers me when people do that...watch where your going!)

This book will not make you want to become a chef. It actually specifically states that you have to be a bit crazy to consider it. However, it might make you want to become friends—well, maybe acquaintances—with a chef; possibly Bourdain himself, if you appreciate someone who is a bit (probably, rightfully so) full of themselves, a little more than a but crazy, and most likely a very good time.

Bourdain is honest about his career path, and while it is someone non-traditional and off the beaten path, it is almost to be expected in the line of work. Once introduced to his fellow industry workers, it is soon clear that it is almost necessary to fall into the kitchen unexpectedly. It is almost like reading those ‘true life’ stories about being a rock star or an athlete—it’s glamour on the outside and kind of a bitch on the real side. It seems to be one of those things that you have to be 100% in it to stay in it, which a lot of people don’t necessarily have or aren’t willing to put out.

If nothing else, Kitchen Confidential offers a new perspective on the culinary industry, and certainly brings a new light to going out to eat. I also find myself filled with a greater respect when someone tells me they are a chef. The light that is shown upon the career in the movies or otherwise—whether positive, negative, or indifferent—does not do it justice. Bourdain, on the other hand, shares his experience in a brutally honest manner, shedding away the exterior and making a bold step to get to the gritty reality.