I feel like an author should never apologize. This book seemed to start with a lot of fear, but it was strange to hear his voice almost narrating the book in my mind. His writing in my opinion is sharp and after all the "they wouldn't want you to hear" BS it finally took off and was a great look into one man's perspective of a unique career. If you ever spent a day in a kitchen or working in a restaurant its a unique perspective, and might make you feel better about getting loose in the walk in. Overall I enjoyed the book and could see the ease of transition to his television shows. It was a decent fast read, but drug on in my opinion and even had a Dennis Miller kind of feel at times. (or maybe my vocabulary isn't as decent as I thought). I wouldn't read it again, but I would suggest it as a fun insightful read maybe between the lunch and dinner rush. I was hoping for a little more edge. Although as a character and a writer-I just really like this guy. ( )

(This review also appears on Amazon.co.uk)

I really enjoy Bourdain's show `No Reservations' where he visits different parts of the world, experiencing new cultures and cuisine- and have been wanting to read one of his books for a while. This one comprises two of his travel/food memoirs so I thought it would be the ideal read.

What I appreciated upon opening the first page was that Bourdain writes in pretty much the same way as he speaks on his programmes- his voice comes through clearly in your head. There is no pretention with him, he is open and honest and whilst he knows his stuff culinary wise, he also doesn't shy away at all from painful/uncomfortable memories. The reader immediately ascertains that he is honest, particularly about his own experiences and his `misspent youth.' I came away from reading this with a lot of respect for the guy.

`Kitchen Confidential' recalls Bourdain's early childhood experiences with food and what made him decide to be a chef. It is a real insider's look at the restaurant business within the United States with some thinly veiled tips on how not to operate in a restaurant- as well as what to/not to order on a given day. It is laced with black humour but has its poignant moments too. Bourdain's `rebellious' streak comes to the fore- he can be a real bad-ass on occaision and his struggles with drugs in the 1980's is not held back. Though I enjoyed this book, some of the profanity got a bit dull towards the end- maybe that was because I was just anticipating reading book two of the omnibus?! Overall I give this 3/5.

Of the two novels, I much preferred `A Cook's Tour,' as I found myself engrossed in some of Bourdain's eating adventures in far-flung parts of the globe- Cambodia, Tokyo and... Glasgow to name but a few?! It also left me with a burning ambition to visit `The French Laundry' restaurant in California and try Thomas Keller's spectacular sounding menu- El Bulli and Heston Blumenthal's restaurant have now dropped down the list, thanks to this book. Oh well, maybe one day!

The book is again humorous and poignant in places, with lots of background to the making of the television show that the novel is based on. It did however leave me with a bit of a sour taste in my mouth with some of the animal slaughtering aspects which wasn't glossed over in any way. It will be a long time before I eat pork again, I can tell you that much- and turkey- and I will never, ever eat a lizard now (not that I had considered it before!). This isn't a book for vegetarians, believe me, though Bourdain of course does respect where his food comes from. Overall, I rate this book 4/5.

If you enjoy well written travel and food writing and don't mind profanity-laden sentences, then I would suggest that you check this out! ( )

This 'cook's tour' had me engaged until about three-quarters way through when I started to become rather bored with Bourdain's restaurant/cooking memoir. Up until that point I was engrossed. I shall never forget his tip about avoiding seafood on Mondays. ( )

The self-styled Iggy Pop of chefs writes a cracking inside story of restaurants and cooking. ( )

Exploring the world behind the kitchen door within the culinary industry with interesting outcomes.
Global gastronomy. ( )