Appetites

This is a very strange cookbook, yet I'm intrigued by it. I don't know who the intended audience was. The recipes range from the extremely basic (like how to cook bacon), to mid-range (lasagna), to extreme (wild boar). There is no concentration on a cooking style, like Italian or French, nor on anything in particular at all. Rather, it is a mishmash of whatever sounded good at the moment. What is so entertaining is his conversational style around the recipes. If you've read any of his other works, you know that he lived hard, worked hard, and played hard, and his life experience is reflected in the authentic voice of his narrratives. There are plenty of other reviewers who have said the same thing -- so don't be surprised or offended when you hear the profanity. If it bothers you, don't buy the book. The other attraction of this book, for me, anyway, is the outstanding and sometimes shocking photography. You want halibut poached in duck fat? Get ready to see a slab of fish placed across a duck's body, with the eyes and feet still intact. There are other photos of beautifully arranged vegetables, or other animal parts. They are stark reminders of where our (animal) food comes from. There are not many photos of a completed dish; it is more likely to be a picture of the dirty casserole dish when dinner is over. The photographer seems to be so matched to Bourdain's personality, it's great to see their crazy imaginations on the pages of a cookbook. So.... There are a lot of things to complain about in this cookbook if you are offended by them. If you feel otherwise, there's much to be entertained by. You know who you are. Pick accordingly. There's room for all of us.

Perfect

I purchased this cookbook when it first came out, and I still love it. That fried pork chop sandwich was simply amazing. And I mean absolutely amazing. I will make it again and again. I also love how he incorporates what his daughter loves to eat as well. It’s a cookbook for everyday food that’s good and fun to eat, regardless of how traveled or how not traveled you are. Food is always a comfort and song or the heart, and this book showcases all of his.

Beautiful condition. It is even better in person than the photos. The artwork is incredible. I purchased as a gift for my husband who has been a long time fan of Anthony. I went back and forth between this or an autobiography of sorts. Ultimately, this felt like more of a connection to Anthony while also serving a purpose. I only skimmed it, but I liked the little quips and reasonings behind the recipe that also surface level dove into some life philosophies that Anthony carried. Although some of it seemingly silly, a true fan will appreciate getting to connect in this way. I’m sure the recipes will be made, but that was not my main intention for the gift so take that for what you’d like.

Bourdain is always an entertaining read but, in the end, it's a recipe book. Read it for the entertaining verbiage - it's worth it. Skim the recipes for what interests you.

Awesome cookbook. If you are a fan of Bourdain you will love this cookbook. Learning alot. Grilled cheese was a wake up. And its not for kids! This is an adult cookbook because he doesn't hold off on using Colorful words. If you love to cook and are a fan of Bourdain, or even Ralph Steadman who did the cover (Hunter Thompson's best friend, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas?) Pick it up. You wont regret it....

Okay, this is one of those books that when you pick it up in your grubby little hands it says, yeah, I'm hella cool, I'm badass, I got a Ralph frigging Steadman cover and you will not be through with me until I say you are, punk! Now, first, as someone long in the publishing industry world this is a gorgeous book. It feels really good in your hand, has a wonderful weight and heft to it and a nice contrasting cover of high gloss and an almost burlap sensuality. 100%. Open it up and the gorgeous full color photos just don't stop. They are enticing, clear and evocative of the sensibility and meaning of the courses portrayed and there is that unmistakable Bourdain wit at work in most of them. 100%. Then you get to the recipes and it just doesn't let up. Bourdain is at work here too in his off the cuff repartee about food and dishes (wait till you get to his dessert "chapter") and it makes for as entertaining, and useful, a read as the best of the Bourdain essays. I think this is a book I will start at the beginning and read through like a potboiler (all puns shamelessly intended) and then flip it back over and just start making the damn things from the first page. Oh, I know some lucky people who are getting this for Christmas! A must have for any fan of Bourdain, any foodie, or anyone who just loves beautiful books. Buy one to get trashed in the kitchen and another to sit pristinely on top of the stack of books on the coffee table.

It was a gift and they loved it